Wireless Mouse: RF vs. Bluetooth

Between RF & Bluetooth, which works best in terms of power usage? The bluetooth radio (internal in my notebook) and RF adapters obtain power from the computer...so which drains power faster?

 

I think the difference is negligible. And assuming that's the case, I'd pick Bluetooth every time, no dongle needed if you have it internal.

 

But Bluetooth mice will only work with Bluetooth-enabled computers, whereas RF use standard PS2/USB ports. Right?

 

Yes, but you can get a bluetooth dongle (and I'm sure there are bluetooth mice which ship with the dongle).

 

Sorry, but what is a dongle?

 

In this context it is a small hardware device that plugs into a USB port. The dongle contains a radio receiver or transceiver that is used to communicate with the mouse and/or other hardware devices. The dongle often will resemble a USB flash drive or a USB plug w/o a cable.

 

i have the bluetooth Intellimouse that i bought as a refurb for $28. it's been the best mouse that i have ever owned. if you do not have internal bluetooth it comes with a dongle and a cradle for the dongle. the battery life has been great. i have 4 15 minute charge AA batteries. the batteries seem to last for a long time. for whatever reason there really isn't that many choices for bluetooth mice. i can't stand unnecessary wires that's why i made sure my laptop had bluetooth.

scott

 

I have been using a Logitech v270 bluetooth mouse for a couple of weeks that utilizes my computer's internal bluetooth. I have not noticed a significant difference in the battery life of my laptop. I don't think the increased battery drain is significant.

The mouse itself runs on two AA batteries. It's been on for the better part of two weeks and it is still running strong.

 

So you can enjoy both worlds. Great to know.

 

Thanks Beck.

 

bump bump

 

I use a MS Bluetooth mouse - Internal receiver (no Dongle) from my Acer 8104 - I do not see a significant decrease in battery consumption (albiet I am mostly plugged in)

I love the feel of the 'man mouse' (bigger is better) and overall it works well. A couple of doube AA batteries that power the mouse will last for monhts - so I don't even use rechargeables (and I use the Laptop daily)

Sometimes the mouse wil loose connection witht the receiver - and sometimes it takes a few trys to reconnect - this is usaully after a lengthy time of inactivity (an hour or so).

I truly enjoy 'no strings' on my Laptop (intergrated wireless as well)

 

After doing some searching around there doesn't appear to be too many appealing bluetooth mice on the market. The most interesting one I've seen so far is by Microsoft and it has been discontinued.

Perhaps I'll be forced to go RF afterall.

 

I agree, there are not many bluetooth mice available.

Currently I'm using my old MS bluetooth mouse from my keyboard/mouse combo.

I'm currently considering one of the kensington bluetooth mice.

 

I just purchased a Logitech V270 bluetooth mouse. It works great with my Asus V70Va.

I was also looking for a notebook lap desk/stand with a mouse pad so I could work on my lap. I'm happy to say I just place the mouse on the right side of the touchpad where your wrist normally is and it is perfect. When I work I, I use the mouse 80% of the time and only use the keyboard to input numbers. I realize for most people placing the mouse on that spot would be inconvenient.

Grant.