Wireless Keyboards Evolve

A keyboard and mouse may not have the sex appeal of a new LCD, but everybody has to have them--and two wireless bundles are proof that you can improve upon the basics without spending a fortune.

A4Tech's $80 Full Comfort Wireless Desktop bundle includes a unique keyboard that has a numeric keypad on its left side (most keypads reside on the right). The placement of the keypad is a boon for left-handed users, but as a righty I didn't take long to adapt (I had more problems with the main keyboard's oddly shaped keys). A4Tech cleverly leaves the cursor-arrow keys on the right side, so you can navigate with your right hand and insert numbers with your left.

The bundle also has a basic scroll mouse; both devices use standard RF technology. The wireless PS/2 receiver ingeniously doubles as a recharger for the included batteries, which makes this distinctive and comfortable set even more of a bargain.

Interlink Electronics' $99 VersaPoint Communicator bundle targets mobile users, providing a wireless keyboard and mouse, plus a handheld presentation remote control. All three units work well at up to 30 feet from the standard RF receiver, which is a thumb-size USB dongle.

Interlink's small scroll-wheel mouse is more suited for travel than for continuous desktop work. The highly responsive remote has preset buttons that are ready to use for Microsoft PowerPoint slide shows. The keyboard takes two AA batteries; the mouse, two AAA batteries; and the remote, a single flat camera battery. All batteries are included.

Both of these keyboards are well made: Lefties will embrace the Full Comfort keyboard; frequent travelers will appreciate the VersaPoint bundle.