I have been on the lookout for a decent wireless keyboard/mouse combo with reasonable range for a very long time. I tried couple of Microsoft 2.4Ghz before and a Logiech laser wireless keyboard/mouse combo as well. None of them could give me a decent 5 meter range for the keyboard. I was at Micro center and picked this up today. Install was a snap and the keyboard/mouse started working right-a-way from the desired range (my couch to TV) without any noticeable lag. I brought the pro set for about 30 dollars (which has some volume control keys etc on the keyboard) -but I think even the regular 2.4Ghz will work (which is 20 bucks). I will update my review once I see this work consistently for more than 2 weeks - but for now it seems to me that the price/performance can't be beat!. Inland Pro Wireless 2.4GHz Optical Mice Keyboard Combo Set
i do not want to make it seem like that all i have to say about this product is negative things, but theres one big flaw of this product that needs to be addressed.
i have had this product for less than a week, so my review might change, but currently this product although lightweight and portable, there is wireless interference with things like wireless routers.
the keyboard doesnt have too much interference, the mouse is the major issue
the cause of this interference is that the wireless router uses the same 2.4 ghz frequency that the keyboard and mouse do.
my xbox 360 controller interferes with the wireless router too, but not as often about a couple of times a month, the main problem is that the wireless mouse does not function properly, the cursor snags frequently, for example if you were trying to use a mouse on a rough surface or with low batteries, but for me that is not the case i am using fresh batteries and a mousepad.
SOLUTION: i think i may have found a solution, login to 192.168.1.1 to your wireless router, and consult some manual to where you would be able to change the channel of your router. from experience, channel 6 and 4 causes interference, there are 11 channels plus on some routers an auto channel.
but if you are fortunate enough not to put up with the flawed wireless technology, the wireless reciever is about the same size as a bluetooth adapter or usb flash drive. certain wireless recievers for keyboards that ive used in the past were huge, this one product, was the logitech s510 which had a 6 foot wire attached to a big box where the sync and capslock, numlock lights were. which defeats the purpose of it being wireless.
this is crucial for laptops, cause if you wanted to take your laptop in the living room or if you are on the road and only wanted to bring a certain amount of components, you could keep the small usb wireless reciever in the laptop without having to drag a 6 foot wire or figuring out where to place it.
This combo is the best for the range. I use it when I watch TV from the couch, and for about 15ft, the signal is so strong and never misses a click.
Previously I had a logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro which could not give me more than 6ft range when everything is in sight. I had to use an extension USB cord to get the wireless transmitter within the range. The extension sat between the TV and the couch, looked ugly. And one day I broke the transmitter when I was going to turn on the computer in the dark and put my foot on it. Since Logitech never sells the transmitter separately, the whole set worth $80 became useless.
Then I found this one three months ago, especially following V. Girish's recommendation, and it works like a charm.
As other reviewer mentioned, the mouse is indeed a little too small, and the keyboard uses fancy fonts. However, for my purpose of using them to control the computer and play online video on TV, it does not bother me much.
The touch is great... and I'm really picky.
Normal sized fn keys
No mess of 'special' gimmic buttons all over the place.
The arrow and numpad keys have standard places and sizes.
It came with with one AA battery it needs.
I recommend this one for most users.
The only drawback is it uses the over-sized enter key with a backslash up next to the backspace key. This is a semi-standard which IMHO has plagued keyboard designs for decades. If you do a lot of typing (url or command line) you will use that \ key all the time, and wont want it moved.
I didn't use the mouse.
Dell has one just like this with the correct key layout.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Keyboard-wireless-Bluetooth-adapter/dp/B000YQUTVK (says it is $165 but it isnt)
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Bluetooth-Wireless-Keyboard-68031-0100/dp/B0023UHLHA (note no bt adapter, but they are under $10)
A common HTPC issue is how to get a keyboard and mouse to your couch and keep the PC near the TV, 8 ft or more away? One can either have long cables, or find a wireless keyboard and mouse or have the PC near you and use a wireless video/audio output device like a $170 Warpia.
This Inland device is perfect for light use, and cheap -- its $20 at many places. Many competing name brands have better ergonomics, but may have short range, erratic response, use up more power, or simply cost over 2x more for the same functionality. This device uses the interference resistant and power frugal WUSB technology, not older erratic short range infra-red, or temperamental & less power frugal Bluetooth.
Given its only a basic keyboard and mouse, there is no special software needed, and its lack of a continuous power on LED increases the KB battery life. Via Windows alone, you can set keys to be multipurpose or get freeware that does the same, so multimedia KBs often aren't a necessity. I've no problems working on my WiFi network. WUSB has no reported MITM hacks compared to Bluetooth, so wireless users with security concerns take heed.
Pros
Responsive: after awaking, the mouse and KB act like a wired device. I can type 70-100 wpm problem free
Plug and play: no install issues with XP or Vista, all drivers built into the USB dongle, just plug it in, and wait until its says 'OK'. There is no pre-pairing like Bluetooth
Range: at least 20' line of sight to the USB dongle, and 10' easily without line of sight, both equally responsive
Light weight: easy to treat like any remote control
battery life: tiny power draw, both auto sleep after 8 minutes of inactivity, the mouse has a power off override, the KB can be powered off if any key is held down for 15 seconds; both use one AA battery each. Some competing units use over 4 AA
Cons
Light weight: fast typing makes the KB move on a desk. However, its stabler on your lap or if you put a no-slip mat under it. Its light plastic feels cheap. Keys feel spongy
Ergonomics: the mouse shape can be tiring for continuous use. There is no handle on the KB, so grasping often presses buttons, and can cause unintended commands to be executed by the PC.
Key size: While an oversized ENTER key is welcome, it uses a normal sized BACKSPACE key, an often used key that is commonly oversized in most keyboards, so one makes more errors backspacing
Mouse: after hours of use, the mouse now and then misses a move, however its on track 99.9% of the time
Quirks
No power status on KB: if you press any key when the KB is asleep, it will wake, so there is no way to know for certain the KB is asleep. Luckily the power consumption is minimal
NOTE:
Like any wireless device, its ideal response is if the USB dongle is at least 3' off the ground and you can see it unobstructed for 360 degrees. A common PC USB port is at the bottom of a PC, towards its back, on a floor with its back facing a wall, such placement hampers reception markedly. The closer you are to ideal, the better. - Wireless Mouse - Wireless Keyboard - Wireless Desktop - Wireless Keyboard And Mouse'
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