Any longer range wireless keyboard/mouse combos?

[Staz]

I am about to build an HTPC system to hook up to my 53" projection TV. Problem I am facing is that there is about 15' from my entertainment center to my coffee table, where the keyboard and mouse would go. I think that would be pushing a normal wireless keyboard/mouse, so does anyone know of any that offer a longer range, like 15'-20'?

 

[Staz]

After doing a little research of my own, it seems most standard wireless keyboard/mouse combos only have a range of around 6-feet. Looks like I would need an extanded range combo or a bluetooth one. Problem is I dont want to spend a ton, under $50 if I can. I can eBay the MS Bluetooth combo for around that, but was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions?

I would need at least a 15-foot range for this to work.

 

[akira34]

Not cheap, but check out these from Logitech... I've had 10000x better luck with Logitech keyboards and mice than those made by m$...

 

[Staz]

Originally posted by: akira34
Not cheap, but check out these from Logitech... I've had 10000x better luck with Logitech keyboards and mice than those made by m$...

*gasp*

$180 for the cheap one...umm...NO!

 

[akira34]

I told you it wasn't cheap. If you want long range wireless [bluetooth] (which is what you need if you want to go over 6') then you're going to pay. At least for now. Of course, you COULD put the receiver closer to where you'll sit and then have the keyboard and mouse within the 6' range of the old technology wireless. Get an USB extension cable and you might be able to stretch it even more. Of course, that might not be as pretty as you want, but if you're too cheap to pay, then that's what you'll need to do.

Also, I won't buy any techology off of ebay that's not brand new, or has a warranty that can be transferred to the new owner and still have a long period left. This goes for ANYTHING with electronic or moving parts from cases to mice to memory to drives of all kinds. If the manufacturer won't cover something that's changed owners, then the warranty is useless and I wouldn't recommend ANYONE get the item.

BTW, that's just the prices listed on Logitech's site... Do some searching, I'm sure you can get it from a legit source for less. Actually a FAST search on newegg (use the search function) shows that they have it for $145 (the Cordless Desktop MX for Bluetooth). The diNovo is listing for $189 there... Check with other resellers, you might be able to get either for even less.

 

[tyanni]

All you really should need is a Radio Frequency (RF) Keyboard/mouse, as they generally have longer range. However, you still need to check the range to make sure.

Here is one for 80 or so:

http://www.fentek-ind.com/rf-w...s-keyboard.htm#kbmrftb


EDIT - here is one which is cheaper, 59, and it works to 7m - about 20 feet if my math is correct.

http://www.adesso.us//product_...f%5Fid=KA33ACK%2D571PB

 

[sparkyclarky]

A standard MS wireless setup would be fine. All that you need to do is have the wireless receiver within sight. The range isn't bad if it's not obstructed.

 

[imported_Je55e]

check out this bad boy
mite be out of ur price range, but who knows

http://accessories.gateway.com/Accessor...16611/1973350_proddetail.htm?ref=merch

 

[imported_Je55e]

now here a rich mans keyboard

http://accessories.gateway.com/Accessor...08/Keyboards_316611/2537352_ProdDetail


LOL

check out the price on that bad boy... and its NOT even WIRELESS

 

[nuschu]

You can get Gyration sets for under $100... the only problem is that you wouldn't be able to game with them...

http://www.gyration.com/ultragt-fsk.htm

http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/GYM448505.html?pcode=1

http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/SM140251.html?pcode=1


Im stuck in the same connundrum right now...

How far can you extend a USB cable anyway?

 

[beverage]

it's hard to get a standard wireless keyboard/mouse combo for under $50... let alone one with "long range"

 

[CyberZenn]

I was in the same boat as the OP, but I wanted to be able to use my setup for gaming too. I got a logitech MX1000 and the LX 700 desktop. The LX700's keyboard and reciever work with the mx1000, and I probably have the mouse and keyboard 12' from the reciever with no line of sight. So basically its the same as the new MX 3100 desktop, but I have an extra mouse (pretty much useless) and base station (used as a remote charger). Total cost ~ $120. You could probably get it for closer to $100 if you are patient enough to wait for deals.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: Staz
I am about to build an HTPC system to hook up to my 53" projection TV. Problem I am facing is that there is about 15' from my entertainment center to my coffee table, where the keyboard and mouse would go. I think that would be pushing a normal wireless keyboard/ mouse, so does anyone know of any that offer a longer range, like 15'-20'?

There were several threads about this at AVS Forum. I forgot the conclusion, but I'll be visiting there later today anyway, and edit this for a URL if I find one of the threads there that was suitably pertinent.

OK, did that, and I'm back. The long thread I found wasn't particularly conclusive, though -- any time the word "best" is in the title, you get little in the way of agreement. I added a new comment of my own, while I was at AVS, in the particular thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5166312#post5166312

(Boy, I still miss the individual emoticon type flags for replies. I'd be using the exclamation point for this comment.)