advise on wireless KB and mouse

[AlwaysUp]

I am thinking that my wife would like a wireless Keyboard and mouse setup. Anyone have experience with the Microsoft AND the Logitech wireless combos have a decided preference?

[Zerooverdrive]

Logitech Desktop Pro!

[AlwaysUp]

I have a Logitech cordless optical mouse on my computer, but a Microsoft Internet PS2 Keyboard. I was thinking to get a cordless solution for both and I was leaning heavily toward Logitech so I will take you advise with no further adeiu. (my french is rusty, is that spelled right?) LOL.

[casey]

Have Logitech cordless desktop optical. Fantastic. Bought December 12 2001.
Batteries, mouse 4 sets
Keyboard, 2 sets.
using USB.

[TwoRails]

I'm old school about the keyboard; I like it hardwired into the system. I run both the Logitech Trackman Marble FX (on PS/2), and the Logitech MX 700 Wireless mouse (on USB). I'm a Logitech fan :D

TwoRails

[glc]

I've sold a lot of the Logitech optical combos, it uses one receiver for both keyboard and mouse with a single USB connection. The only issue to be aware of is the mouse eats batteries, consider rechargeables. I personally feel that Logitech quality blows M$ away.

[Tuf]

I like the original version of MS Intellimouse Explorer better than any other mouse I have used. I don't generally use membrane type keyboards but the Logitechs I have "tried" seem to be smoother than the M$ ones. M$ keyboards after they have a little wear seem to have keys that bind when being depressed. I haven't used a well worn Logitech Keyboard but when they are new they feel like a decent notebook keyboard. None of them can compare to a mechanical to me.

Mine are getting old and probably will need to be replaced. I don't relish the thought of having to spend what they cost today if you can even find one.

[glc]

Tuf: You should be able to find plenty of old used but still very serviceable mechanical AT-style keyboards out there dirt cheap, you will only need a DIN to PS/2 adapter to use them.

[Tuf]

I have gotten so used to Northgate Omnikey keyboards that I literally hate anything else. Parts for them are ridiculous, The one I use daily I sent to get rebuilt and they wanted $350 to fix it.

New ones or like new fetch about the same price, if you can even find one. I have been looking at some copies of them by Avant. They start at about $150. Which I also think is high but I may have to breakdown and do it.

I used to be able to find old IBM mechanicals around here for cheap. But they seem to be long gone. They are pretty basic and don't even have a windows key and are not programable. I still have a couple of Northgates on my CAD machines they are worn but still working.

Right now I am looking for something to use on this machine. I just run email and Office Apps on it. And of course surf.

[TechSupport420]

I can understand why having a wireless keyboard/mouse would be nice however mine eats up batteries like a horse on crack... I would suggest (just me) a logitech cordless mouse with the recharge stand and a keyboard with a long cord or a wireless one with a case of batteries you will need it!

[AlwaysUp]

Wow, TechSupport420, I have a Logitech cordless optical mouse on my PC and it has been verry very good about the batteries. I think I have put a set into it about 3 months ago and the software still says battery good! Is it the keyboard combos that make battery consumption so high?

[not important]

MS Intellimouse Explorer Wireless. Eats 2 AA batteries in about 10 days average. I went back to the cord.

[morriswindgate]

Logitech is the only way to go for wireless, but keep plenty of batteries around.

[TwoRails]

I guess the individuals diffinition of "eating batteries" can vary widely. Heck, to me, anything that lasts a week or more on batteries is a good thing. I'm impressed with my MX700 in that I can leave it out of the charger for a couple of days. To me, eating batteries is something that needs batteries a couple times a day or even every day or every other day.

Just a different viewpoint.

TwoRails

[morriswindgate]

The Logitechs don't waste batteries like the Microsoft ones do, but what I mean by keeping plenty of batteries around is Murphy's Law. Batteries will continue to work until you run out of batteries and the stores are closed.

[Tuf]

The spare battery idea sounds good to me, getting out at midnight to try to find some overpriced batteries in the snow doesn't sound like much fun to me.

[Tuf]

The spare battery idea sounds good to me, getting out at midnight to try to find some overpriced batteries in the snow doesn't sound like much fun to me.

[TwoRails]

Hi Tuf and Everyone,

Hi Tuf and Everyone, LOL ! :D

Sorry, had to do it :)

I hear ya!, I keep a small case of 'Ds', 'AAs', 'AAAs' on hand as well as a few 'Cs' and 9-Volts. With modern batteries the shelf life is so long that I've never wasted any.

TwoRails

[AlwaysUp]

We seldom to never get snowed in here in North Texas, but point taken. My wifey is an individual that has a spare for the spare item, kinda person. I NEVER bought a battery for the household in 9 years of marriage and have never been without.

[casey]

Logitech Cordless Desktop Optical:
Home PC running approx. 5 hours per day:
Keyboard, 2 sets of batteries in 12 months
Mouse, 4 sets of batteries in 12 months (also the mouse is allways "on")

[Vlad16]

I go through a couple of AA a month for my Logitech cordless mouse. If you want to go cordless, a few sets of rechargeable batteries and a charger will make life a lot easier.