Best Keyboard and Mouse

[tell-me-more]

Hi,

I'd like a new USB keyboard and mouse and would like to know people's experiences of theirs.

Do wireless ones run out the batteries too often or do they work well? Are laser mice much better than optical? Do you find ergonomic keyboards better or any other layout of keyboard or mouse with special buttons etc.?

Whichever ones I choose, I'd like to be able to use them on both windows and linux, which doesn't seem to be possible with the wireless keyboards and mice I've seen in shops. Ideally I'd like to be able to use them on Windows Me for the the short-term too.

Any help appreciated.

[rojash]

Wireless keyboards: Totally pointless - they're static devices!

Conversely, corded mice: Yeuk! They're meant to move about!

Laser mice are optical mice, so can hardly be nicer (or worse)

Personally, I hate "ergonomic" keyboards. I use a rebuilt 1997 IBM keyboard with REAL keys that REALLY go up and down (they also make a nice clacky sound).

My Logitech laser mouse works fine on my Ubuntu box, as well as on my XP, Vista and Windows 7 boxes.

[rojash]

Should have also said - my mouse runs for 12-16 hours a day - I leave it on charge over night. If I forget to charge it, it dies after about 3 days - but can be up and running again in about 15 minutes.

[tell-me-more]

Hi again Rojash. You recommended a belkin kvm switch to me, but I never found it, so I'm making do with their switch 2 thing and plugging my modem into it instead of the mouse.

I got the terms wrong on mice, but I seem to recall there being two main types of mice other than the ball in the bottom ones that I'm keen to avoid.

Please could you post a link or model number to your mouse? That's the most pressing thing, but I would still like a better keyboard. Wireless is much less important for keyboards, for the reason you gave, but it's one less cable gathering dust. All else being equal, I'd prefer it.

My mate used to swear by his old keyboard. I think that was the same thing you're talking about - the f and j keys were curved slightly differently to the rest and he used to like the fact his keys went up and down a long way. I don't get it...does it make a lot of difference? I don't like laptop keyboards, but how far should they go? I'd like to try one of the IBM ones you mention.

[trish432]

I have had this mouse for about 2 years now, it`s really good.
The mat plugs into usb port, and you can use the mouse freely on the mat, without wire. The mouse takes it`s power from the mat, no batteries required

[trish432]

Sorry, forgot the link.

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/6406112/Sandberg -Wireless-Battery-Free-Mouse/Product.html?sour ce=5066&engine=froogle_pc&keyword=Sandberg+Wir eless+Battery-Free+Mouse

[rojash]

Logitech MX Revolution:
http://tinyurl.com/csxyvn

Keyboard:
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net//customize r.html

Neither is cheap, and there's import duty on the keyboard!

When PCs first appeared they had keyboards similar to the electric typewriters of the day, so that's what I'm used to - can't cope with teeny tiny keys in all the wrong places and that barely move when you bash 'em!

[tell-me-more]

Thanks Rojash. I'd like something to the mouse you mention, but although I'm right-handed, I like to use the mouse with either hand, so it's a bit of a non-starter unfortunately. I'll take a punt on one of the other logitech mice I think.

[tell-me-more]

Woah! I think I have spotted a potential winner here.....

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointer s/mice/devices/3443&cl=gb,en&retailer=1

Now that's a nice idea if you ask me. Anyone know if it works or where I could try before I buy? I haven't seen that at my local PC world!

[tell-me-more]

I don't seem to be the only one who's confused about optical and laser mice...

Logitech say that a laser mouse "outperforms optical mice" here:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointer s/mice/devices/3618&cl=gb,en