Issue 40.12
My wife hates wires. She wishes everything could be wireless including getting rid of power cords. Interestingly, they are working on wireless transmission of power, but that is a topic for another day.
The two items for which wires end up cluttering your desk most are the keyboard and mouse. Luckily there are a number of companies making wireless keyboards and mice. The advantage to these is that you can move them around without worrying about the cable, even sitting back in your chair with the keyboard on your lap and the mouse on the arm of the chair. That is especially nice if you have a large monitor and can sit five or ten feet away. The disadvantage is that you have to replace batteries every few months unless you buy the more expensive rechargeable types – but then you have to plug them in with (you guessed it) wires.
Some of the most well-known brands that make wireless input devices are Microsoft and Logitech, but companies like Gearhead, Gyration and Addesso are doing creative things like including a touchpad on the wireless keyboard or providing a mouse that you can use holding in your hand and moving around instead of moving across a desk (especially nice for presentations).
I think it is wise to try out any of these items at the store to be sure you like the feel, key-placement and other ergonomic and comfort considerations before you buy. I have had a number of customers buy something that looked good, but they found was uncomfortable or even difficult for them to use. I personally like the types of keyboards that curve somewhat so they fit my hands, and I even like the split keyboard types that make it so your hands are farther apart when you type, but it is an acquired taste and not everyone likes them. Some people like the trackball type mouse which has a ball you roll instead of moving the mouse on the desk. It all has to do with what works well for you.
Prices run from $10 to $150 for the mice, $25 to $120 for keyboards and $15 to $160 for sets of both items. The high end prices are usually for specialty items that are used for presentations or games so the average for a set of wireless devices is around $50 to $80. By contrast, you can buy wired mice for around $10 and wired keyboards for around $15 if you look for a deal. In any case, find the tools that will make your computer do what you want it to do – and always make sure you have a back up of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.