Rod Speed wrote:
> paulmd@efn.org wrote:
> > bryant.rossiter@gmail.com wrote:
> >> Hey Guys,
> >>
> >> I am planning to build my first computer. It will mainly serve as a
> >> gaming computer, as well a school tool. The OS will be Windows XP Pro
> >> (from my old computer). Here are my core components, first revision:
> >>
> >> ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
> >> AMD 64 X2 5000+ Windsor
> >> Geforce 7950GT KO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16
> >> Segate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA (x2)
> >> RAID 0 configuration
> >> Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) System Memory
> >> (x2) NEC DVD+R 3550A
> >> Samsung 204B
> >> NeoPower 550W
> >> Antec P-180B Case
> >> Logitech MX1000
> >> Logitech G15
> >>
> >> Do you think that all these pieces will function well together? Here
> >> is a list of the games that I would like to play on it: Rise of
> >> Nations, Rise of Legends, Civilization 4, Command and Conquer: The
> >> First Decade, Command and Conquer 3 (when it comes out), and Star
> >> Wars: Empire at War. My price window is $2100 - 2400. Thanks for the
> >> help.
>
> > I've never been fond of wireless keyboards and mice
> > because of the basic need to keep them powered.
>
> Completely routine when they are properly designed.

Routine if properly designed. Still annoying to change the battery when
you really have better things to do. Even if it takes 10 seconds, it's
simply not an issue with a wired keyboard. And 10 seconds means
something in games.
>
> > And because they're less reliable than wired keyboards,
>
> Pure drivel.
>
EVERYTHING wireless is vunelrable to inteferece and limits of range.
Cell phones are less reliable than land lines, cable is more reliable
than rabbit ears and sattellite. Reliability is sacrificed to
portability. At a pricehike.

Wired keyboards just work. Wireless ones have to be babysat.

> > and that's NOT a good thing in gameplay.
> > Interference, low battery, and so on.
>
> Completely trivial to ensure you cant get a low battery when it matters.

Babysitting that is completely unnecessiary with a wired system.

> > Also, there are a small handful of games that actually support the LCD
> > thing on your keyboard. And most of those need a patch applied first.
>
> > http://www.logitech.com/promotions/p...ontentid=11264
>
> Maybe he doesnt care with games.

He still needs to be informed. Why pay for the LCD screen when he can't
use it? It's a hundred dollar keyboard. And a $50 mouse. You can get
wired ones MUCH cheaper, and not have to maintain them or change their
diapers, put them to bed or any such nonsense.

A black Usb keyboard has be had for $10-$25, even under $5. A mouse can
be had for next to nothing.

http://www.provantage.com/kensington-64370~7KNSK00L.htm
http://www.onsale.com/shop/detail.as..._id=bwbfroogle


And you may have not noticed, but Games are his primary reason for
having the system.

>
> > I haven't turned up any obvious hardware incompatibilities. The
> > budget is your own problem to solve, though avoid tiger direct. There
> > have been multiple complaints on these newsgroups and other forums. I
> > don't know which, if any of your products are being offered there,
> > but just in case....
>
> > Other than my preference to lose the wireless keyboard
> > and mouse, you've got a respectable system. Some
> > people swear by wireless mice, I just swear AT them.
>
> More fool you, there are plenty of decent ones around.

After the first couple I tried, I've encountered the same issues over
and over again. And trying the same thing over and over again and
expecting different results is just dumb.

Multiple computers in proximity with same brand mouse: problem, dead
battery; problem, having to press the reset button: problem. Other
wireless devices may intefere, and reduce the effective range of the
mouse/ keyboard: problem. Pluging in a keyboard and watching it Just
Work is by far more reliable, with virtually no maintinence, AND
cheaper.

And wireless mice and keyboards AREN'T that wireless, you still have to
plug in a sending unit, often a bulky, ackward one. Recent ones have
improved, but not enough.

If you're happy with yours, I won't make you change them. But chosing
between cheap technology with no maintainence, and expensive, and less
reliable techology with high maintainence and few, if any benefits, is
a no-brainer.