One of the great challenges of having an HTPC or Media Center PC as part of your home theater is finding a wireless keyboard that can actually be operated in a dimly-lit room.

Microsoft seeks to change that with their Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (not to be confused with Creative’s Keyboard with the same name), which is the first rechargeable wireless keyboard to feature backlighting. Better yet, the backlight automatically adjusts brightness based on the amount of ambient light in your room. It also features proximity sensing to automatically turn off when the user is away from the keyboard and to turn on when the user returns.
Using Bluetooth wireless technology, the keyboard should operate up to 30 feet away from your PC.
The keyboard is to be released in February 2007 and is priced at $249.95. The matching Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 is priced seperately at $99.95 and includes a 90-minute quick-charge dock.
[via Microsoft]