Keyboard and mouse for mac mini

hk797

Looking for some recommendations on best keyboard and mouse to go with a mac mini.

Googling around this Macally seem to score high.

Is the new apple aluminum keyboard that much better than the old one?

Is there a wireless one recommended checking out?

What alternatives are there to the apple mighty mouse?

Not worried about getting a matching set.

Budget is e50 so apple keyboard and mouse wired and wireless options for e100+ is out reach.

WIll mainly be used for word docs and web - any advice much appreciated

Richard

hk797 wrote: »

Looking for some recommendations on best keyboard and mouse to go with a mac mini.

Googling around this Macally seem to score high.

Is the new apple aluminum keyboard that much better than the old one?

Is there a wireless one recommended checking out?

What alternatives are there to the apple mighty mouse?

Not worried about getting a matching set.

Budget is e50 so apple keyboard and mouse wired and wireless options for e100+ is out reach.

WIll mainly be used for word docs and web - any advice much appreciated

I quite like the Microsoft Keyboard range. They have a nice touch to them and have plenty of modifier keys. I recently got this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wireless-Optical-Desktop-4000/dp/B000ECXVQY/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1196679344&sr=8-4 - from Amazon although it was only £27 or so - now it seems to have gone up. There is a cheaper model at http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3NFY&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=microsoft+wireless+desktop&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=50310

From personal experience and other reading online, Microsoft Wireless keyboards don't have a great range - only about 1.5 metres. So bear this in mind. Battery life is supposed to be good from what I've read online.

The mouse is good too - it is comfortable to type with and includes a built-in hand rest. You get horizontal and vertical scrolling along with three buttons (including scroll wheel)

If you get a microsoft mouse/keyboard, check that it supports the mac - most do, however.

The software is comprehensive and lets you assign functions to all the extra keys although it is a bit disjointed - the non-standard keys use the Microsoft Keyboard section of "System Preferences" whereas the normal key setting are in the standard "Keyboard and mouse setting".

The other thing about using a Microsoft Windows-centric keyboard is that it says "Alt" on the command (apple) key and "start" on the option key.

Microsoft do provide a keyboard layout to match the keyboard so that the @, ", £ and € signs are in the correct place. Well, there isn't a specific Irish one, though there is a "British - Microsoft" one which matches the keyboard. (Are there significant differences between the British and Irish layouts, anyway?)

You can use stickers for the keys and I did this for my previous, wired microsoft keyboard.

If you really need a keyboard with normal Mac buttons, Microsoft do produce a Mac-specific keyboard (no windows key, option and command keys where you'd expect them). Dabs.com have it listed here http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=43B3&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=microsoft+keyboard+mac&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0 for about £28 though they have none in stock.

hk797

thanks for the advice Richard - heading off to check if any 4000 bargains on komplett, elara and viking direct - will hit chains tomorrow.

Passenger

The new Apple aluminium keyboard is terriific. I really like it. It's sleek, and feels very comfortable to use. Well worth checking out,

hk797

Thanks passenger - will hopefully see it in PC World or 3G tomorrow - assuming they carry them