Whether it's a mouse, keyboard or hub you need, we've got your plug-in needs covered with our Australian review of thirty different PC peripherals.

There are some things that are absolutely stock standard PC parts, and for the most part, people don't really pay much attention to them. Users will drool over speedier CPUs, obsess over chunkier graphics cards and fall over themselves to get thinner, lighter and bigger monitors, but when it comes to more mundane PC parts, it's often an absolute afterthought.

When you think about it, this is quite odd. Sure, you're not going to get very far without the above components, but equally speaking, every operating system out there still needs the basic peripherals in order to function. About the only category of computer users who do seem to care about peripherals are gamers, who can't afford to put up with substandard gear.

The rest of us tend to just put up with whatever we've got, no matter what problems it may cause. A poor keyboard or mouse can be an exercise in frustration, and more to the point, a great way to pick up some nasty repetitive strain injuries.

In that spirit we've gathered thirty different peripherals and evaluated them so that you don't have to. We've altered our standard review style for these peripheral reviews; you don't want to spend ages reading through a long review when a simpler style will tell you what you need to know. Each review breaks into the good and bad points of each peripheral, as well as a final verdict on the relative merits of each. We've also modified our Editor's picks to differentiate between the exceedingly different price points of most of these peripherals. As there were only a small number of non keyboard/mouse peripherals in this roundup, we've only awarded Editor's Choice awards to keyboards and mice.

Belkin Combo Mouse: USB and PS2

The Good: The Combo mouse is essentially the non-optical version of Belkin's Optical Mouse USB and PS/2. Like that mouse, the Combo USB/PS2 connectivity is managed via a dongle that plugs into the USB end of the mouse. Shaped for a similar experience no matter what hand you use.

The Bad: As with the optical version, the bland shape could be poor for some hands, especially for extended use. It's also extremely light, which some users might find annoying. The supplied driver isn't entirely brimming with configuration options, either.

The Verdict: At the AU$29.95 price, we'd plumb for the optical version of this mouse, which is only AU$10 more, and has the same ability to work in PS/2 or USB modes.

Belkin USB Mouse

The Good: The first three-button mouse we've encountered for ages, the USB mouse sells itself on simplicity. You can install Belkin's Mouse application, but all that does is set the priority for the third button; some versions of Windows may allow you to do this automatically anyway.

The Bad: Like every other ball mouse, a mouse pad is strongly advised. Three buttons may be good for gamers, but for productivity a wheel would be better.

The Verdict: The second-cheapest mouse in our roundup (the Kensington 2 button ValuMouse is cheaper); the Belkin USB Mouse is a perfect example of getting what you pay for.

Belkin Optical USB/PS2 Mouse

The Good: The cheapest optical mouse in our roundup, but otherwise a very standard optical mouse. The PS2/USB part is managed the same way that every other vendor tends to do it; via a USB to PS2 converter dongle. On most operating systems, it should be driverless. Shaped for a similar experience no matter what hand you use.

The Bad: The bland shape could be poor for some hands, especially for extended use. It's also extremely light, which some users might find annoying. As it's essentially driverless, you're not looking at lots of configuration options the way you might with a more expensive mouse.

The Verdict: A decent mouse for the money, but don't expect miracles.

Belkin Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

The Good: If you need wireless and are on a very tight budget, the Belkin Wireless Keyboard and Mouse is the cheapest combo on the market today. The ball mouse could (in theory) utilise less power than an always-on optical mouse.

The Bad: No additional launch buttons on the keyboard, which is just a plain 104 key model. The reset buttons are quite recessed, which makes connecting a touch tricky. Like all other wireless keyboards, no indicators for Num, Scroll and Caps lock; you have to rely on onscreen indicators.

The Verdict: If you must have wireless, but are strapped for cash, the Belkin Wireless Keyboard and Mouse is a no-frills option. You can definitely get better wireless keyboards and mice if you can stump up the extra cash, though.

Kensington 2-Port MiniHub

The Good: A simple and small way to add an additional bus-powered USB hub to your notebook or desktop PC, and quite literally a plug and forget kind of operation.

The Bad: The USB cable that comes with the MiniHub is exceedingly short, which pretty much precludes it from serious desktop use. Being bus-powered, it won't work with USB peripherals that need additional power.

The Verdict: The MiniHub is a nice piece of extremely portable technology, but only those with ultra-light notebooks that have easy-to-reach USB ports should apply.

Kensington 4-Port MiniHub

The Good: A four port powered USB 1.1 hub with a small travelling size. Powered hubs are preferable to non-powered ones, as you should be able to run any USB appliance from them. While the base plug provided is for US use, international adaptors for Aussie and UK use are supplied, so you can travel with the hub.

The Bad: Like the 2-Port MiniHub, the cable is too short for anything but notebook use.

The Verdict: A good hub let down by a too-short USB cable. Good for notebook users.

Kensington Fly Light

The Good: It doesn't get much simpler than this; a USB plug, a length of flexible cable and a tiny blue LED light at one end. Plug it in, and as long as your USB port supplies power, the LED shines. It's useful for notebook users on long haul trips, or, as we discovered, at the back of a PC where you can't quite make out the ports due to bad lighting. It's also the only peripheral we've reviewed that doesn't even need an operating system, let alone drivers.

The Bad: The tight integration of the bulb means that once it blows, it's totally dead. The concentration of light on one area of a notebook screen could also acerbate eye strain if left on for too long. It might not draw much power, but it still needs some power from your notebook, which will drain the battery more rapidly.

The Verdict: The Fly Light´s probably the least serious peripheral we've reviewed in this roundup. It does its job well and can be twisted into comical shapes if you're quite bored.

Kensington KeyHub

The Good: A numeric keypad with two USB ports on the top edge, which is a pretty niche market. We like the fact that every aspect of the device has its own light, which makes it easy to check Num Lock status and USB status at the same time.

The Bad: Numeric keys are quite stiff and have a little travel. No manual is supplied at all. As there's no clip to attach to a notebook, you'd also need some solid space to put the keypad down. An unpowered USB hub may not work all the USB devices you'd expect it to; in our testing some USB storage devices flickered in and out of a usable state when connected to the KeyHub

The Verdict: At this price, the KeyHub seems a little expensive for what it offers. You could opt for a full keyboard at cheaper rates than this, and two USB ports only adds one (once it's plugged in) extra level of connectivity to the package. Recommended only if you must travel as light as possible and can't do without a numeric keypad.

Kensington Mouse-In-A-Box Optical

The Good: Unlike the other Kensington mice in our roundup, the MIAB Optical has a pleasant shape and decent scroll wheel. It's driverless unless you choose to download Kensington's MouseWorks software, and comes with a quite good manual explaining proper ergonomic mousing technique.

The Bad: At twice the price of its ValuMouse brand, we can't help but feel that the Mouse-In-A-Box Optical should offer more than just optical technology.

The Verdict: It's AU$10 more than the similar budget Belkin Optical mouse, and only AU$10 cheaper than the Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse, which makes the Mouse-In-A-Box Optical something of a problem middle child. Just to be picky, we can't help but also notice that it's only in the box for as long as you're not actually using it, at which point it just becomes a mouse.

Kensington PocketMouse

The Good: A tiny mouse for intermittent notebook use, the Optical PocketMouse comes with its own carrying baggie. Like the larger Optical mouse, it avoids the worrying shape problems of the ValuMouse series.

The Bad: Unless you've got very small hands, long term use of the PocketMouse could be ergonomically bad.

The Verdict: Like the similar PocketMouse Pro and Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse, the PocketMouse is a one trick pony; anyone using a desktop can do better, but notebook users who need a small mouse for small surfaces may want to take a look. For what it's worth, Microsoft's very similar offering is a touch cheaper.

Kensington Pocket Mouse Pro

The Good: If you want to show off, the Pocket Mouse Pro might just be the Mouse for you. The main hook -- besides the small notebook-centric size -- is that the USB cord for the PocketMouse Pro resides in the body of the mouse. Press a button on the side, and a catch opens up allowing you to unspool it.

The Bad: Small mice shapes can lead to poor ergonomic usage patterns, a problem this mouse shares with the Pocket Mouse and the Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse. The cable is quite short and thin, and when in use tends to get in the way of actual mousing, as it sits to the front side of the mouse, rather than the direct front as with most normal mice.

The Verdict: It's AU$7 more than the PocketMouse, but the retractable cord has better business and packing possibilities than the travelling bag supplied with the lesser mouse. A good mouse, but still more expensive than Microsoft's alternative.

Kensington ValuMouse 2 Button Mouse

The Good: It's extremely cheap at only AU$15.95

The Bad: But you get what you pay for. The 2 Button ValuMouse is PS/2 only, has an uncomfortable shape for anything but the shortest-term uses, and only has two clicky and somewhat unresponsive buttons.

The Verdict: If your budget is super-tight, we'd still recommend shelling out the additional AU$5 for the Belkin USB Mouse, which has an additional button and better response.

Kensington ValuMouse 3 Button / ValuMouse Scroll

The Good: The 3 button ValuMouse and Scroll ValuMouse are essentially the same unit; it depends on whether you want a scroll wheel or a third button. The scroll version will save you AU$4 if your budget is particularly tight. These two are the only mice in our roundup that offer a serial connection, which will be useless for most users, but not all -- some older operating systems and especially some older DOS applications may not recognise anything but a serial mouse.

The Bad: Like the 2 button ValuMouse, the shape of the Scroll and 3 button mice leaves a lot to be desired in the ergonomics department. The wheel on the scroll mouse is made of quite flimsy rubber; it's the only scroll wheel we've ever been able to squeeze.

The Verdict: While both mice are relatively cheap, there are still better alternatives at this price point.

Logitech Cordless Elite Duo

The Good: The Cordless Elite Duo matches up the exemplary Logitech Elite keyboard with a Cordless MouseMan optical. We've expounded on the good points of the Elite Keyboard elsewhere; the MouseMan is a solid and nicely shaped mouse with an additional base button that can be configured to the user's preferences.

The Bad: Using both requires at least one PS/2 port and one USB; for some reason you can't go fully USB with this kit. In our testing, the MouseMan optical was very twitchy on even totally plain surfaces, and we found the extra button a little tricky to accurately hit all the time. The Caps, Scroll and Num Lock keys can only be visually toggled onscreen.

The Verdict: With a relatively high asking price, the Cordless Elite Duo doesn't stack all that well up against the competition. Unless you particularly need a wireless keyboard, we'd match the wired Elite keyboard up with a better wireless mouse.

Logitech Elite Keyboard

The Good: The Elite wins our award for 'most additional keys of varying shape' on a keyboard, with everything from a scroll wheel on the left hand side to a volume dial smack in the middle of the keyboard facing. Key travel and response is excellent on the Elite. The black and silver styling certainly stands out.

The Bad: Configuring all the additional buttons can be something of a chore; there's a popup window for each new button that must be manually toggled off. The scroll button is tiny compared to that on the MS Office Keyboard; we tended to ignore it. The default software brings up a large green onscreen indication that it's worked, rather like a TV remote, which is quite distracting when you're sitting right next to the monitor. Like the MS keyboards, the function keys are taken over with other options and must be manually toggled.

The Verdict: The Logitech Elite Keyboard has a lot of additional functionality stuck onto just about every available surface. As long as you're likely to use all that added goodness, it's a good keyboard.

Logitech MX300 Mouse

The Good: The MX300 boasts a whopping 800dpi optical resolution, which makes it very responsive; one of the best gaming mice we've ever seen. It has one extra button on top of mouse which, by default, performs task switching.

The Bad: The software installer tries to dump a load of unrelated stuff onto your desktop -- links to eBay and some games. Placement of the extra button could be better; we often missed it and/or forgot it was there.

The Verdict: An excellent mouse for gamers and graphics artists alike, although it does cost accordingly.

Logitech MX500 Mouse

The Good: The MX500 is essentially the older brother of the excellent MX300 mouse; it's bigger and has more buttons -- 5 in total -- which by default perform screen/net browsing functions. The MX500 also has a seriously deep indent on the left hand side which makes it exceptionally comfortable to use over long periods of time. Like the MX300, the MX500 uses Logitech's high precision MX engine, which makes it great for gaming or high precision design work.

The Bad: The five buttons are very small, which can be irritating if you decide to use them a lot. The left hand indent makes the MX500 totally useless for left handed users. AU$129.95 is a lot of money to lay down for just a mouse.

The Verdict: The best corded mouse we've examined in this review, and, not coincidentally, the most expensive.

Microsoft Internet Keyboard

The Good: Microsoft's basic keyboard, with a row of additional Net-specific keys above the normal keyboard layout. For a Microsoft keyboard, it's remarkably cheap.

The Bad: Like the Multimedia keyboards, the Internet keyboard is PS/2 only, which means users of non-legacy systems need not apply.

The Verdict: The cheapest keyboard in our roundup by a long margin, but surprisingly good value if all you want is a basic, solid and reliable keyboard.

Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard/Natural Multimedia Keyboard

The Good: Microsoft continues to run with its 'blue' styling for hardware peripherals with a pair of functional keyboards. The Natural version has Microsoft's infamous split, which has as many fans as detractors. The Multimedia in the title refers to the set of audio system controls on the top of the keyboard that Microsoft integrates into other products such as the Wireless Optical Desktop.

The Bad: The Multimedia Keyboard/Natural Multimedia Keyboard only supports PS/2 connectivity, which may make it a bad choice for some owners of legacy-free notebooks and desktops. Like all current Microsoft keyboards, Function Lock assumes control of the function keys, which may endear itself to some and be incredibly irritating to others -- we're in the latter camp.

The Verdict: If you use your PC for a lot of audio playback, the controls of the Multimedia keyboard may appeal. If not, the Internet Keyboard has the same build quality and is cheaper.

Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse

The Good: Microsoft's entry into the teeny-tiny mouse market has a better overall shape than the similar Kensington offerings. The buttons and scroll wheel are also better situated and more responsive.

The Bad: The Notebook Optical mouse cable is about half the length of that of the Kensington Pocket Mouse, which could be an issue if you're using a larger laptop or need to use it with a desktop. While the overall shape is better, long term use of a mouse this small isn't a good idea from an ergonomics standpoint.

The Verdict: While it's the best of the small mice we've reviewed here, we still have our reservations about anyone thinking of long term usage. As long as you're only going to be using a mouse in very small doses, then the Notebook Optical Mouse is the best (and cheapest) option available.

Microsoft Office Keyboard

The Good: Integrates a lot of standard MS Office functions into its set of additional buttons. The Office Keyboard has one of the largest integrated wrist rests of any keyboard we've looked at.

The Bad: Like the rest of Microsoft's keyboard range, it takes over control of the function keys for other purposes, which is a pain if you use them constantly. Additional features are, as always, useless if you don't use them.

The Verdict: There's no reason to buy the Office Keyboard unless you do use Office a lot and don't already know a lot of keyboard shortcuts. See also our full review.

Microsoft Optical Desktop for Bluetooth

The Good: Microsoft's attempt to bring Bluetooth to the mass market not only gives you keyboard and mouse control, but also a way to integrate any other Bluetooth devices you may acquire. Our full review can be found here.

The Bad: The notebook configuration leaves you with an incredibly long dongle to have sticking out of the side of your notebook. Installation requires Windows XP SP1 and other updates, which takes a small ice age to install.

The Verdict: There's worse ways to introduce Bluetooth to your computing experience. Having said that, Bluetooth's overkill for just peripherals, so unless you need the Bluetooth experience, we'd suggest using one of the standard wireless keyboards instead. You can read our full review of the Microsoft Optical Desktop for Bluetooth here.

Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical / Optical Mouse Blue

The Good: The Wheel Mouse Optical is Microsoft's workhorse mouse; it's been part of the line-up for some time now, so the design is proven. The Optical Mouse Blue is practically the same product, but it looks nicer and has a slightly wider clear scroll wheel.

The Bad: USB/PS2 converter is rather chunky, which can be a problem if your PS2 ports are side by side and you've got a similar keyboard configuration. The white colouring of the Wheel Mouse can attract significant quantities of grime over time.

The Verdict: A solid performer for Microsoft over the years is still a solid performer. If you can afford the Logitech MX300, it's a better mouse, but in the mid-price range the Wheel Mouse Optical knocks the socks off everything else. The Optical Mouse Blue is Microsoft's concession to the iMac styling crowd, and works as well. Given the price of both is identical, go with whichever suits your style.

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop

The Good: A two pack of Wireless Mouse and Keyboard, the Optical Desktop looks really good; a mixed silver/black finish on the keyboard is particularly striking. Like Microsoft's newer keyboards, there's a mix of additional function buttons, most notably media playback buttons at the top of the keyboard. Key travel is quite good; a comfortable 104 key experience. Mouse is a simple two-button affair with a clear scroll wheel.

The Bad: We couldn't get the mouse to respond on one of our test machines. Installation requires two ports, one of which must be PS/2 -- the mouse comes with a USB adapter, but the keyboard doesn't, so it isn't recommended for users with no legacy ports. The function buttons automatically revert to opening documents rather than their standard use, which is annoying when you have to remember to put function lock on every time you boot up.

The Verdict: The Wireless Optical Desktop certainly looks the business if you want to impress. As with all wireless keyboards, you've got to be prepared to shell out for batteries, and it may be worth having an old cabled keyboard around for if this one fails. If you like split keyboards, Microsoft also offer this package as the Wireless Optical Desktop Pro with ergonomic split for an additional AU$20.

Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse Blue

The Good: The wireless version of Microsoft's Optical Mouse Blue has a sturdier feeling scroll wheel, at least on the review sample provided to ZDNet. Otherwise it's functionally identical to the wired version, which makes it a solid and dependable mouse

The Bad: The receiver for the Wireless Optical Mouse Blue is large; the same size as with the Wireless Optical Desktop, which also manages to control a keyboard and provide shift and caps lock lights. In the case of the wireless mouse, though, it's just wasted real estate.

The Verdict: If you like the styling of the wired Optical Mouse Blue, then the Wireless Optical Mouse Blue is a reasonable buy.

RollaKeyboard Mini 85 USB and 109 PS/2

The Good: The only waterproof keyboard in our roundup, the silicon coated RollaKeyboards can be quite easily rolled up and provide an extremely quiet typing experience. They´re also just the thing to impress people; while we got some looks with the flashier Logitech and Microsoft keyboards, everybody wanted a go on the RollaKeyboards.

The Bad: You still need a flat surface; if you attempt to bend the RollaKeyboard while in use, you can expect some very curious results from your keyboard. Learning to type on an essentially flat surface does take some time getting used to, especially with the 85 Key Mini keyboard, which we found to be quite twitchy when it came to deciding whether to accept keystrokes or not.

The Verdict: The RollaKeyboards are particularly suited to heavy contamination environments (excess dust, moisture, and so on), but for regular everyday use, and for anyone who does more than hunt and peck typing, the gimmick of a rollable keyboard wears thin very quickly. Expect to see these used as cheap Sci-Fi movie props, though.

Editor's Choice: Peripherals

Best Budget Keyboard
Microsoft Internet Keyboard

Best Budget Mouse
Belkin Optical PS2/USB Mouse

Best Keyboard
Logitech Elite Keyboard

Best Mouse
Logitech MX500 Mouse

Best Wireless package
Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop

If you're on a tight budget, the combination of the Belkin Optical Mouse and Microsoft Internet Keyboard simply can't be beat. If the Internet keyboard supported USB connections, it would have given the Logitech Elite keyboard a run for its money for best overall keyboard.

If you're after the best of the best and the budget can go hang, though, Logitech still make the best kit around. Microsoft provided a hearty challenge with Multimedia keyboards and Bluetooth additions to its range, but the Elite keyboard is one product that lives up to its name.

Likewise, as long as you're right handed, the excellent MX500 mouse gives a smooth and ergonomic mousing experience. Left handed users could sub in the MX300 mouse here, as the MX500 doesn't seem to come in a left-handed variant.

When it comes to wireless packages, all three contenders put up a strong showing. We liked the Elite Duo, but hit problems with the mouse. The

Microsoft's Wireless Optical Desktop won out against the budget Belkin package, the very similar Logitech package and Microsoft's own Bluetooth package for having the best overall feature set for the money. The Optical Desktop only just edged out the Logitech Elite Duo by the dint of having a more reliable mouse.

Contact details

Company: Microsoft
Phone: 13 20 58

Company: Belkin
Phone: (02) 4372 8600

Company: Kensington
Distributor: Quadtel Marketing Results
Phone: 02 8852 4600

Company: Logitech
Phone: (02) 9972 3711

Company: RollAKeyboard
Distributor: World Business Source
Phone: 0412 883 200