Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

I use the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. I originally bought my Apple BT mouse for travel with my PowerBook because it is fairly small and portable. I now use it as my primary mouse; it is fantastic.

I bought the Apple wireless keyboard when my primary computer was my PowerBook. It meant that if I was home I could use a more comfortable keyboard when at my desk and not have to connect and disconnect cables to and from my PowerBook all the time. I already liked the design of the Apple keyboard so I stuck with it when purchasing my BT keyboard.

I use both with my iMac now. They are excellent and I can't imagine switching. The design fits the computer and functionality is everything that one could need.

Well, until a BT MightyMouse is released!

If you decide to get a non-Apple wireless mouse and keyboard, you may need to keep a USB mouse and keyboard nearby. Apple does not support using third-party wireless devices to initiate the Startup Manager (holding down "option" at startup), starting up in FireWire Target Disk Mode (holding down "t" at startup), booting from a CD or DVD (holding down "c" at startup) or running in single user mode. However, they do support using their own hardware. This isn't to say it won't work just fine, but there could be some things you can't do.

-Doug

Are you sure you're correct on this? The reason I ask is that the Bluetooth (let alone any Bluetooth connection) on my PowerBook is in no way started early enough to even remotely be in the position to get into the startup manager. I doubt that Bluetooth on a mini would be much different.

And yes, I have an Apple wireless keyboard.

Yes. In fact, I can startup my G4 Cube, with the D-Link DBT-120 USB Bluetooth adapter plugged in, and get the Startup Manager using my Apple Wireless keyboard. How else would Apple be able to sell iMacs with only the wireless keyboard option if you couldn't startup from the install disk using the wireless keyboard? Current Macs that have the built-in Bluetooth or are using an up-to-date D-Link DBT-120 USB Bluetooth adapter and an Apple Wireless keyboard and/or mouse can use them even if the Mac OS is not running completely. However, third party Bluetooth devices may or may not work.

Exactly which model PowerBook do you have? If it's an aluminum PowerBook (ports on the sides) and you have a built-in Bluetooth module that has up-to-date firmware, then you should be able to use your Apple Wireless keyboard to startup from a CD or open the Startup Manager.

-Doug

Hi Doug,

I received my Apple Wireless Keyboard this Monday and am happily using it with my iBook G4 (I ordered the iBook with the Bluetooth module included). Loving it! Only thing is that I have to remember to turn it off before I go to bed and I wish the on/off button wasn't on the bottom of the silly thing.

Donna

Yes. In fact, I can startup my G4 Cube, with the D-Link DBT-120 USB Bluetooth adapter plugged in, and get the Startup Manager using my Apple Wireless keyboard.

You're right! It does work! You learn something every day. 🙂

I bought the Apple wireless keyboard and mouse (bluethoot connection) and I've had zero problems, the battery life seems pretty good. I use mine for about 20 hours a week and they are 3 months old and no sign of them running out yet.

Doug,

I received a Mac Mini with Apple BlueTooth KB and Mouse about 3 months ago. I loved the KB, the Mouse was one-button, otherwise worked fine.

A few weeks ago, I ordered a Wacom BlueTooth Tablet, cause I like to draw. The fact that it came with a two button Mouse with scrollbar was secondary. I now use this tablet with Mouse exclusively. I love it. You can use the pen for art, use the mouse for everything else.