Wireless Keyboards??

[Mad Mike]

Hello,

I have my PC hooked up to my 60" flat screen LCD. I use a wireless Logitech
trackball and a wireless Gyration mini keyboard. The trackball is great, but
the keyboard is on it last leg, after 2 years the keys are falling out and
they sometimes get stuck for no reason. I liked the way it has worked though
and am thinking of getting another one. My question is, are there any other
wireless keyboards out there that might be better.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Ken Triebold]

I like this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823202003&Tpk=N82E16823202003

Some of the things I like about it include:
1. It has a trackball.
2. It has left and right mouse click buttons.
3. It has a scroll wheel.
4. It is RF so it has good range. I am using it at 10 feet with no problems.
I did install a 3 foot USB extension cable for the RF receiver so it can be
placed at the front of the computer. This probably helps increase range, but
I did not try it with the receiver plugged directly into the back of the
computer so I can't make a comparison.
5. Low cost.
6. All the buttons you need for Windows Media Center are incorporated so
there is no need for another remote.
7. Long battery life (months) and will work with rechargeable batteries
(size AA).

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

I like this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823202003&Tpk=N82E16823202003

That one looks a bit similar to the original Microsoft MCE Keyboard.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/review/2005/11/03/Microsoft-Media-Center-2005-Keyboard/p1

I was going to get one of those, but I changed my mind, as I use my laptop
on the sofa anyway, and control my HTPC with that, using the hardly known
about remote control mode of Remote Desktop.

I have noticed that the BTC ones are popular. I have seen them being used
at trade shows and my friend has one too.

http://www.btc.com.tw/english/2-7-30keyboard.htm#9039URFIII

ss.

 

[Mad Mike]

How is this keyboard/trackball combo on games, like FPS and RPG?

 

[Ken Triebold]

I wouldn't know how well it works on games because I don't play games. It
probably isn't quite as good as a wired keyboard though due to the wireless
transmission.

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

How is this keyboard/trackball combo on games, like FPS and RPG?

Mad Mike, there are many, many wireless Desktop sets out there.
Logitech is probably the largest maker of such wireless Desktop sets,
both RF and Bluetooth. They also make one of the best gaming
keyboards currently in use: The Logitech G-15 keyboard.

While such gaming keyboards are more expensive than normal
102/104/109-key keyboards, they usually have superior response times
and easy assignment of game macros to dedicated keys.

Stay away from Microsoft Bluetooth products: Microsoft's Bluetooth
stack is undependable, and their Bluetooth dongle has poor electrical
contact, especially with their earlier Bluetooth products.

In addition, their prices are inflated beyond reason, in my opinion --
especially their products designed for Vista.

If you want to use Bluetooth products, use Logitech's. Their XP
drivers contain the Watcomm Bluetooth stack, which is superior to
Microsoft's, in both operation and longevity of connections.

While the Logitech Vista driver currently uses Microsoft's Bluetooth
stack, the Watcomm stack will be ported to Vista soon, hopefully.

Their USB RF devices are completely dependable. I always prefer a
Logitech keyboard and mouse over a Microsoft set. One thing I did
find, however: TAKE THOSE BATTERIES out of the devices if NOT IN USE,
or they can destroy your devices.

Good luck on your search..


--
Donald L McDaniel

How can so many otherwise very intelligent people screw up
something so simple so badly? If you stick a computer
keyboard in front of most people, they'll suddenly drop
30 points off their IQs. Much like placing a "Pork Barrel"
bill in front of a politician: He'll forget all about
"cooperation" the minute he counts the zeroes before the
decimal point.

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

Mad Mike, there are many, many wireless Desktop sets out there.
Logitech is probably the largest maker of such wireless Desktop sets,
both RF and Bluetooth. They also make one of the best gaming
keyboards currently in use: The Logitech G-15 keyboard.

While such gaming keyboards are more expensive than normal
102/104/109-key keyboards, they usually have superior response times
and easy assignment of game macros to dedicated keys.

Stay away from Microsoft Bluetooth products: Microsoft's Bluetooth
stack is undependable, and their Bluetooth dongle has poor electrical
contact, especially with their earlier Bluetooth products.

In addition, their prices are inflated beyond reason, in my opinion --
especially their products designed for Vista.

If you want to use Bluetooth products, use Logitech's. Their XP
drivers contain the Watcomm Bluetooth stack, which is superior to
Microsoft's, in both operation and longevity of connections.

While the Logitech Vista driver currently uses Microsoft's Bluetooth
stack, the Watcomm stack will be ported to Vista soon, hopefully.

Their USB RF devices are completely dependable. I always prefer a
Logitech keyboard and mouse over a Microsoft set. One thing I did
find, however: TAKE THOSE BATTERIES out of the devices if NOT IN USE,
or they can destroy your devices.

Good luck on your search..

There are many wireless keyboards, yes. But not many of them are suitable
for use in your lap. Not many have mouse controls either.

ss.

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

There are many wireless keyboards, yes. But not many of them are suitable
for use in your lap. Not many have mouse controls either.

ss.

Well, as they say, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make
him drink."


--
Donald L McDaniel

How can so many otherwise very intelligent people screw up
something so simple so badly? If you stick a computer
keyboard in front of most people, they'll suddenly drop
30 points off their IQs. Much like placing a "Pork Barrel"
bill in front of a politician: He'll forget all about
"cooperation" the minute he counts the zeroes before the
decimal point.