CJ Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I am looking to use my PC in my lounge working through an LCD TV and was wondering just how good the cordless keyboards and mice are these days? If they are good, can anyone recommend me one please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I had one a few years ago when I was in school but I changed back to wired. It was because I used to play CS and DoD a lot and they weren't reliable enough for me, the keyboard kept losing connection. They only cost me £35 but I prefer to stay wired now, same as internet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Have these on my new iMac - bit of a double edged sword these. Look great but both get through batteries far too quickly and as they link via Bluetooth, if you need to boot from a CD on the Mac (you hold the C key down etc) the keyboard connects after the initial boot so misses the C key/CD boot entirely!! So you need a wired board just for this. Another form over function c0ck up in my opinion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixelfill Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I've had a couple of Microsoft wireless desktop sets, and was happy with both to be honest, they were both RF so took a bit of trial and error to hit the right frequency, and as Ellis said the battery life was a bit poor. but for simple things without ties were pretty good. For any serious use you'll want a thumbwheel or something on the keyboard, using a mouse (even an optical one) on the sofa becomes a royal PITA, and a recipe for RSI. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digsy Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I used to have a Gyration wireless keyboard and mouse. Not your average peice of kit, the original Gyration gear was sold as corporate quality stuff designed for presentation rooms and the like. They had a 30' range in regular form and I believe there was also an option for one with 100' range. They were absolutely rock solid, batteries lasted ages, and they never lost connection over about three years use. However a few months back something changed overnight and my keyboard and mouse became extremely troublesome. I suspect that next door had installed some kind of wireless apparatus which started interferring with the signal, as I tried another set but got the same results. Whatever was jamming the signal must be very strong because there is only about 10' between keyboard / mouse and receiver. Gyration don't sell those bits of kit anymore because wireless keyboards and mice are now so commonplace. You can pick up a decent set for £40 (the original Gyration kit cost £100). I recently swapped to a cheap Microsoft keyboard and mouse combo but took it back because that too suffered from a poor signal, plus neither the keyboard nor mouse had an off switch and they wouldn't go into standby mode properly, so batteries lasted only a few days. I've since got a Microsoft Arc keyboard and mouse which you can turn off and seems to have a much better signal but only when the batteries are very fresh. I am going to get a USB extension lead and move the reciever to a location where there is no electrical kit between it and the mouse / keyboard as that seems to make a big difference to the reliability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham S Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 This is the one I use... Been perfect from day one, lasted a year so far and only on my second set of batteries! Feels VERY light and fragile but its perfect for sitting on your lap. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/104608 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 I am not too keen on the integrated touchpad. I have looked online and this one and this one seem to get good reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spidermonkey Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 I have the Logitech stuff (at home & work), I have never had a problem with it, battery life is pretty good too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 17, 2010 Author Share Posted November 17, 2010 I have the Logitech stuff (at home & work), I have never had a problem with it, battery life is pretty good too! What sort of distance away from the PC can you get before losing signal? I will probably not be any more than 6-8 feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edge Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 What sort of distance away from the PC can you get before losing signal? I will probably not be any more than 6-8 feet. I use a logitech s510 thats a few years old now and has been great. Think i put 2nd set of batteries in keyboard a few weeks back and mouse prob 2 - 3 times a year but i always forget to turn it off at night. The first link you put up seems like a newer version of mine as i prefer the slimline ones. Using it now about 8ft away and its fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 I eventually went for the Logitech MK250 and I am very impressed. I am currently using it in the kitchen with the PC and dongle situated in the lounge. Keyboard and mouse working exactly as a wired one would. Many thanks to you all for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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