Best non apple keyboard, mice, and speakers...

[gpspad]

Talked my parents into trying a 2012 mac mini for their next computer, they have an ipad mini and an apple tv. The mini will really be only for email, browsing, streaming to the apple tv, and face time calls with the grand kids.

They weren't big fans of a the really small apple bluetooth keyboard and track pad. They said they would rather have a generic logitech keyboard and mouse. that and the apple stuff is way out of their price range.

Any suggestions for a good bluetooth keyboard, mouse, speakers, and camera that will work with face time?

 

[Sun Baked]

I'm using the budget wired Logitech K120 Keyboard and M100 mouse you're parents are talking about.

Nothing wrong with them, both decent products, work quite well ... with the added feature of being cheap, and not something you worry about dying/breaking.

Generally they are the ones you find on sale for $7.99 to $17.99 all the time.

The only thing you might need to do if they are used to Apple keyboards is go to (System Preferences / Keyboard / Modifier Key) and switch the Command and Option Keys.

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Funny part is, when I got the mouse at Office Depot, they tried to sell me the extended warranty on the mouse FOR MORE than the cost of the $9 mouse.

 

[gpspad]

Thanks for the keyboard settings hint.

My mother hates the wires, she wants the bluetooth and no wires.

 

[Apple06]

Any suggestions for a good bluetooth keyboard, mouse, speakers, and camera that will work with face time?

I personally have the Logitech webcam C615 and works quite well. Plug and play.

Bluetooth keyboards are generally not cheap, for good ones anyways. I used the Logitech Easy-Switch K811 Bluetooth which is back lite .. Similar in size to Apple's. Macally has a full size for about $70, http://www.macally.com/EN/?page_id=16286

 

[satcomer]

Talked my parents into trying a 2012 mac mini for their next computer, they have an ipad mini and an apple tv. The mini will really be only for email, browsing, streaming to the apple tv, and face time calls with the grand kids.

They weren't big fans of a the really small apple bluetooth keyboard and track pad. They said they would rather have a generic logitech keyboard and mouse. that and the apple stuff is way out of their price range.

Any suggestions for a good bluetooth keyboard, mouse, speakers, and camera that will work with face time?

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac do you don't have to buy batteries all the time. Plus yes it charges of house lights also.

Apple Trackpad

Logitech Z313 2.1

Logitech HD Pro Webcam

 

[anshu]

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac do you don't have to buy batteries all the time. Plus yes it charges of house lights also.

Apple Trackpad

Logitech Z313 2.1

Logitech HD Pro Webcam

The Solar Keyboard is amazing. Can't recommend it enough.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote above:
[[ My mother hates the wires, she wants the bluetooth and no wires. ]]

My advice would be to gently prod her towards a WIRED keyboard (wireless mouse will be fine).

Less problems down-the-line with a wired USB keyboard. That means less "tech support" for -you-.

 

[dvdchance]

I have a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse I bought as a bundle. They however use USB rather then bluetooth. Picked them up at Staples for about $20 plus tax. Has worked well since day 1 with my 2011 Mini.

The wireless transmitter plugs into a USB port and controls both the mouse and keyboard.

 

[poiihy]

Logitech's is best. Apple's is worst. Apple keyboards are so vulnerable to water damage. Just the tiniest drop can permanently destroy it. I've had baaaad experience with them.