Going wireless

[memnus]

Those who've been to my apartment know that the living room is set up thusly: the computers are against one wall, and the couch is ten feet away against the other wall. Being the lazy ass that I am, I've been pondering going to a wireless mouse and keyboard so I can sit at the couch and have at least minor access to my computer, instead of having to get up to use it. (Oh, the horrors.) So:

Those who've used wireless... is it worth it? How do they perform as far as battery life, interference, general finickyness? Is there a noticeable quality difference between a cheaper set and a more expensive set?

Since I already have a USB keyboard and mouse, might it be better to get a wireless USB hub, and plug mouse, keyboard, whatnot into that?

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Comments

[sillygoosegirl.livejournal.com]

I would have to say that in my experience, wireless has not been worth while. It's kind of nice when you're watching a DVD to not need to get up or to bring to class when giving an overhead powerpoint presentation, but most of the time it's just really disappointing because once I get a little way away from my screen (14 inch laptop running standard resolution), I can't read anything anyway or see the cursor.

[memnus.livejournal.com]

I'm not as worried about seeing the monitor, because any of the few things I'd be doing from far away I can drag to my backup monitor, which performs best at 640x480 resolution anyway.

Wireless

[camlost.livejournal.com]

I've also got a wireless keyboard; it works just fine and I don't notice any difference. The lack of wires is nice.

I've got a Logitech Comfort Duo. Batteries on the mouse seem to need replacing every week or two and the Keyboard every month maybe. I keep rechargables onhand. At least the Logitech software will tell you when the batteries need changing. I think I got my set for around $60. I think a big difference in the cheap and expensive is range/technology for transmitting. Make sure you look into that. I think RF is pretty good and IR crappy, but look into the details. I wanted an ergonomic keyboard (I was spending a lot of time at the keyboard and I needed a new mouse anyway, so I only had 2 options (Logitech and MS) that I could find. Speaking of which, I think ergonomic keyboards are really cool too.

Mary has a really neato wireless mouse that you can move through the air (no surface required). The brand is Gyration.

Re: Wireless

[sillygoosegirl.livejournal.com]

The other good thing about the Gyration keyboard and mouse is that they have a 25-30-ft range. Most wireless keyboards and mice have around a 6 or 7 foot range--if you set up the computer just past the foot of the bed and you're sitting with the mouse at the head of the bed, it wont work.