As I arrive at the place where I work every morning, I grab a light breakfast from the café downstairs to get a nourishing start to the day.Unfortunately, I eat while I work, so from time to time have to wipe peanut butter off my mouse. I also regularly have to take a rag to my once pristine white keyboard, which is turning grey from newspaper ink on my fingers.
Over time, these peripherals need cleansing. Or an upgrade.
Fellowes has a partial answer, a line of products coated with what’s called Microban, an antimicrobial protection.
According to a product sheet, Microban protects against most common bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi that can cause product deterioration.
Fellows offers buyers a choice several standard and wireless keyboards and mice as well as mouse pads that have been Microbanned.
All are black, which at least has the advantage of disguising food and ink stains.
I tried the $139.99 Cordless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, which not only help keep a user sanitary, but wireless as well.
The units only work with Windows 98SE systems and up. In fact, that’s the only OS that needs the supplied driver. For all other computers, installation will be simple: After loading two AA batteries (not included) into the keyboard and the three-button mouse, just plug the wireless receiver into a USB slot.
(Hint: The receiver is the mouse-shaped unit that has a 1.8 metre cord. It’s a good length in case your PC is under the desk.)
Win2000
You don’t need to shut the system or reboot. On my test Win2000 system it was immediately recoginized. Pressing a button on the bottom of the keyboard and on the mouse synched them with the receiver.
The mouse followed my hand swiftly, but the keyboard had a slight lag, although some may not notice it. Along with the standard number of keys, the keyboard has a number of dedicated buttons, some of which worked flawlessly, such as launching Interet Explorer, Outlook Express, and opening the favourites list and controlling Windows Media Player.
The keyboard has a nice touch, and a handrest for those who need it.
However, I couldn’t make the cut, copy and paste buttons work, and the skimpy manual had no advice. Beef up the manual and this combo maykeep you satisfied, and cleaner.