Keyboard and Mice Talkback

My cordless keyboard is dying a slow death (Actually, it died. I plugged it back in to try something and it would not spill out any letters or numbers.). I changed the batteries and everything… reset the keyboard and its charging base. The keyboard still tunes in and out as its pleases causing me t tpe stff lke ths. Right now I am on a keyboard with a cord and I am still using the cordless mouse as it works fine.
I would like to replace it with a keyboard and mouse set, but with an ergonomic mouse. I don’t like the ergo keyboards. I tried one (Paul loves it), and my hands became finger-tied. I researched through Google and Consumer Reports, but came up empty. Even the big computer magazines don’t have much of a comparison of keyboard / mouse combos.
I also use rechargeable batteries in the mouse. Funny, I use regular batteries for the keyboard and it lasts for months, but not for the mouse.
So I went to Lockergnome readers for input. I asked if they have had a good experience with a combo that also has a ergo mouse? Or a bad one that I absolutely should avoid? I’ve gathered a few opinions so now I am publishing them so others who are searching for quality cordless desktops have something to help make a decision.
I’ve been using Logitech’s keyboard and mouse set. Not sure what model as the back of all three accessories don’t indicate it. I’ve used it for a long time and have been happy with it. The only thing I didn’t like was the plastic wrist rest. I’d like to replace it with a softer one.
I am not much into customizing the buttons. So it’s not an important feature. A scrolling wheel is a must. If I can’t get an ergo mouse, that’s OK.
Read on for reader responses…

Paul (not my husband) writes:

You couldn’t GIVE me a mouse after using a trackball. The only things I have to move are my fingers, not my wrist, arm, etc. I agree that a scroll wheel is a big advantage and the Logitech TrackMan Wheel that I have moves the ball to the thumb in order to provide it. I’m not just as accurate with my thumb, though. However, there are other trackballs that provide the best of both worlds — a middle button option to pop-up a scroller onscreen.

But mice vs trackballs? Fageddaboudit!

And wired, not wireless…

Nikolas says:

I to use the Logitech Cordless Mx Duo and I love it.. I’ve had it for almost 3 yrs and no problems at all ..it also beats out all the other brands by far…I love it

From Joan:

I haven’t used a wireless keyboard and now use my laptop most of the time, but I am a mouse hater and love touchpads and use an Adesso keyboard with built in touchpad on my desktop. I see they are coming out with a wireless version but also have wireless keyboards with mice. Here are their products.

Ed writes:

Stick to your (the most simple) Logitech keyboard and rechargeble mouse. Works fine with me.

Ricardo says:

Logitech is the best, I used genius and some other brands, all have disadvantages. Logitech may not be the beautifull one, sure, but it runs smootly for years, I used both ball and optical mouse, and it is perfect. The only problem is with batteries as the optical mouse needs a replacement every one to two months, ball mouse about every year. If it doesn’t bug you, then go with Logitech.

Uncle Bob (not my New York uncle) advises:

I’m using a Logitech combo unit, have two as a matter of fact. I, too, thought my keyboard was dying only to discover that the location of the sending/receiving unit was the problem.

The main unit, which is located maybe 24 inches above the mouse and
keyboard, will stop working by being one inch or more back from its normal location. Apparently line of sight is a big thing.

The second unit, which is located on a portable work bench next to my desk seems to work when it wants to. But by moving it maybe an inch in any direction all is well. This unit will work five or six feet from the base as long as it is in line of sight.

Hope that helps. Both are Logitech mx700 sets. And the keyboards lose
the signal before the mouse on both.

I did try moving the base closer. It still won’t play nice.

John shares a lot of great information:

I can appreciate the quandary you’re in. We just don’t think about keyboard and mice until they don’t work or cause problems. Personally I just don’t care for wireless keyboards or mice, but then there are times that I boot my computer with an old DOS boot disk, too, because I want access to true DOS and not the newer version of virtual DOS in newer OSes like Win 2K or XP.

Over the years I’ve tried many keyboards thinking, “Heck a keyboard is a keyboard, right?” Not so. Those $10 keyboards last about a year or less until keys start sticking or getting stiff. The spendier keyboard like IBM are better, but their design is limited as are the features. Now we have the more spendier ones like Logitech which I didn’t care for.

I bit the bullet and tried a keyboard from the Evil Empire in Redmond. I love it so much that I bought a second one to take to work where I did tech support and did a lot of typing while I was talking. These things are just about bulletproof and there are no software conflicts like with some other brands. I use the no longer available Internet Keyboard Pro and probably will until either me or it die.

Microsoft Digital Media Pro keyboard

…I recommend this highly. It’s got programmable buttons but you can ignore them. The keyboard is just one rugged, good feeling piece of equipment and it looks good with its modern black color scheme. The durability of Microsoft’s keyboard is tops in my book as I’ve put ’em through years of hard use because I’m more of a hunt-and-pecker than a typist.

My MS keyboard has survived several years of smoke and slops especially at work where it’s a open environment with three shifts of people using that keyboard 24/7 we can’t smoke, but I’ve gotten baloney out from between the keys at times. Dependable and good feeling is all I can say about the better MS keyboards.

I can’t offer very much input regarding mice though other than the same software issues for non MS mice as I use a Microsoft four button Intellimouse Trackball Explorer and I know you’re not a button person and a trackball is a highly personal preference thing. The best thing I can offer there is play with the mice in the store. I recommend the optical type without the ball, again preferably Microsoft.

What usually fails on cheaper mice are the microswitches for the buttons that might require repeated clicking to get them to work or the real killer where you get a double click instead of a single click, that’s something that really drives me nuts and kills productivity big time. The key is to find a mouse you like the feel of in your hand as you work with it and how easy it is to operate the buttons without looking. A good pointing device should be almost intuitive take a look at…

The basic Microsoft® IntelliMouse® 3.0 or The more advanced Microsoft® Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1.

I think the feel, dependability and longevity of these products will be what you need and make your life easier. Hopefully my suggestions help pave the way for you to improve your computing experience and minimize problems.

Got a comment? Still open for opinions, but not for comment spam.