Alternate option for wireless keyboard/mouse

[Packin]

I have a projection screen setup with chairs/couches more than six feet away from where I hook the computer up to the projector. As I understand it, the furthest away that I can be with a wireless keyboard/mouse is six feet and that obviously will not work with my setup.

Is this truly the maximum range for wireless peripherals? If so, is there another option (other than extension cables, I would rather not have people tripping over wires) that would allow me to get the range I want?

The minimum range I'm looking at is approximately 18 feet, with hopefully a maximum range of 24.5 feet. There are no obstacles blocking a reciever from the keyboard/mouse. Thanks in advance.

-Packin-

 

[Confused]

I can use my Logitech Cordless iTouch keyboard, and Cordless Mouseman Optical from the other side of the room...which is about 15ft away.

I can also use it about 12ft direct, but going through the floor, from the computer upstairs to me sitting downstairs


Confused

 

[Packin]

Hmm, that's close but my minimum of 18 feet really is the minimum. I would have to sit on the floor if it is any closer :frown:. Can anyone maybe test how far away they can go with their wireless keyboard/mouse? Still looking for an alternative. Thanks a bunch.

-Packin-

 

[shikhan]

My roomate has used his wireless keyboard to contorll his music from our living room, which is about 20ft away.

 

[Packin]

Shikhan,

What type of keyboard was that, and was it consistent to use? Or did it sometimes not work? Thanks.

-Packin-

 

[shikhan]

Taking a peak, it was Logitech Cordless Desktop Pro. As for if it always worked, I /think/ so but i'll ask him when he gets back today in a few hours

 

[hjo3]

If money's no object, you could go with the GyroRemote and Mobile Keyboard. It's $300, but has a range of 100 ft.

Or the VP6241 Wireless RF Combo Keyboard for $180. Also has a range of 100 ft.

 

[Packin]

Ah, good stuff. Thank you very much. Those higher end models are a bit too much for me, but the Interlink company seems to have lower end models that go about 30 feet and may work for me.

-Packin-

 

[Confused]

Packin,

My tests were as far away as I could go, as my room isn't any bigger! Also, I think that 12ft through a floor is pretty good, so you should be able to get 18ft out of it. You give me a bigger room (maybe buy me a house with bigger rooms? ) and i'll test it out further for you.


Confused

 

[yabanci]

Somebody mentioned the 110' gyration mouse/keyboard combo for $300, which would be overkill for you.

BUT, gyration ALSO sells a 25' wireless mouse/keyboard combo that would be perfect for you, and it sells for only $99. You can use the mouse as a mouse or a remote. The keyboard is tiny, basically like a laptop keyboard with multimedia controls. I have one and I think it's the greatest keyboard ever. You can get it at any of the office supply stores or an online retailer. http://www.gyration.com/ultra.htm -- click on where to buy.

 

[Dulanic]

My Logitech easily gets 25' or more as long as it's open space.

 

[Mday]

if it's USB, you can get away with using a powered usb hub, to mount\place the receiver in a more open location.

 

[Shagga]

Microsoft wireless desktop with Bluetooth is able to work up to 30 feet away...I have this KB and Mouse and it's true.

 

[yabanci]

By the way, I just tested the gyration keyboard I linked to previously. It's rated for 25', but I was able to walk out of the room, down the hallway, out the front door, and halfway down our long driveway and type anything I wanted to. I was able to walk out of the room, down the hallway, through the living room, and into the back yard and sit there using the multimedia keys to change songs on winamp and turn the volume up and down. This thing kicks serious a**, for only $79, $99 if you get it with the mouse. And if you get a $20 of $100 coupon code for staples, you can get the combo for $80 with free shipping.

http://www.gyration.com/ultra.htm

 

[MIDIman]

Can't find many places with the gyration stuff - Staples has one here - its 100' but its still over $100. Where can I get one of these in the price range of the others?


Also - which of these will actually work past walls? I have my computer room, but I'm going to be stretching tv-out to a TV in another room and need a keyboard / mouse solution to stretch over there - its probably only about 30' max if there was no wall there. Would any of these products work or do all of the lower end ones have to be in line of sight?

 

[MangoTBG]

I'm surprised there aren't any Logitech MX Duo votes. My MX700 goes a good 15+ feet, I'm sure the keyboard will have no problem doing the same as it utilizes the same reciever.



Edit: BTW, it's sub $100 from Newegg, shipped.

 

[MIDIman]

again - but will these products go through walls or does it have to be in line of sight. what technology should i look for in spec sheets that show for a product that can be wireless without line of sight?

Originally posted by: MangoTBG
I'm surprised there aren't any Logitech MX Duo votes. My MX700 goes a good 15+ feet, I'm sure the keyboard will have no problem doing the same as it utilizes the same reciever.



Edit: BTW, it's sub $100 from Newegg, shipped.

 

[yabanci]

Originally posted by: MIDIman
Can't find many places with the gyration stuff - Staples has one here - its 100' but its still over $100. Where can I get one of these in the price range of the others?


Also - which of these will actually work past walls? I have my computer room, but I'm going to be stretching tv-out to a TV in another room and need a keyboard / mouse solution to stretch over there - its probably only about 30' max if there was no wall there. Would any of these products work or do all of the lower end ones have to be in line of sight?

The only one that I know of that works through walls is the gyration ultra keybard (maybe others do, I just don't know). The specs say it has a 25' range, but I own one and based on my experience with it the range is much greater than that, probably about 75' or more -- I suppose 25' is the guaranteed minimum. Because it uses radio frequency, there is no line of sight requirement. That is why it can go through walls, etc. As I mentioned, I use it in my back yard, at least 60' away and through 3 or 4 walls. The keyboard is tiny and weighs next to nothing. Please note that the keypad is basically the same as the keypad on a notebook computer; it's not the typical desktop keyboard with the big clunky keys. The exact keyboard is here: http://www.gyration.com/ultrasuite.htm

I think there might be confusion because at all the retail outlets and online retailers you can only get the keyboard as part of the keyboard/mouse suite. Since I didn't want the mouse because I already had a wireless mouse, I emailed gyration to ask if the keyboard was available without the mouse. About a week later I got an email from one of their distributors (Cummings & Associates) who sells the keyboard only. I paid $69 for the keyboard/usb-receiver and $4.50 for ups ground shipping (no tax). I received the keyboard two days after I made the order and received very good, personlized customer service. This company has a 45 day return for refund policy. You can email Cummings & Associates at RCumming3@aol.com or call (858) 503-1227 to order. Hope this helps.