HELP DESK
Wireless keyboards, mice great, but make sure batteries are fresh
By Kim Komando
You don't need to hard-wire a keyboard or mouse to your computer any longer thanks to wireless models.
Wireless keyboards and mice often come packaged as a set, which is cheaper than buying them separately. These sets cost $50 to $250, but they vary in terms of technology and features.
Wireless input devices come in two types — Bluetooth and radio frequency (RF) — each of which has pros and cons.
Bluetooth has a stated maximum range of 30 feet. RF has a much shorter range of six feet.
RF lets you position the mouse or keyboard up to six feet from the keyboard. The mouse and keyboard operate by receiving signals from a base station that plugs into the computer's Universal Serial Bus (USB) or PS/2 port.
The Logitech Cordless Desktop Express (www.logitech.com, $49.95) and the Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desktop (www.microsoft.com, $64.95) are two solid, entry-level sets.
The mice from both companies are interchangeable for left- and right-handed people. The keyboards have volume control shortcuts, you can push a key to increase the speaker's volume.
For twice that amount, you can buy the Gyration Ultra GT Full-Size Keyboard Suite (www.gyration.com). With it, you can use its mouse like a traditional model, or you can invoke what the company calls "in-air mousing." This mode allows you to move the mouse in front of the monitor to direct the cursor's action on the screen.
Bluetooth keyboard and mice sets are more expensive, but they include a bonus.
They give your whole computer Bluetooth compatibility, which can be useful if you would like to exchange information with compatible cell phones, PDAs or printers.
The Logitech diNovo Media Desktop ($249.95) is as high-end as you'll see in a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set. The rechargeable mouse has buttons that allow you to flip between Web pages or scroll through long documents.
The keyboard has a special split design where the alphabetic keys and numeric keypad are two different pieces.
This lets lefties position the numeric pad on the left side of the keyboard, which is a nice ergonomic touch.
The numeric keypad also doubles as a multimedia controller. It can be used to view, select and launch music, video or photos.
Mac users will want to look at Logitech's Cordless MX Duo ($99.95) or Action Duo ($49.95).
These mice have center scrolling wheels. The keyboards have one-touch function keys that instantly launch your Web browser or favorite applications.
Batteries power wireless keyboards and mice. The batteries generally supply power for three to six months, depending on how often you use your computer. Keep spare batteries handy. You don't want to be in the middle of a term paper or household budget and have your mouse quit.
However, there's no need to replace the batteries as soon as the low-battery warnings start. In some cases, the keyboard or mouse will work fine for weeks after the warnings begin.
Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet. To find the station nearest you broadcasting the show, visit: www.komando.com/findkimonair.asp. To subscribe to Kim Komando's free weekly e-mail newsletter, sign-up at: www.komando.com/newsletter.asp.
