Wireless Mouse and Keyboard

Steve F M · 05-16-2005, 10:20 AM

What do you guys suggest for a wirless combo? I need something that will work around 15-20ft away and not necessaryly in a direct line of site. I'm using the Logitech LX500 and it is not cutting it out this distance.

Thanks

Ralph_G · 05-16-2005, 02:07 PM

is bluetooth an option for you?

Steve F M · 05-16-2005, 02:39 PM

I wish.

Paul Padilla · 05-16-2005, 02:46 PM

Hey Steve,

Frankly, I'm surprised a standard RF mouse is working at all at 15 to 20 feet. You're definitely going to have to go Bluetooth which has a range of 30 feet. Unless, that is, you're able to use an extention cable to get the transceiver closer to your work area.

I have a PC included in my plasma setup. It's not a true HTPC, but I still needed the range from the bluetooth. I'm using the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX for Bluetooth and it works great but it's a bit pricey. I can stand all the way back at my kitchen counter which is right at about 30 feet from where the receiver is and I get great response.

I had a problem installing mine initially because there was no mouse or keyboard response after rebooting when I first installed the software so keep a standard mouse or KB handy. I had to shut down using the power switch (safe enough if power management is enabled) and connect a standard mouse to finish the Logitech software installation. Other than jumping through that particular hoop on the install it works great.

I just noticed the "I Wish" response to the Bluetooth question before mine. Since you're looking for a combo anyway, why wouldn't you be able to use Bluetooth?

Parker Clack · 05-16-2005, 04:22 PM

Steve:

I am with Paul on this. Why can't you use Blue Tooth? The keyboard/mouse combo will have the Blue Tooth receiver in it and you just plug it into your USB port.

Parker

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Tekara · 05-16-2005, 09:28 PM

Yeah, I'd go with the Logitech bluetooth setup, the reciever that logitech provides is really good. I get at least 30ft if not more (bedroom to living room, two walls in between), So I would highly reccomend it.

Steve F M · 05-17-2005, 11:53 AM

Looks like this is my only solution. Was hoping to stay under $75 on a solution. Looks like that is not going to happen.

Chris Bardon · 01-03-2006, 02:54 PM

Hey, just reviving an old thread here to get some updated information. I'm looking at setting up an HTPC that I need to operate from about 10-15 feet away. I'd rather not drop $200 on some of the logitech bluetooth devices though, but that appears to be the only real option here. Has anyone had success with a regular cordless KB/mouse from these kinds of distances?

Parker Clack · 01-04-2006, 10:32 AM

Chris:

I use an older Logitech Comfort Duo Desktop from about 12 feet away and it works great.

I am in a direct line to my setup but I have never had any issues with it not working.

Parker

Paul Padilla · 01-05-2006, 09:30 AM

It looks like my link above is dead. The equivelant from Logitech now seems to be the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser which lists for $149. You should be able to find it for $120 or so online. Another option would be to get a regular RF set which uses USB and extend the cable to bring the receiver closer your work area.

Logitech rates their range at 6 feet, so 12 feet is excellent for regular RF. That line of sight must be coupled with pretty low background RF interferance to be getting that kind of range.