Although
the keyboard and mouse are very basic
components of a computer system, you
actually have a wide range of choice
when it comes to what types you use.
You can choose a low
cost, plain keyboard and a simple
rollerball mouse to save money, or you
can go to the extent of buying a
cordless version that is ergonomically
designed to be more comfortable and
user-friendly.
The deciding factor in
choosing your model of keyboard and
mouse will be how often you use your
computer.
If you
use it occasionally, then a standard,
money-saving keyboard and mouse will
work fine.
However, if you are on
your computer many hours a day, you
might consider looking into ergonomic
models that will help you avoid sore
wrists and which don't wear out very
easily.
The
ergonomic style of keyboards will keep
you from spending too many hours typing
on a keyboard at an uncomfortable angle.
Recommendations: Stick to
the brands like Microsoft, IBM and
Logitech.
Optical / Laser Mouse
If you don't feel like disassembling
your mouse every few days just to clean
its rollers, then you might want to look
into using a laser mouse. Optical laser
mice have no rollerball, so they don't
get clogged up with dirt.
They work by sending a
beam of light straight down to the table
and using that to control the movement
of your mouse cursor.
Laser mice are also more
accurate than standard rollerball mice
and can be used on nearly any clean,
flat surface. Of course, as with most
things that are technologically
superior, laser mice are also more
expensive.
Cordless Keyboards &
Mice
You can also buy a cordless mouse and
keyboard, which work on infrared. This
will allow you to sit far back from your
computer rather than be trapped at your
computer desk.
The main drawback of such
devices is that they are
battery-operated. If you are using
standard batteries and spend a good
amount of time at your computer, those
batteries will wear out very quickly.
