MS Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse $90 at Fry's

[tji]

This is definintely a YMMV thing.. At my local Fry's, in Sunnyvale, CA, they had several Microsoft Bluetooth KDB/Mouse combinations for $89. It comes with the keyboard, mouse, and a USB Bluetooth receiver.

Like many things in Fry's, the only units available were returns, but I thought I would take a chance on it. It seemed like a good deal, since the MS Bluetooth mouse was available across the aisle for $79. They also had logitech bluetooth kbd/mouse combinations, but they are ridiculously expensive. Apple also has a bluetooth keyboard and mouse for $69/ea. The keyboard is really nice, like all the other Apple keyboards. But, the mouse is the standard one-button type. I prefer multiple buttons and the scroller..

It works with my 15" PowerBook G4's bluetooth (the one-button trackpad is about my only complaint about this great laptop).

 

[richardycc]

you might want to read some of the reviews on this combo first.

 

[tji]

Yes, I had some concerns about buying it. Not because of the reviews.. most of the reviews I checked gave it decent ratings. But, almost all of the product boxes at Fry's had the returned stickers on them. Usually this is a very bad sign if they are consistently returned. But, I took a chance - figuring I could return it if it didn't work well for me.

But, I have found that both the keyboard and mouse work well for me. My 15" PowerBook G4 works with both of them. Some of the function keys work, but others don't. The volume keys work. The Windows key functions as the Apple/Command key.

Maybe it was the Bluetooth receiver that gave people problems.. My receiver is built into my laptop. Or, maybe it's just the crappy Microsoft OS's that cause the problem.

(This makes my third MS mouse, and second MS keyboard I own.. I use MS hardware a lot more than MS software. I primarily use MacOS X and Linux OS's. I suppose that puts me in some very odd minority.)

 

[bradolson]

you can also get it at amazon for $71.94 shipped:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006Y0CW

 

[Interitus]

Did you need any driver install for the Mac? I'm currently trying to sell the mouse that comes with that (didn't buy the package, just the mouse a long time ago) but I seem to have misplaced the CD. Last I checked MS made you use the cd for drivers and there weren't any downloads available for it....

 

[xerocool]

sold out in sd cept for one returned box

 

[edwardhchan]

Theoretically, no, you don't need drivers for this at all. The drivers just enable the extra buttons on the keyboard and mouse.

 

[DavemanUT]

Believe me, you need drivers for this thing. My roomie has it. It's been the biggest pain in the @ss. Don't bother folks.

D.C.