Wired versus wireless input devices

[lamski]

I'm thinking of buying a bluetooth apple keyboard and mouse but I saw that the wired apple keyboard has 2 extra usb ports that the BT keyboard doesn't have. Then I realized that the Logitech MX - 700 also looks good and has more buttons that the standard apple mouse...

Could you guys give the pros and cons between wired and wireless keyboards and mice? Is it better to get one over the other? Why?

[Edited on 5.19.05 by lamski]

[Kenneth]

Well obviously, you don't need to mess with wires if you go with wireless.

What kind of setup is it for? A powerbook/iBook? Then definitely wireless is the way to go. The local Logitech keyboard/mouse sets that I've seen are good. Available at a very good prices at PC Express. I would have bought one myself, but the mouse that comes with 'em is not optical, de bola pa din .

If its for a desktop mac, then I'd think a wired keyboard is a good option since its cheaper. And then get a wireless mouse.

I think a better question is whether you need wireless and if you're willing to shell out the mulah

And if you need more USB ports, you can buy a cheap USB hub from any PC shop.

[Edited on 5-19-2005 by Kenneth]

[nargalzius]

One particular use of wireless input devices is if you have a big-ish monitor... then you're not limited to your desk. You may think this is trivial, but believe me, once you taste the "freedom" of going wireless - you'll never want to go back

As for keyboard or/over mouse, if you can get both it'd be super... if not, get the a mouse first.

In my wired days, even if I was primarily a keyboard user, the keyboard never really had to be "moved" around that much (unless you enjoy working in bed, etc.) so the wiring never bothered me. The mouse however is a different story, and I'm sure everyone knows the little irritations mouse wires bring.

I got a MX Duo kit, but if ever I was to choose one over the other, I'd definitely go with a wireless mouse first.

[Carlo]

Here's something to consider before getting a wireless keyboard and mouse:
They won't work in Safe and Single User modes. You will still need a wired keyboard and mouse for this.

from Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse FAQ
Pressing the eject key as the computer starts up does not eject a disc from the disc drive the way a wired keyboard does. To eject a disc at startup, hold down the mouse button.

Note: Although you can use a wireless keyboard to start up in Single-User mode or in Safe Boot mode, they will not work once the computer is started up in these modes. To continue in Single-User mode or in Safe Boot mode, use a wired keyboard and mouse.

Read article


[Edited on 5-19-2005 by Carlo]

[hubes]

I'm using Apple's BT mouse and keyboard for a Mac mini that I have and oftentimes it takes a while to wake the mini from sleep. Unlike the time when I was using a wired keyboard and mouse you could wake the computer instantly. Don't forget that the wireless keyboard and mouse needs batteries. They don't run out too fast but it's something that you have to consider. For my PowerBook I sometimes use a Logitech V500 wireless mouse and the response is very good. Sometimes I feel that Logitech's Fast RF technology is better than BT when it comes to mice & keyboards.

[james]

My brother is planning to get an iMac G5 and he has some questions regarding the Apple wireless mouse and keyboard.

1. Is the bluetooth wireless mouse as reliable as the wired version. Or will he have reliability problems?

2 He was told at Apple Center that "malakas kumain ng battery and bluetooth." Assuming computer use of a couple of hours per day, how often will batteries be replaced? Weeks? Months?

[CooLes]

Obviously wired devices has the performance advantage here. I use an Apple Wireless Mouse myself. Its probably the most used bt wireless input device connected to my PowerBook. There's a slight lag when waking the PowerBook from sleep but I don't mind. It's kinda heavy too since it's powered by 2 Ni-MH batteries. The black wired optical mouse that came with my Cube is a lot lighter and I prefer the weight really. Makes mousing around faster.

But oftentimes I really want to go totally untethered to the PowerBook, so the Wireless Mouse it is. Am such a BT fanboy that until now that new wireless Wacom is still tempting me :winkgrin:

[Edited on 8-8-2005 by CooLes]

[PatrickGaerlan]

Originally posted by james
My brother is planning to get an iMac G5 and he has some questions regarding the Apple wireless mouse and keyboard.

1. Is the bluetooth wireless mouse as reliable as the wired version. Or will he have reliability problems?

My niece uses an Apple BT keyboard with her Mac mini, haven't had any problems in the 3 months that she's been using it.

2 He was told at Apple Center that "malakas kumain ng battery and bluetooth." Assuming computer use of a couple of hours per day, how often will batteries be replaced? Weeks? Months?

The BT keyboard is used on the average of 2-3 hours a day, it's been 3 mos. and she hasn't had the need to change the batteries yet