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General discussion

Wireless keyboard, mouse and rechargeable batteries

Jul 25, 2004 12:17PM PDT

I have an HP Pavilion a527x PC with a wireless keyboard and mouse. At this point, I've only had this computer a bit over a month and I've already had to change the batteries (got the computer June 16, changed the batteries July 11). I changed the batteries for both on July 11 and not quite 2 weeks later (July 22) I was getting a message that the batteries are low in the mouse. Although the manual specifically states that you shouldn't use rechargeable batteries, I was wondering if anyone ever has? If so, what was your experience with the rechargeables? Did the mouse and/or keyboard work just fine? Did you have problems while using the rechargeables? If I'm going to have to change the batteries every 2-ish weeks, this is going to get expensive but it'll make those who own stock in battery manufacturers happy. Any comments/suggestions are welcome.

Discussion is locked

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Re: Wireless keyboard, mouse and rechargeable batteries
Jul 25, 2004 12:29PM PDT

The issue is simple. Rechargables won't last long since the mAH rating is usually 1/2 that or less of an Alkaline. Most rechargables also don't hit the full 1.5 Volts and instead run at about 1.3 to 1.4. As such, the bi-weekly charging may be annoying.

If you don't want to do this or don't want to use batteries, go back to wired units.

Bob

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Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
Dec 24, 2013 9:07AM PST

Well, I have an HP Omni and the keyboard and mouse eats batteries at the rate of about 2 per month in the mouse. So in reference to your answer is that the only option, to go back to a wired keyboard/mouse? This is a very old post so I wonder if there has been any improvements. I also wonder if this is a problem on all computer brands or is it just HP? My mouse/keyboard use the same USB connection so if I replace one I have to replace the other, I think. (Who thought of this setup anyway?) SO....if I just replace the mouse would this eliminate the problem? Will the mouse be in conflict with the keyboard if I change it out like this?

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YES there has been improvements
Dec 25, 2013 12:24AM PST

But for your setup it may not apply. For example the newer Logitech mice such as their M510 seems to get 6 or more months on a pair of AAs. I have yet to see any conflict there but want to leave with a note. I don't install any Logitech software or driver. I use it with whatever Windows/Linux drivers offer.
Bob