Poll: Would you purchase a Wireless Apple Mouse or Keyboard? (assuming 1 button mouse)

[MacRumors]

Vote: Poll: Would you purchase a Wireless Apple Mouse or Keyboard? (assuming 1 button mouse) (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=257&ref=forums.macrumors.com)

[kb9000]

I've been waiting for a 2-button Apple mouse for....

[kb9000]

years

[tazo]

I would buy a wireless keyboard if it worked for mac and pc, otherwise i wouldn't get it. It would also have to be uber-cool looking :D

[Wonder Boy]

The cost of batteries is not worth the lack of clutter, IMO.

99% of my clutter is due to 8 usb devices not counting my keyboard and mouse. Wireless everything would be something
(ie: ipod dock, pda dock, dig camera cord, zip drive, printer, remote, scanner, etc...)

[Freg3000]

There is no way if it has less than 2 buttons. And no wireless keyboard ever-I don't see a purpose for a wireless keyboard.

[Nermal]

Only if it's 2-button, with a scroll wheel. And only if it's reasonably priced. So, knowing Apple, the answer is no.

[SilvorX]

I would purchase both if the mouse had 2 buttons plus a scroll wheel

it would be cool if it was similar to:
http://www.kensington.com/html/1510.html
but with an apple mouse design

[Powerbook G5]

A wireless multi-button scroll mouse would be perfect with a PowerBook since there would be no wires to deal with or searching for the port to plug it in all the time. As for the keyboard, I don't see a use for it since I like my PowerBook sized keyboard just fine. It's just with all the contexual integration with OS X, you'd think it's about time we have a more funtional mouse to use with it.

[skymaXimus]

I would want the mouse to match my PB like the other users, but I would love the keyboard to lay on my bed and IM people w/ my PB hooked up to my projector. The church that I work at gave it to me :)

[AmbitiousLemon]

Originally posted by Wonder Boy
The cost of batteries is not worth the lack of clutter, IMO.

most wireless mice/keyboards have rechargable batteries. I would assume charging your mouse/keyboard would be as simple as plugging in a retractable usb cord.

If it does require standard AA batteries (as a few wireless devices do) then i agree, such a device would be a disaster.

[Grimace]

Give me Bluetooth and I'll deal with the batteries. a Two button Mouse w/ scroll wheel is a necessity.

[goof_ball]

I had to check no for this poll. However *when* I purchase my next system I'd like it to include a wireless mouse/keyboard.

[MacManDan]

Even if they were the sexiest keyboard and mouse set in the world, I wouldn't buy them if it had 1 button. My productivity relies on a 2+ button mouse with a scroll wheel, and I just can't see myself taking a step backwards..

So, too bad for Apple if they make it a 1-button mouse. But if it's 2 button, well, then that's a different story!

[Doctor Q]

If Apple's mouse has two buttons and a scrollwheel, I'll get one and go wireless eventually. But I have no need to move my keyboard around, so a wired keyboard is fine.

When will the monitor go wireless?

[Cochrane]

A 1-button mouse: Never, because I already use a wireless 3-button mouse with scrollweel. But if there was an equal wireless mouse by Apple I would almost certainly buy it. With the keyboard I'm not sure. I do like wireless keyboards, but I also need the integrated USB-Hub in my Apple Pro Keyboard.

[Gymnut]

Damn skippy. I get great battery life on my intellimouse even when playing fps.

[gotohamish]

Anyone else wondering if the Wireless Keyboard might still sport a USB port for a mouse? And whether it could power the mouse.

h

[backspinner]

I had to vote no.

I already use a separate 2 button with scroll wheel mouse with my PowerBook. But I always have problem with the wires (plugging it in at the back is a pain).

If there was an affordable 2 button + scroll bluetooth mouse I would think about buying one.

[ntg]

Why do so many people say battery-lfe is bad?
I use a Micro$oft wireless Optical, and it uses 2xAA, and I've JUST put new batteries in from the ones it shipped with four months ago!
Is there a problem with 6xAA batteries per year?
I don't have one.....

Nigel.
PS I've been so impressed with usage, I've bought another 12 for some new Vaios!

[eric_n_dfw]

Voted yes to the keyboard only - and then only if I bought a PowerBook. I have no use for a wireless keyboard on my desktop machine.

I'd buy the mouse too, but not a one button one.

FWIW, I'm about to buy a non-BlueTooth, wireless KB/Mouse from Logitech for my PC (work provided) laptop as I hate the cables all over my kitchen table. It's Mac compatible so I probably will use it on any PowerBook I might buy in the near future anyway.

[esheep2001]

Originally posted by ntg
Why do so many people say battery-lfe is bad?
I use a Micro$oft wireless Optical, and it uses 2xAA, and I've JUST put new batteries in from the ones it shipped with four months ago!
Is there a problem with 6xAA batteries per year?
I don't have one.....


That's very interesting to hear. I've heard reports of the MS mice lasting just a few days if not hours before needing new batteries.

If MS have ironed out such problems then their new Bluetooth KB & mouse combo may well be a possibility for my new G5 assuming they bring out OS X drivers for the extended functionality.

ITMT, I'm more than happy with my MX700.

e.

[scottlee]

Get with the times Apple... two button and scroll!!:rolleyes:

[pivo6]

As much as I would love to have both, I can't justify buying one unless it was reasonably priced, and my current keyboard/mouse wasn't working.

[fixyourthinking]

Originally posted by AmbitiousLemon
most wireless mice/keyboards have rechargable batteries. I would assume charging your mouse/keyboard would be as simple as plugging in a retractable usb cord.

If it does require standard AA batteries (as a few wireless devices do) then i agree, such a device would be a disaster.


Personally, I'd RATHER it have AA batteries and just use rechargeable batteries. I do a LOT of typing and my current wireless keyboard lasts almost 30 days - my mouse about the same.

It's the same situation as digital cameras - I'd much rather sacrifice with AA or AAA Li Ion a little battery time to have a non proprietary built in battery. Those built in (dockable chage) batteries are either impossible or very EXPENSIVE to replace if they go bad. The inconvieniance is minimal at best.

[yossele]

They should be a ONE button and Scroll mouse, I AM a switcher and I love the single button mouse

[davy the bunny]

I'm paranoid so I would never own a wireless keyboard because of the slim chance of someone else picking up my keystrokes. That's a little too dangerous for me. And I've already got a 7 button logitech mouse with a dock that recharges it's batteries. Hey maybe apple could be first to really introduce that charging device that works by you just setting your item on the pad. That way your whole mousepad could be the charger and it would always be charged and ready to go. . .

[bennetsaysargh]

the range of BT is only a few feet, so i don't see why you're worried about someone picking up your keystrokes.

i wouldn't care if it were 1 or 2 button with or without a scroll wheel.

[pimentoLoaf]

Keyboard + Microsoft Wireless Intellimouse Explorer.

[jkojima]

I don't like Apple's input devices. The Pro keyboard has an odd, mushy feel to the keys, and the one-button mouse is so last century.

Because I prefer curved ergonomic keyboards to standard ones, I would likely replace a stock Apple keyboard, wireless or no. That being said, if Apple were to re-introduce the Appledesign keyboard (the one that had the adjustable curvature), I'd be all over that as an upgrade.

So, in answer to this poll I voted no on a wireless keyboard (because it would almost certainly be a standard, straight style) and no on a mouse (assuming, as the poll states, it was one-buttoned).

[MuSiq]

I use a Logitech 3-button/wheel wireless mouse, and it's the best solution for my work in pro-audio. Any maker/model would do, but it should be small and at least have this now-standard button arrangement.

So I voted no - providing Apple won't wise up and make a completely normal input device. That doesn't challenge the design aspect, an Apple peripheral usually stands out in a beige crowd!

W-less keyboard? I agree with many of you, I'm not moving the thing around when I use it, so...

[jkojima]

On the topic of wireless keyboards and their purpose, I will side definitively in the "pro" camp.

As a student, my desk is used for everything from computing to reading to ironing shirts, so it's important that I be able to keep it as clear as possible. When I need surface space for non-keyboarding stuff, I can just throw my Logitech wireless keyboard on my bed.

Also, since my room is small enough, I can if I want sit back on my bed and surf or play games.

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by bennetsaysargh
the range of BT is only a few feet, so i don't see why you're worried about someone picking up your keystrokes.

i wouldn't care if it were 1 or 2 button with or without a scroll wheel.

It wouldn't happen anyway, each BT device has it's own independent name, so it would be assigned to an operating system, not any BT module.

[macnews]

Like others have said, rechargable batteries are a must.

Although these might be tough to sell with tower models it should be a slam dunk for the imacs. Easy movable flat screen, easy anywhere keyboard and mouse - almost has a certain "laptopish" feel to it. That would be nice to move my screen with a finger and then sit back a few feet and type some emails on my wireless keyboard and surf with my wireless mouse.

[NavyIntel007]

Originally posted by adzoox
Personally, I'd RATHER it have AA batteries and just use rechargeable batteries. I do a LOT of typing and my current wireless keyboard lasts almost 30 days - my mouse about the same.

It's the same situation as digital cameras - I'd much rather sacrifice with AA or AAA Li Ion a little battery time to have a non proprietary built in battery. Those built in (dockable chage) batteries are either impossible or very EXPENSIVE to replace if they go bad. The inconvieniance is minimal at best.

I agree, these wireless keyboards and mice aren't worth it if you have to have a corded mouse and keyboard around just in case one, the other, or both stop working while you're writing a paper. I have a laptop, so I admit, I wouldn't die from it. But if I had a desktop, I'd be pissed.

To add to that, if you had to plug it in to charge, or sit it on a cradle, well that's two more corded devices that have no place to go. You can't hide them because you might need them. Plus, what would be the point of a wireless mouse/keyboard that you had a cord to. I would just instictively leave it plugged in. No, AA or AAA batteries are the way to go.

[wdlove]

I would like to have the wireless keyboard. As for the mouse would prefer the Kensington wireless trackball with multiple function buttons. It would to nice to get rid of some of the clutter. To assist with the battery problem, using rechargeable batteries!

[NavyIntel007]

Originally posted by wdlove
I would like to have the wireless keyboard. As for the mouse would prefer the Kensington wireless trackball with multiple function buttons. It would to nice to get rid of some of the clutter. To assist with the battery problem, using rechargeable batteries!

Amen... rechargable AA or AAA batteries are a much better solution than having docks or powercords. Not as elegant, but more functional and it will extend the life of the product.

edit: To add to that... I don't really care one button or two or even a scroll wheel. I scroll and use right click but not enough to warrent the two on my mouse. If I didn't already have a set up I would buy it.

[OutThere]

I said not sure, because I don't really mind things being wired, and I already have a really good trackball, but if the keyboard was really nice I might go for it.

[jkojima]

I agree with others that AA or AAA batteries are the way to go. Rechargeable is a good idea, but I've found wireless keyboards to last well over a year on a single set of batteries. The premium you'd pay for a rechargeable system, plus the finite lifespan of the built-in battery, right now is not worth it IMHO.

[bryanc]

I've never seen such a 'write-in' consensus. It seems that I'm in the same boat as everyone else (very unusual for me...I've spent most of my life at least 2 standard deviations from the mean with respect to almost anything you care to consider)...

I *need* a 2 button mouse with a scroll wheel. If Apple made a nice wireless version of such a device, I'd certainly consider it seriously. But a wireless one button mouse is a white elephant...interesting but not something people will be getting in line to buy.

Cheers

[do_i_dare]

I voted no, but bluetooth is completely the way to go. It doesn't really matter what apple makes to me because I would replace it with my funky keyboard and 5 button mouse anyway. should provide a mouse that is the most ergonomic and easy to use. I think it should have the shape of the intellimouse but with the glassy/plastic texture of the current wired mouse.

And a built-in battery would be a disaster unless they are going to include a charging pad (i.e. something onto which you place the keyboard and uses induction to juice it). Normal rechargable alkaline AAs are the right thing; that way if you're on a plane and the juice goes you have a recourse.

__________________
G4 800mHz iMac
Kinesis Ergo USB Contoured Keyboard
Kensington Turbo Mouse

[jettredmont]

Wireless mouse, good. Wireless keyboard? I'm not sure on that. I'm more in line with waiting 6-12 months to see what kinds of security holes pop up from the implementation (like the HP wireless keyboards that your neighbors could see your typing ...)

BUT, I'm "Not Sure" because the Apple Wireless Mouse has to do several things for me to buy it:

1) It has to have two mouse buttons. Sorry, old habits die hard, and I need 2-3 mouse buttons.

2) It needs a scroll wheel or similar functionality. Sorry, new habits die hard too :) Although, scroll wheels have been standard on mice so long that they're not exactly "new" any more. Still, it is 1000x easier to use the scroll wheel than to navigate to the on-screen scroll bar to move a page up and down, then click in the middle of the page, then repeat, etc.

3) It should have shortcut buttons on either side, but I seriously doubt any Apple mouse ever will. I find the "one button on the thumb, one on the other side" design of the cheaper MS Optical Mouse to be intuitive and easy to use (whoever thought of two thumb buttons one in front of the other was a thumb contortionist ... I don't know why MS's expensive mice have this design, and it baffles me even moreso that other companies are intent on copying that ergonomic failure than the more natural one-on-either-side design ...) But, hey, I've got four fingers and a thumb on that mouse ... might as well give the ring finger and thumb something to do!

IMHO, Apple will never put out a mouse that can please everyone. That's what third parties are for. Apple needs a "pretty" mouse to ship (which is useful for newbies who don't (1) already have a mouse from their previous computer or (2) know that they can pick up a mouse better fitted to them at any computer/electronics store for anywhere from $10-$100 depending on their needs/desires). I don't see why Apple should be offering mouse alternatives, especially expensive mouse alternatives (the Apple mouse carries a $10-20 premium over MS mice in general; the MS Bluetooth mouse is $84 ... will the Apple BT Mouse be less than $95? OTOH, the MS mouse comes with a USB Bluetooth dongle, which probably adds $50 to the cost, so ...)

So, yes, if Apple puts ou my ideal mouse with Bluetooth connectivity, I'll jump on it. If not, given a few more months someone will. OTOH, I am happy Apple is moving in this area because it makes it more likely for other companies to copycat ... it would be nice to see more than one bluetooth mouse out there ...

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by jkojima
I agree with others that AA or AAA batteries are the way to go. Rechargeable is a good idea, but I've found wireless keyboards to last well over a year on a single set of batteries. The premium you'd pay for a rechargeable system, plus the finite lifespan of the built-in battery, right now is not worth it IMHO.

Most reviews I've seen say you'll need to change batteries on existing wireless keyboards every 2-3 months (not sure about mice). Although, that's also I believe usually 2 AA, not 4AA as rumored for the Apple keyboard (which would give twice the life roughly). In either case, though, you're looking at a 10-pack of AAs per year, about $8 or so last time I checked, plus the hassle of keeping them in stock all the time, plus the environmental effects of disposable batteries. Or, of course, an external recharger (but then you would get to change batteries every 1-2 months instead of 2-3 months) ...

[jkojima]

Wow this thread is getting pretty long, but I'll chime in one last time.

I agree that a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse would be beneficial even if it simply represented the greater adoption of the technology in the computer industry. Apple sets the tone with this type of thing (witness Firewire and the original iMac eschewing all legacy ports for USB), and I envision that Bluetooth input devices from Apple would soon lead to more Bluetooth-enabled peripherals like printers, PDAs, etc. from other manufacturers.

Also, with regards to battery life of Alkaline batteries in keyboards, while I admit it would vary with use, I still think 2-3 months is rather pessimistic. The latest wireless keyboard I purchased is still going strong on its first set of batteries, and I bought it just after Christmas.

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by NavyIntel007
To add to that, if you had to plug it in to charge, or sit it on a cradle, well that's two more corded devices that have no place to go. You can't hide them because you might need them. Plus, what would be the point of a wireless mouse/keyboard that you had a cord to. I would just instictively leave it plugged in. No, AA or AAA batteries are the way to go.

But, but but! Then you have a recharger that is always plugged in, that has to be always accessible (because you'll have to swap batteries between it, your mouse, and your keyboard) AND which is quite huge so that it can hold not one or two but six AA batteries (at a minimum)! And that doesn't even touch on my biggest peeve with AA-based devices that I use constantly just three feet from a power outlet:

The problem with useing rechargable AA's is that it's a pain removing and replacing AA batteries.

There ya have it. I have big fingers, and I'm a klutz. Swapping AA batteries inevitably ends with at least half the AA's on the floor, one or two lost forever under the couch, and a crying child because now their toy won't work until daddy runs to the store to buy batteries again (although, in this case, the crying child is ME, which is even less acceptable!) AA is a usability nightmare!

At least with non-rechargable AA's I get the miniscule satisfaction of hurling the spent demons into the garbage can afterwards (let that be a lesson to the batteries I just put in!)

Who thinks Apple should buy Black and Decker's VersaPack battery technology? Snap in, snap out! 3.6 V of pure power-tool power! The World's Most Powerful MOUSE!!! Hey, it's not like Black and Decker are using it anymore ... :)

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by jkojima
I envision that Bluetooth input devices from Apple would soon lead to more Bluetooth-enabled peripherals like printers, PDAs, etc. from other manufacturers.


I am NOT going to put AA's in my printer!

:)

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by bennetsaysargh
the range of BT is only a few feet, so i don't see why you're worried about someone picking up your keystrokes.

i wouldn't care if it were 1 or 2 button with or without a scroll wheel.

The range of Bluetooth is generally 30 feet.

Plus, as with all radio devices, range is more a function of antenna size than anything else.

Your neighbor would likely be able to pick up your typing (assuming he broke the BT security, which sounds reasonably good but has yet to be really field-tested). The cracker down the street with a MagePro5000 antenna would also be able to pick up your typing (including your passwords, bank account information, etc, so long as he can pull that information from the stream of characters typed ... password would actually be pretty easy if he knew or could guess your login name ...)

Like I said, BT security looks good on paper, so there's probably no need to worry (unless you're a government agent or running a nuclear reactor), but for the cautious amongst us prudence is always warranted.

[neutrino23]

I voted no on both. I have no need to move the keyboard away from the desk so a wireless keyboard just seems useless. Since I am sitting at the keyboard the mouse never needs to move more than a few inches either. I find that the idea of a wireless mouse and keyboard just adds complexity. One more thing to break down.

On the topic of buttons, I vote for the one button mouse. I love its simplicity. Whenever I use a peecee it feels awkward trying to figure out which button to push in which circumstance. When hunting for some option I first left click then control-click then right click then try a different icon. If you want to use a multibutton mouse OS X supports it. I just think the one button mouse should remain standard.

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by neutrino23
On the topic of buttons, I vote for the one button mouse. I love its simplicity. Whenever I use a peecee it feels awkward trying to figure out which button to push in which circumstance. When hunting for some option I first left click then control-click then right click then try a different icon. If you want to use a multibutton mouse OS X supports it. I just think the one button mouse should remain standard.

From one user to another: with very few exceptions (notably the area next to the clock on the task bar) you left-click on everything, just like in OS X. Right-clicking means not "do this" but "do something with this thing" (whatever the icon represents) ... Kinda pretty much sorta exactly the difference between clicking and control-clicking on OS X.

IMHO, "button confusion" is the fault of the OS, not the mouse. OS X has a very clear and consistent mouse-button delineation.

[xelterran]

depends how long the batteries last, i wouldnt like to be recharging them every few days :rolleyes:

[jzieske]

Only if mouse is rechargable via firewire or dock and has 2 buttons + wheel. I have no need for a wireless keybord though.

[visor]

Originally posted by AmbitiousLemon
most wireless mice/keyboards have rechargable batteries. I would assume charging your mouse/keyboard would be as simple as plugging in a retractable usb cord.

If it does require standard AA batteries (as a few wireless devices do) then i agree, such a device would be a disaster.

Actually - it's great. A pair of batteries are good for about 6 month, and simple to replace. Not at all this ' oh my god the battery is half empty, will recharging destroy the battery' stuff.

[visor]

since I've not seen a single good input device made by apple - and assuming a trashy one button mouse - I'd never go for that crap.
Bah!

[MacFan25]

I would probably buy the wireless mouse if/when my Pro Mouse dies. The wireless keyboard would be nice also. I can't stand wires everywhere.

[j33pd0g]

I am also not sure about the keyboard being wireless. Would it still have quick easy to get to USB ports. If it does, and it doesn't give issues to my dongle I'd be impressed... but the wireless mouse would be nice... to bad they didn't go with a dock like charging base... or make it so the mouse and the iPod can switch base units. JM2C.

[Danusa]

"Bluetooth and Wireless LAN use the same frequency range as microwave ovens. We all know that the microwave oven heats food that contains water. The obvious question that follows is then "What about the dangers of getting in the way of such radio waves?"
The transmitting power of these devices is by far too weak to be noticeable to humans. Also, the radio antenna sends omni-directional and not as a beam. But, if you use a mobile phone, headset or similar product equipped with either of these radio techniques some of the microwave radiation energy will hit the body. When using the 2.4 GHz band the penetration depth into a body is no more than 1.5 centimeters, which means that the absorption is superficial. The main absorption mechanism is field-induced rotation of polar molecules that generates heat through molecular friction. Water has its natural molecular oscillation at 2450 MHz, which is in the middle of the ISM band. This feature is used in microwave ovens to make the water in food cook. However, a normal microwave oven uses power levels one million times greater than the power used by most of these devices. Research has shown that the output power of these communication devices is far too low to cause any detectable temperature increase of the human body.
The IEEE, WHO and ICNIRP have developed Radio Frequency exposure recommendations specifying near-field restrictions referred to as SAR between 10 MHz and 10 GHz. High power Bluetooth devices might need to be tested but the low power devices wouldn".
Recent research performed by Lennart Hardell at the regional hospital in Örebro (RSÖ) has shown that the use of mobile NMT mobile phones increases the chance of getting cancer in the temple lobe. This means that there has to be some awareness to these issues when dealing with radio devices."

Source:
Wireless communication in telemedicine using Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b
by Magnus Berggren, Nov 2001
http://user.it.uu.se/~perg/wifi-bluetooth-interference.pdf

Notes:
Wireless is (in the most cases) futile. Smart cabling is not.
eg.
ADC - Apple Display Connector
"A single cable with a quick-latch connector carries all digital video, USB and power signals from your Power Mac to the display. No more separate USB and power cables to clutter up your desktop."

Other references:
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/
http://www.wmich.edu/oit/wireless/faq.html#gi
http://www.macopinion.com/columns/roadwarrior/99/12/09/index.html

So, no one yet admitted the risks of electro-magnetical exposition, do you agree on testing technology on your son?™

[Capt Underpants]

I would probably only buy the wireless keyboard. Wireless mice are great and all, but one button is just not enough. It is great to just be able to click a mouse button and the computer do a designated assignment. In my opinion, this makes me more efficient. Surely apple will come out with atleast a two button mouse.... please, apple.

[awulf]

Originally posted by Danusa
"Bluetooth and Wireless LAN use the same frequency range as microwave ovens. We all know that the microwave oven heats food that contains water. The obvious question that follows is then "What about the dangers of getting in the way of such radio waves?"
The transmitting power of these devices is by far too weak to be noticeable to humans. Also, the radio antenna sends omni-directional and not as a beam. But, if you use a mobile phone, headset or similar product equipped with either of these radio techniques some of the microwave radiation energy will hit the body. When using the 2.4 GHz band the penetration depth into a body is no more than 1.5 centimeters, which means that the absorption is superficial. The main absorption mechanism is field-induced rotation of polar molecules that generates heat through molecular friction. Water has its natural molecular oscillation at 2450 MHz, which is in the middle of the ISM band. This feature is used in microwave ovens to make the water in food cook. However, a normal microwave oven uses power levels one million times greater than the power used by most of these devices. Research has shown that the output power of these communication devices is far too low to cause any detectable temperature increase of the human body.
The IEEE, WHO and ICNIRP have developed Radio Frequency exposure recommendations specifying near-field restrictions referred to as SAR between 10 MHz and 10 GHz. High power Bluetooth devices might need to be tested but the low power devices wouldn".
Recent research performed by Lennart Hardell at the regional hospital in Örebro (RSÖ) has shown that the use of mobile NMT mobile phones increases the chance of getting cancer in the temple lobe. This means that there has to be some awareness to these issues when dealing with radio devices."

Source:
Wireless communication in telemedicine using Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b
by Magnus Berggren, Nov 2001
http://user.it.uu.se/~perg/wifi-bluetooth-interference.pdf

Notes:
Wireless is (in the most cases) futile. Smart cabling is not.
eg.
ADC - Apple Digital Connector
"A single cable with a quick-latch connector carries all digital video, USB and power signals from your Power Mac to the display. No more separate USB and power cables to clutter up your desktop."

Other references:
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/
http://www.wmich.edu/oit/wireless/faq.html#gi
http://www.macopinion.com/columns/roadwarrior/99/12/09/index.html

So, no one yet admitted the risks of electro-magnetical exposition, do you agree on testing technology on your son?™

Doesn't Bluetooth use Radio Waves and Microwave ovens use Micro Waves? Radio Waves are less energetic than Micro Waves. We also have Radio Waves passing through us all the time. We also have the occasional Cosmic Ray passing through us during the day time from the sun, which contributes to cancer.

But any way here is what I hope there to be in the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse:

Keyboard:
• Rechargeable through a wind up USB cord that can be pulled out from the keyboard, plus also usable while it recharges.
• Built in USB ports (on the sides), that are usable when the keyboard is wired.

Mouse:
• Rechargeable through a wind up USB cord that can be pulled out from the mouse, plus also usable while it recharges.
• 3 Buttons with a Scroll Wheel.
• Optical

Apple could make the mouse still look similar with the singly mouse button tilt to the side (left or right) where you click. The scroll wheel can pop up through a whole in the middle, or use a track-pad type technology to sense the fingers movement.

I would probably either since I can't afford it and I am happy with my wired Pro Keyboard and Logitech Optical Wheel Mouse.

[John61254]

Already use a logitech cordless trackman on one machine (powerbook pismo) and a logitech cordless keyboard and kensington cordless trackball on another (flatpanel imac).
I would like to see Apple go wireless, but I would also like to see a trackball developed, rather than a mouse (two-button with scrollwheel a must).
The logitech cordless trackman is a fantastic device: fits the hand beautifully (if you're right handed) and has decent range (4' to 6'). Ball is on the side for thumb control. Takes some getting used to but leaves fingers free for scrolling and button use.
It blows the Kensington trackball away. This device (the Kensington) is awkward and not easy to use the scrollwheel. Must stay on the desktop. The logitech can be held in your hand on your lap while kicking back in a chair. Very nice for casual surfing.
Biggest drawback with wireless now is that you still need to plug in USB transmitters which still create clutter and cords on the desktop.
That's what would be cool about bluetooth controlled devices: bluetooth is built into my imac so there would be no cords at all: truly wireless!
The need for AA batteries is no big deal: my batteries in my cordless devices now last from 4 to 6 months. Rechargeable NiMH batteries can be used over and over with very long life between charges.

[esheep2001]

Originally posted by visor
since I've not seen a single good input device made by apple - and assuming a trashy one button mouse - I'd never go for that crap.
Bah!

Hmm, what about the iPod scroll wheel? I also think the original iPod button layout was much better than the new gen iPods BTW.

e.

[mac15]

I'll buy one, I don't care if it has one or 2 buttons. I'd prefer one actually though

[BrandonRP0123]

The real question is this:

All Apple keyboards forever have had the desktop bus ports built into the sides of them for righties or lefties (plus a spare on the opposite side)

Wil this be the case for the new wireless keyboard? Or must it be paired with the wireless mouse in order to take full advantage?

The reason I ask is because if it lacks a port and you opt only for the wireless keyboard, you're suddenly plugging your mouse all the way into the back of your Mac (or to where ever your USB hub is).

Forgive me saying this, but that's so PC'ish and one of the best things about the current keyboard. The fact that PCs have the PS/2 ports/USB ports all the way the hell back there is dumb.

I have a pro keyboard and logitech setup at both of my work spaces (home desk with my power mac, and work that I plug my PowerBook into). It'd be nice not having to plug in the USB cable every morning (or unplug, move around, plug back in, etc). I use the full-sized setup at work because 1) works out better ergonomically 2) a pro keyboard is cheaper than a PowerBook keyboard to replace.

As with the rest of you, I'm spoiled by the scroll wheel and such.

The cheapest optical logitech mouse was $20 at the local shop and works better than the pro mouse (which was 59). Suc is life, but I'm very interested in how the combinations of wired/wireless devices with Apple's new wireless devices is going to work out.

[BrandonRP0123]

Originally posted by esheep2001
Hmm, what about the iPod scroll wheel? I also think the original iPod button layout was much better than the new gen iPods BTW.

e.

Just a side note:

Remember, Apple filed for patent on a horizontal scroll wheel similar to that of the first generation iPod on a prototype mouse.

Whether it will be on top of the new mouse or built into it (thus scrolling with your thumb) is still a question only time will tell.

[tazo]

Originally posted by esheep2001
That's very interesting to hear. I've heard reports of the MS mice lasting just a few days if not hours before needing new batteries.

If MS have ironed out such problems then their new Bluetooth KB & mouse combo may well be a possibility for my new G5 assuming they bring out OS X drivers for the extended functionality.

ITMT, I'm more than happy with my MX700.

e.

I have used my MS wireless optical mouse "Special edition" [USB] for 1.5 months now and I just replaced the batteries :) I would say thats not half bad :cool:

[scem0]

no I wouldn't...

They would in all probablility be mediocre and expensive, like the current keyboard and mouse.

Ill stick with logitech and microsoft, thankyou.

scem0

[Danusa]

"The Apple AirPort transmits with 15 dBm of power, which calculates to somewhere around 35 mW. The Proxim Skyline 802.11a access point transmits with between 50 and 200 mW of power at the aerial, which is similar to a cellular phone and typical for wireless ethernet base stations. These units transmit with nowhere near the power of our one watt example. Step back the same distance as before, and it will barely be measurable at all. The moral of the story: Keep a reasonable distance, and it won't touch you. "

http://www.macwrite.com/criticalmass/wireless-mac-os-x.php

"Unfortunately, I know of no studies of possible health hazards of wireless networks. Since the technology is so new, it will probably be some time before there are any. But given that AirPort uses similar frequencies to cellular phones, there may be cause for concern. How much concern? I have no idea."

http://www.wave-guide.org/archives/emf-l/Jan2000/Macintosh-Airport-Health-Evaluation-(Beaver)(Kelley)--.html

CISCO Warning
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, it is recommended when using a laptop with a PC card client adapter that the adapter's integrated antenna is positioned more than 2 inches (5 cm) from your body or nearby persons during extended periods of transmitting or operating time. If the antenna is positioned less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the user, it is recommended that the user limit exposure time.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4555/products_installation_and_configuration_guide_chapter09186a00800ca3bb.html

So, more than a few hours daily under bt or airport range is dangerous or not?

[Cochrane]

Originally posted by gotohamish
Anyone else wondering if the Wireless Keyboard might still sport a USB port for a mouse? And whether it could power the mouse.

h

I'm pretty sure it won't because of the nature of bluetooth. As far as I know (but I'm not sure) bluetooth is slower than USB, so devices wouldn't run full speed. And the energy that this keyboard would require to power even small devices like reloading the mouse, joysticks or something like that would either mean that you have to change batteries every quarter hour (maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea) or a seperate cable to power the keyboard. Would be rather pointless, I'd say.

[cb911]

yeah, i'd go for a wireless Apple keyboard in a second... not the mouse though. i've got a two button mouse and it's alot easier to use, faster than a one button mouse.