Vista-Friendly Peripherals, Part 1

While the initial headaches are mostly behind us, it's not clear sailing yet. So whether you're assembling new Vista systems or helping customers upgrade older WinXP systems to Vista, you need to understand the compatibility nomenclature and know which peripherals will ensure a trouble-free transition.

In Part 1 of this two-part Recipe, I will spell out the difference between products emblazoned with the "Certified for Windows Vista" and "Works with Windows Vista" logos. I will also recommend a sampling of peripherals that have earned "Vista Certified" status.

In Part 2 of this two-part Recipe, I'll provide advice on peripherals bearing the "Works with Vista" logo, as well as some general conclusions.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

So what exactly do "Certified for Windows Vista" and "Works with Windows Vista" mean? Is there a functional difference between the two? And can you use peripherals lacking either logo? Here's the gist.

Certified for Vista: According to Microsoft, the "Certified for Windows Vista" logo is a compatibility designation for applications and devices that have passed a rigorous testing program on computers running Windows Vista. The technical requirements for this designation target four core areas: reliability; security; compatibility with Windows Vista and future operating systems; and installation and removal.

In practice, this means that a product given "Certified for Vista" status is not only compliant in those four areas, but also guaranteed to offer an enhanced experience, specifically with software, photos, music, videos and online communications. Such devices are also designed for ease-of-use, improved performance and better security. Finally, "Certified for Vista" devices should install easily with automatic device driver downloads and updates, and be compatible with other Vista-certified products.

Works with Vista: The more lenient "Works with Windows Vista" status is also a compatibility designation. But here, only baseline compatibility with Vista is assured. In essence, you get the basic functionality of Vista, but you don't get the added features, security advances, improved performance or ease of installation you would with Vista-certified products.

Compatible with Windows Vista: Many current devices that bear neither logo are nonetheless Vista-compatible, in that they can function with the new OS without serious problems. Some of these products will eventually go through the Vista logo program and be approved, but others will never receive logo'd status.

Unfortunately, plenty of older devices still exist that are simply incompatible with Vista. Worse, their manufacturers have no plans to make them compliant, orphaning them in the process. If you have doubts about a product's compatibility, refer to Microsoft's Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List, which is part of Redmond's "Devices Just Work" effort. This list offers compatibility data on Vista 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

For clients who expect to upgrade to Vista, you should run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. This will help you determine which of their current devices are supported by Vista.

VISTA-CERTIFIED PERIPHERALS

The following are enhanced peripherals that all bear the "Certified" logo. I don't claim to have tested or reviewed every device on the market, so use this sampling as a suggestion of what's available.

Also, I have provided a "best price" average for each component. In most cases, these price averages are courtesy of Pricewatch.com, an excellent source of pricing comparisons.

MONITORS

Selecting a Vista-friendly monitor is easy, since no special display technology is mandatory for running the OS. Nonetheless, a widescreen LCD will deliver the greatest benefit. Monitors certified for Vista require a widescreen format, DVI/HDCP support, and color calibration for more consistent color prints when used with certified printers. In selecting a monitor for use with Vista, it makes sense to choose one that's certified. However, it's even more important to verify that it offers the right features than simply a "Certified" logo.

KEYBOARDS AND MICE

While almost any input device will offer basic functionality in Vista, certified models offer OS-specific features that make them more appropriate to the task. Here are some of my favorites for general use, plus several game-related alternatives.

Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser Keyboard and Mouse: As an inexpensive ($75), state-of-the-art, wireless combo, Logitech's MX 3200 excels. It's been designed to take advantage of Vista's advanced navigation and media features. Enhancements include a built-in LCD and controls for media access, dynamic searches, and Flip 3D application switching. A precise, high-resolution laser mouse provides application switching, horizontal and vertical scrolling, and a touch-sensitive search and zoom slider. Here's a look:

diNovo Edge Keyboard: Billed as the World's Most Advanced Keyboard, Logitech's ultra-slim and sexy diNovo Edge is truly stunning. The Plexiglas and aluminum frame offer added distinction, as does a charging cradle. The Edge performs well, too. Wireless performance is excellent, the keys provide an ideal feel and response, and the batteries last for weeks on a single charge. Rounding out the features are innovative touch-sensitive controls, backlit hot-keys, a secure Bluetooth connection, and dedicated media keys. All it lacks is a dedicated number pad. Still, for $146, it's a work of art. Here's a look:

Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 Combo: A sleek, stylish keyboard-and-mouse combo, Microsoft's Desktop 7000 is an ergonomic offering that you'll either love or hate, thanks to its ultra-thin curved keyboard and ambidextrous mouse. Providing 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity, this wireless duo has a 30-foot range. The mouse offers four-way scrolling and a high-definition laser. The keyboard includes Windows and Media Center Start buttons, quiet touch keys, a Navigation Pad (for Media Center use), media controls and more. It sells for approximately $130. Here's a photo:

Fang Gamepad: Originally developed by Ideazon as a tactical military training device for the U.S. Armed Forces, the ambidextrous Fang places 41 keys--including four thumb-specific keys, 11 weapon keys and a central butterfly hub--within easy reach for both right- and left-handed players. Pre-defined key layouts are available for more than 100 game titles. Advanced editing tools and drag-and-drop capabilities make custom key-mapping simple. It sells for approximately $30. Here's a look:

Reclusa Keyboard: A Razer-powered collaboration, the $63 Reclusa from Microsoft is a comfortable, full-size, wired keyboard. Features include blue ambient backlighting, responsive key action, a pair of 360-degree jog-dials, four programmable bumper buttons, six programmable hot keys, on-the-fly profile management (for supported games), a detachable, padded wrist rest and two USB ports. It's a great combo when paired with the Habu mouse (described below). Here's a look:

MERC Gaming Keyboard: Wider than normal, Ideazon's $35 MERC unites a traditional keyboard with a built-in gamepad for an all-in-one solution. It combines 34 game keys, a central butterfly layout, three thumb keys, and 11 weapon keys in a special configuration on the keyboard's left side, with core game commands labeled for quick access. Employing the same Z Engine technology as the Fang Gamepad (described above), pre-defined key layouts are available for top PC games. Plus, advanced macro editing and drag-and-drop key mapping makes creating custom layouts a snap. Here's a look:

G5 Laser Mouse: Designed with gamers in mind, the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse has a 2,000 dots per inch (dpi) laser engine, pair of thumb buttons, scroll wheel with tilt and zoom, adjustable weight cartridge and selection of weights, on-the-fly sensitivity switching and durable polytetrafluoroethylene (whew!) feet for ultra-smooth gliding. At just over $40, it's not cheap, but I think it's worth it. Here it is:

Habu Mouse: Powered by Razer, Microsoft's Habu laser mouse offers gamers a precision, 2,000 dpi wired rodent with two removable side-button panels for adjustable placement, a non-slip wheel button, and side rails that emit a blue glow. In addition, all seven mouse buttons are programmable, sensitivity is adjustable on-the-fly, and the laser is always on to deliver a near-zero-lag response time. Ultra-slick Teflon feet provide smooth gliding, too. It costs $53 and is a great companion to the Reclusa keyboard (described above). Here's a look:

MX Revolution Mouse: A perfect complement to the diNovo Edge keyboard (described above), Logitech's $60 MX Revolution cordless laser mouse is a perfect fit for the right-handed rodent wrangler, allowing quick and comfortable Vista navigation. It offers great precision, range and battery life. Its MicroGear scroll wheel zips through lengthy documents in a snap. Other features include Flip 3D support, adjustable scrolling and acceleration on a per-application basis, and a charging cradle.

VX Revolution Mouse: Sibling to the MX Revolution (described above), the diminutive Logitech VX takes notebook mousing up a notch. Features include hyper-fast scrolling, precision laser tracking, Flip 3D support, a zoom slider, and a compact 2.4 GHz micro-receiver that tucks conveniently inside the mouse when not in use. Portable, yet comfortable to hold (except for lefties), all this $58 mouse lacks is a leather storage pouch. Here's how it looks:

Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000: An ergonomic mouse designed to reduce pressure on the carpal tunnel and wrist, Microsoft's Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 provides a relaxed fit for righties with medium- to large-sized hands. Soft-touch materials grace the exterior of this high-definition mouse, along with a four-way scroll wheel and five customizable buttons. At $70, it isn't cheap, but the device is well made, although its bulbous design won't appeal to everyone.

WEBCAMS AND HEADSETS

When selecting a webcam or headset, choose models bearing the "Certified for Vista" logo. Doing so assures that both the device and its software will work with Vista.

LifeCam NX-6000 Webcam: Looking for a high-end laptop webcam? That niche is filled nicely by the $75 LifeCam NX-6000 from Microsoft. This compact, road-ready, high-definition webcam offers capture capabilities up to 2 megapixels for video and 7.6 megapixels for still images. It sports a digital zoom with pan and tilt functionality, built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation, wide-angle lens and Windows Live call button. For protection, the lens retracts into the unit's body when not in use. Here's a look at this solid product in an attractive package:

QuickCam Ultra Vision Special Edition Webcam: There are webcams (bargain basement) and webcams (high quality). Logitech's QuickCam Ultra Vision is one of the latter. It's available in either a standard silver version or a black Special Edition, priced at $95 and $100, respectively. The QuickCam uses an extra large, precision-engineered, five-element glass lens; 1.3-megapixel sensor; built-in mic providing clear, echo-free audio; activity light; snapshot and quick video preview buttons; and flat-panel clip. While too bulky for notebook use, it works great with a desktop PC:

Premium Notebook Headset: Logitech's Premium Notebook Headset is a sleek, USB analog headset optimized for notebook users. It features a behind-the-head design that folds flat for travel, noise-canceling microphone, and in-line volume and mute controls. Whether employed for PC calling, Internet voice chat, gaming or music, it's a solid deal at $50. This headset also includes an Analog-to-USB adaptor, so users can choose the best connection for their needs. Here's a look:

PRINTERS AND SCANNERS

Many current-vintage printers have received Vista certification.

Scanners, however, are another story. To be sure, check Microsoft's Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List.

Warning: Steer clear of any printer or scanner that lacks either certification or Vista software and drivers. Vista-certified printers offer more consistent color and accuracy than others. And they're color-calibrated to provide consistent color prints when used with Vista-certified monitors.

MEDIA-ORIENTED PERIPHERALS

Certified media devices provide benefits over non-certified models. In digital cameras, that amounts to instant transfer of photos, video and audio to any Vista-based PC, seamless slideshows using Windows Photo Gallery, and faster access to photos in your camera.

D40x Digital SLR Camera: Nikon's newest Vista-certified camera is the D40x Digital SLR. Selling for $740 with an 18 mm " 55 mm lens, this 10.2 megapixel camera has a 2.5-inch LCD screen and three-area AF system. It offers fast startup, instant shutter response, built-in flash, and in-camera image editing. At just a touch over 16 ounces, it is also Nikon's lightest-weight digital single-lens reflex camera.

As for other Vista-certified media devices, digital video cameras offer easy and reliable video transfer, integrating automatically with Windows Movie Maker. MP3 players sync and transfer music and video files simply using Windows Media Player 11. And remote controls provide seamless access to music, photos, videos and TV from within Windows Media Center.

NETWORKING

Vista-certified networking products need to provide connectivity suitable for the demands of high-definition video and online gaming. They must also be security-enhanced, offer simplified setup, and supply fast, reliable Internet connections for multiple devices.

Finally, networking devices are also required to be compatible with Xbox Live, provide router management and Internet connection troubleshooting via Vista's Network and Sharing Center, and offer high-quality VoIP (voice over IP) and video, regardless of network traffic.

MISCELLANEOUS PERIPHERALS

While other Vista-certified peripherals exist—including projectors, digitizers and external TV tuners—they are beyond the system scope of this Recipe. But one item is worth mentioning for customers transitioning from XP to Vista:

Easy Transfer Cable: The Easy Transfer Cable for Windows Vista from Belkin offers a simple, hassle-free way to transfer files, Windows settings, user accounts and e-mails from a Windows XP system to a Vista system via a simple USB connection. The $30 package includes a copy of Laplink PCsync software:

While this is just a representative sample of peripherals "Certified for Windows Vista," all offer an enhanced experience with Microsoft's new OS.

But they are by no means the only options. In addition to other Vista-certified products, peripherals bearing the "Works with Windows Vista" logo are valid alternatives. I will examine those in Part 2 of this Recipe.

CHUCK MILLER is a technology journalist and game consultant. For nearly two decades he has covered the computer and video game industries, filling editorial roles at Computer Gaming World, Game Briefs and GamePower.