[Douglashh]

What are the practical difference between using a Bluetooth vs USB wireless keyboards and mice? I need to get a new wireless keyboard and mouse and there seem to be more possibilities with USB wireless keyboards.

Are there some practical or technical differences between Bluetooth and USB wireless keyboards that I should consider?

[mduell]

A lot of battery swapping if you buy the Apple wireless input devices.

[CharlesS]

Granted, my Apple wireless keyboard is not the current generation, but with a decent set of rechargeable AAs, mine goes for quite a while before having to recharge.

[tooki]

USB wireless seems to take less power, so the batteries last longer. The advantages of Bluetooth are generally (far) longer range, and that there's no receiver to lose. (Many USB wireless keyboards and mice have a range of just a few feet. Bluetooth goes 30 feet without obstructions.)

[CharlesS]

Don't forget the fact that it's more convenient to connect, and doesn't take up one of your already scarce USB ports.

The batteries in my keyboard usually last long enough that by the time I need to charge them, I can't remember how long it's been since the last charge, but it's at least one or two months.