Best External Keyboard and Mouse pair for Java Development on MacBook Pro?

[Unnsse Khan]

Am a Java developer who is fortunate enough to use his MacBook Pro for development. The tools I use are Eclipse, Tomcat, and SVN.

I use a brand new 15" MacBook Pro (running Snow Leopard) at work where I connect to an 24" Acer Monitor and Logitech keyboard and Logitech mouse using a wireless receiver which connects to one of my USB ports on my laptop. Connect to the Acer LCD Monitor via the Mini DVI cable.

Its really useful to be able to drag and drop items between two monitors (one being the screen on my MacBook Pro, the other being the screen on my Acer LCD).

However, my keyboard is old and I am seeking what the best external keyboard and mouse pair is for my needs. I need it to connect to a wireless receiver (so I can connect that to my USB port on my laptop) and have the keyboard and mouse connect with the wireless receiver. I don't really like the small wireless keyboard that Apple sells.

Question(s):

(1) What is the *BEST* wireless keyboard and mouse that would suit my needs?

(2) Would the keyboard automatically map with my Apple Command and Option keys? And, if I disconnected it from my laptop would my MacBook Pro's keys become back to normal or would I have to manually map the keys (between laptop and external keyboard) everytime I disconnect them?

Thank you for taking the time to read this...

[Gregg Bolinger]

(1) What is the *BEST* wireless keyboard and mouse that would suit my needs?

No one can answer what is best for you, but you.

(2) Would the keyboard automatically map with my Apple Command and Option keys? And, if I disconnected it from my laptop would my MacBook Pro's keys become back to normal or would I have to manually map the keys (between laptop and external keyboard) everytime I disconnect them?

Apple makes an external keyboard, both wired and wireless (bluetooth) which is just like your laptop keyboard.

http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

[Mark Spritzler]

Yeah, I like the Apple Keyboard and Mice. I want to get the wireless keyboard and the newer wireless mouse, what was that called?

Mark

[Unnsse Khan]

I like the Magic Mouse but I don't like how small the Apple Wireless Keyboard is.

The problem with most new really good external keyboards is that they come with a mouse (inside the box).

Does anyone know of a good wireless keyboard (such as a Logitech) which would suit my needs?

I always thought that with Bluetooth, you could only pair one device at a time (I experienced this on my old PowerBook).

Has anyone tried the Logitech DiNovo Edge (Mac Edition) or something comparable?

http://lowendmac.com/misc/08mr/dinovo-edge-macintosh.html

Happy programming.

[Gregg Bolinger]

I actually use Apple keyboards on my non-mac machines as well. I can't hardly stand those plastic PC keyboards with the fat raised keys anymore. That logetic keyboard looks like more of the same.

[Unnsse Khan]

Cool, but can't Macs only pair with one device at a time?

[Gregg Bolinger]

Unnsse Khan wrote:Cool, but can't Macs only pair with one device at a time?

My 13" Macbook can pair with more than 1 device.

[Andrew Monkhouse]

Unnsse Khan wrote:Cool, but can't Macs only pair with one device at a time?

Most devices can only pair with one host at a time, but most hosts can pair with many devices. I've had 4 devices simultaneously paired with my MacBook Pro.

[Dave Brown]

Not sure if it's affected anyone else but has anyone had wrist issue's with the latest apple mouse?

I started using an iMac two weeks ago, with the wireless small keyboard and magic mouse. At first I loved the magic mouse with it's lack of bulk yet still great functionality, but after a few days started getting pretty harsh aching sensations in my wrist (no rude comments please!). I persevered in case I'd just sprained it doing something else (again no comments please!) but it got worse so I've had to switch back to my old wired Logitech mouse.

I think it's probably due to the low height of the magic mouse and the fact there's no 'curve' to it. Shame really as I know it's just aesthetics but it does look nice, and works well.

So curious if anyone else has had issues like that?

PS. As for wireless keyboards/mice, I know logitech have a new bundle coming out soon that has a battery life of years and not weeks! I hope they'll do them in white :-)

[Bear Bibeault]

I have a history of tendonitis due to mouse issues, so for the past 6 years or so I have used a trackball.

Currently:


(clickable)

No more pain problems.