[RzinDubs]

Good day Macnn Users.

I'm waiting to order my first Apple products, the MPB after the Merom update. I would like to know if any of you use an external keyboard (KB) and mouse with your MBP? I was looking at the Apple products. At this time, I don’t really need the wireless products (Bluetooth) but it’s a nice feature to have for future use. My next option is to get the wired Apple KB and mouse, which to my knowledge is the same thing except it is a USB powered instead of battery powered. Or another option entirely is to get something made for other computers but the form factor and Bluetooth compatibility might be difficult to achieve. Another question I have if there is a problem recognizing the KB or the mouse in parallels or Bootcamp? Is there a cheaper place than Apple’s education site to order these products?

The main reason to get the KB and mouse is because I will be using the MBP in stationary mode for 50% of usage. I would like to have a dedicated Number Lock keypad for my financial studies. Another reason is because I don’t like the MBP track pad, but prefer a dedicated mouse for general use and games.

I’ve made a list of pros and cons about the various options and please let me know if I’m on point with my analysis.

Apple Wireless KB and Wireless Mouse
Pros: Easy to set up. No plugging in cables and wires
Wireless
Cons: Price $59 and $71 = CDN 130 no tax
Needs Batteries

Apple Wired KB and Wired Mouse
Pros: Better Price $35 and $51 = CDN 86 no tax

Other Stuff
Pros: Price with options of wired or wireless options
Cons: Form Factor
Difficult resale

After evaluating the numbers, I think that a CDN 44 in price (USD 40) is well worth it. I just wonder if I can just brink the MBP and drop it on the desk and the KB and mouse will automatically be recognized?

Cheers (longest post)

[bmd6491]

well my situation is i have a 17 inch powerbook and the screen is big enough to leave on my desk and use it like a desk top. but the apple lap tops only come with 2 usb 2.0 ports and when you have both the keyboard and the mouse in you wont be able to put anything else usb. so if you want to save money i would go with one wireless one wired.

if i had to do that i would get the keyboard wired and the wireless mighty mouse picked mine up today its very nice

[shecky]

i hate the apple mice, wireless or not. having said that i generally do not like wireless mice as they are heavyer and not as comfortable to push around the table.

i use a cheap USB logitech 2 button + scroll wheel mouse, the cord of which i wrap with a rubber band so from mouse to port the cord is about 18" long. this works great for me and i do design work, some of which requires precision to the pixel.

at the moment my powerbook will not work with external monitors, so i do not have it hooked up to my 20" viewsonic LCD widescreen; however, when i get my new merom MBP i will use an apple USB keyboard + my logitech mouse and use the laptop closed so it drives just the external monitor.

and yes, my unused viewsonic and my unused apple keyboard are sitting in a sad little pile in my studio waiting for the new MBP to get here

[jamil5454]

Originally Posted by bmd6491

well my situation is i have a 17 inch powerbook and the screen is big enough to leave on my desk and use it like a desk top. but the apple lap tops only come with 2 usb 2.0 ports and when you have both the keyboard and the mouse in you wont be able to put anything else usb. so if you want to save money i would go with one wireless one wired.

if i had to do that i would get the keyboard wired and the wireless mighty mouse picked mine up today its very nice

Actually, the Apple USB Keyboard has two USB ports on it. One is for the mouse, and the other is for general use. So you don't really lose any USB ports by going the way of the wired keyboard and mouse (assuming you don't mind the USB 1.1 ports on the keyboard).

[RzinDubs]

Does anyone enjoy using the Wireless Mighty Mouse? On Apple’s website, their seems to be mixed reviews about the precision and the response of the scroll wheel. Would you recommend this for casual gaming. I don’t need it to be accurate to one pixel but at least to have the right click work flawlessly. I think I will have to try it first before I buy it.

[urfjzdqpmvtflmh aka bob]

I would have said logitech MX1000 for the win but there is something about the buttons I don't like about it. So I go with Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer. Also don't like Apple keyboards much, keys on them 'stick' after a while.

[bmd6491]

its just like the wired mighty mouse.. i love the thing... its dual click also.

[Javizun]

THE BLUETOOTH MIGHTY MOUSE IS NOT WORTH THE PRICE...i have one and my 5 year old
compaq mouse worsk exactly the same if not better..i just dont see the big hype on mouse products really all i need them is to point and choose.

[iREZ]

i use the logitech mxduo at home and LOVE it...im thinking about selling it to purchase the new s530 cuz i love having a white keyboard, or maybe even the apple bluetooth keyboard+mighty mouse, but right now...the mxduo does its job just fine. when i need total precision, i use an old one button apple mouse i have. i dont see whats taking logitech so long to release a bt laser mouse...this is getting ridiculous.

[romeosc]

Plug everything into a hub and then you only have one
wire to unplug. You can even leave your usb backup drive
plugged in when you leave!