wireless keyboard and mouse

[kcbass]

I'm considering getting some wireless input devices for my dorm room next year. I'm completely new to this concept and I'm not quite sure what brands are dependable, which have the best range, which might cause interference, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm also looking for some relatively inexpensive solutions

 

[MTAX]

I've been using logitech for a while. They work well. There's some good prices at justdeals.com. Mine were refurbs, but never had a problem. You may want to consider a few things though. Wireless can be a bit annoying because you have to replace the batteries once every 2-4 months. They have to be within around 10 feet of the receiver to work reliable (they'll work further than that, but not reliably).

 

[MrCodeDude]

Also, when installing the wireless devices (get the Logitech Wireless Combo from Just Deals), make sure you always use those. The wireless devices have conflicting drivers with other keyboards/mice and those faulty drivers resulted in me reformatting
-- mrcodedude

 

[HalfCrazy]

I have been using a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. For a while now and not ran into any problems with them. I'm even still using the first set of batteries in my keyboard and I had it for like 5 months now. I just tested the batteries in the keyboard and they are still like new and I even use the computer alot. In my house I can take the keyboard about 35 feet away from the computer and still type without any problems.

The cordless mouse I do have to replace the batteries like every 2 months. In order to keep the mouse pointer moving smooth. Which is fine with me since I don't have to mess with the dumb cords.

 

[kcbass]

thanks for all the info. I'll be checking prices later this week

 

[kcbass]

well, i just checked justdeals, and they've got some pretty good prices. I did notice that they have about six different wireless sets. which is the best, and what's the difference. also, does anyone make a wireless trackball mouse? If i'm gonna get a wireless mouse, i don't see the point in still being limited to needing a surface to use it on. (pluse i just like the trackballs better...)

 

[MrCodeDude]

Well, they're selling the Logitech Cordless Keyboard for the same price as the Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo. So you might as well get the combo and then get whatever mouse you want. You could then give the extra mouse to me (or sell it on FS/FT forum)
-- mrcodedude

 

[kcbass]

i don't suppose they make a wireless keyboard that you could plug a mouse into, do they?

 

[kcbass]

bump

 

[MTAX]

I haven't heard of any. why would you want one anyways. Those combos at justdeal have keyboard/mouse that use a single receiver so there's less wire to mess with.

 

[kcbass]

I know, but i'd so much rather have a trackball. If I'm gonna have the freedom of a wireless mouse, I don't want the restriction of needing a surface to use it on

 

[MTAX]

I don't think I've ever seen a wireless trackball. They have the wireless optical mouse. Little less finicky on surfaces than regular ball mouse.

 

[docgonzo]

I have a wireless track-ball mouse and a wireless keyboard I bought as a package from CompUSA for $70. They are Microsoft. The track ball mouse works fine. I like them because I play my music through my computer, and I can take the keyboard to the couch and still advance the music and control the volume. Other than that, you cant see the monitor, so unless you are watching dvd's or listening to music it is not all that useful. A big negative is that for gaming it sucks. At times the keyboard and mouse become unresponsive or a button will 'stick'. And when you need lightning fast and reliable control over our character, such as in Quake or Castle Wolfenstein, it has to many hicups and your character will start spinning around or just sit there for a second or two while you pound on the keyboard. The wireless stuff will get better over time I am sure, but if you play a lot of games you might not be happy. If not, for word processing and other similar apps, they work fine. I am sure you can get a set for $50 bucks now days. By the way, I have had mine for 3 months and have changed the batteries once.

docgonzo

 

[JoPalm]

Using the Logitech Cordless Freedom Pro on my other comp and I love it, thought i wouldn't like the mouse at first but got used to it, here's a pic.

 

[Lucky]

Originally posted by: JoPalm
Using the Logitech Cordless Freedom Pro on my other comp and I love it, thought i wouldn't like the mouse at first but got used to it, here's a pic.

Thats what I (used to) use. Only problem is I surf/game on my couch with my computer on one of those rollable steel carts. Its probably only 4-5 feet away from the reciever, but that still seems too far for the mouse as It will get "laggy". It goes through batteries fast too, and isnt the most reliable in terms of keeping the connection.

Just my opinion.

edit: and the mouse is fairly comfortable, but certainly not the best in terms of ergonomics. the right hand side of the mouse has a ridge at the top that doesnt fit the curve of my hand.

 

[bigboxes]

I have used a Logitech Cordless MouseMan Optical mouse for the last six months and absolutely love it. It may not be part of a combo, but the fact that it is both cordless and optical is what makes it great. It is ergonomic as well. I used to have Logitech's optical WheelMouse, but I really liked losing the cord. The cordless is heavier, but you soon get used to how well it fits your hand. I change the batteries about every two months to keep the cursor moving smoothly. And it is uses radio frequency so you can use it across the room or under the desk. It will work on your leg, although I prefer using a pad on the keyboard tray. Here is a link.

 

[mrbios]

I have a Logitech Cordless Freedom, and I've enjoyed my experience with it. Uses radio connectivity, and works at about its advertised 6 feet range. However, although I haven't personally used one, I've heard some good things about the Microsoft Wireless combo package. Instead of normal radio frequency that the logitech stuff works on, it uses bluetooth to connect. If I remember correctly, the range was about 20 feet.

Russell "Mr.Bios" Sampson

 

[kcbass]

thanks for all the opinions. more would be appreciated

 

[HardcoreRobot]

I am a (not so) proud owner of the Intel set. Granted, when I purchased it, it was the only wireless option, but anyways... heres my 2 cents

For starters, it (the set of devices - base station, gamepads, keyboard, mouse) does not have native Win2K support. Intel did release unofficial drivers, but some of the functionality is missing and installing is a pain.

The keyboard is decent, although not very comfortable IMO (kinda bulky). The D-pad is just one large button, which makes it difficult to use. Battery life on the keyboard is fine.

The gamepad is my favorite piece of the set. Nice and comfortable to use, and the fact that you can use it as a mouse is convinient.

The mouse sucks. YMMV on the battery life, but mine cant go 3 DAYS without needing a new set. Definitely not worth the $ IMO.

I really only use the wireless stuff to control mediaplayer/winamp and occasionally IM people while I am laying out in another room using TV-out. The gamepad is more than sufficient for controlling the apps and the keyboard is passable. I would NOT use this as my primary set of peripherals.

My brother recently bought the microsoft set for similar purposes. I have not used them, but the design of the devices is identical to the design of their wired devices, which is a good thing IMO.

Hope this helps

 

[bigboxes]

Intel stopped making periphials last year, and that includes keyboards, mice, and gamepads. I have a corded Intel keyboard and it is the best I have ever used. Solid as a rock, but Intel will not support these anymore so you can scratch them off as an option.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

Intel may have stopped making them, but you can still find them for sale...