[dabigkahuna]

Buried in another thread was some issues I was having trying to get an appropriate keyboard/mouse for my needs. The key factor was the mouse because I use a number of extra buttons (to enlarge and decrease text size, close the active tab in my browser, and scroll up and down as long as I hold a button down).

The scrolling wasn't too important since I usually just used the scroll wheel, but the others were very handy.

Well, earlier today I plugged my logitech PC wireless keyboard and mouse and they did the basic stuff fine, but no extra button function. I just downloaded steermouse for its 30 day trial ($20 cost if kept) because it's supposed to let you use most keyboards and mice. I now have all my main functions I wanted! Because of the Mac's Expose item, I made one change from what I had - basically eliminated a scroll button so I could access Expose. Haven't decided yet what to do with the other scroll button.

Anyway, now that I know this software works, I'll be looking for a new keyboard and mouse. The mouse cradle on my present one no longer charges the rechargable AA batteries in the mouse. Also, on my PC, sometimes one of the extra buttons got flakey and undependable. Seemed to go in streaks. If it acts up on the Mac too, I'll definitely want to replace it (the battery issue I can handle for now with an external recharger).

So, any suggestions? Still leaning towards a bluetooth keyboard because apparently all wireless usb keyboards must be plugged into the computer, not a hub while a wireless mouse (assuming I don't buy a package), can work with a hub.

The mouse needs at least 4 extra buttons - preferrably 5 (maybe I'll used the 5th for Dashboard).

Keyboard is more questionable as far as definite needs. What I have now has a keypad, arrow keys, the usual insert, home page up, delete, end, page down keys. I use delete and the arrow keys often enough. Not sure if the keypad is a big deal though. Also has various special keys:

Mute (handy)

Volume control (handy)

Don't really use the others. Of course, unless it is a keyboard FOR the mac, I'd have to see if there is any special software for it to program those keys on a mac like I found for the mouse.

Anyway, if anyone is frustrated with limited button use on mice, check out steermouse. With a 30 day trial, should be worth checking out.

[dabigkahuna]

Found another benefit to Steermouse. If this was available on my PC using the included software Logitech included, I am not aware of it. The scroll wheel accellerates as you use it. The faster you turn it, the faster more the page scrolls for a given rotation. This lets me move down longer pages MUCH quicker without having to line up with the scroll bars on a page.