TSGL: What's the best wireless keyboard/mouse hardware for MediaCenter PC?

[Michael Sweeden]

Thanks, Ron. Sounds like the perfect wireless setup may be illusive!

-----Original Message-----
From: list-bounces at tsgserver.com [mailto:list-bounces at tsgserver.com] On
Behalf Of Ron Brunton
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2006 7:17 AM
To: 'Tech Support Guy Mailing List'
Subject: Re: TSGL: What's the best wireless keyboard/mouse hardware for
MediaCenter PC?

I purchased the MX 5000 combo about a month ago. I don't think I'm going to
be able to answer all your questions, but I'm not planning on abandoning the
keyboard & mouse. I can't answer the distance question; I use it/them with
my desktop system and that's rather stationary. The biggest issue I've had
is when some program accidentally or intentionally blocks the Bluetooth
driver. In the latter case, ZoneAlarm Pro jumps in and blocks the driver
installation as part of the anti-spyware defence system. Up pops an alert
that wants to have "allow" or "deny" checked. The problem is that the mouse
won't respond because the driver is being blocked, so there's no way to
check "allow". On another occasion I was exploring the options with my ATI
All-in-Wonder card and I did something that crashed drivers way down deep in
the OS. Again, some of the drivers affected were those controlling the
Bluetooth connection to the keyboard and mouse. This means that you need to
have a standard keyboard and mouse connected for set-up and emergencies. In
the latter case, it appears a reboot is required so the standard
keyboard/mouse (PS2 or USB) is recognized.

I also tend to forget to leave the mouse in the charger overnight, but
that's just a question of developing the proper habit.

The keyboard and mouse both have very nice ergonomics and features. Both are
responsive, although after sitting for a bit, the mouse needs to wake up.
That requires a bit of movement, then it's back on track. I haven't noticed
the same delay with the keyboard, although I'm suspicious of the page-up and
page-down keys. On a couple of occasions there's been a double jump. I
haven't figured out if it's the keyboard or my fingers.

As I said above, I like the MX 5k. The media controls are very nice. There
are some challenges and a learning curve.


Hope this helps a little Michael.

Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: list-bounces at tsgserver.com [mailto:list-bounces at tsgserver.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Sweeden
Sent: September 4, 2006 12:02 AM
To: 'Tech Support Guy Mailing List'
Subject: TSGL: What's the best wireless keyboard/mouse hardware for
MediaCenter PC?

I've built a media center PC which is great except for my wireless keyboard
and mouse. I have used cheaper Microsoft and Logitech wireless desktop
products, and at a distance of only 10-12 feet they can be a little flakey,
with the Logitech combo performing a little better overall.

 

I'm looking for input on a wireless combo that will perform reliably up to
20 feet and also good gaming response would be nice. It looks like
Logitech's best wireless combo is the Laser MX 5000 Bluetooth set, but
that's just from reading and not real-world experience. Since I've found
there is frequently a large difference between the technical specs of a
product and its actual performance (and since that set is not cheap - about
$150 retail and the best price I've found is about $100), I'd like to know
if anybody can vouch for the performance of this product or another product
at the stated distance before I plunk down the cash and then regret my
purchase.

 

Thanks,

Michael

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