Idiot needs help with adding on monitor/kb/mouse to macbook

[LondonGooner]

Hi, long time lurker on the boards, first time i needed to make a post.

I bought a macbook 13' a couple months back, and ive been thinking of adding on a monitor, keyboard & mouse to it. i have a few questions...

1. Would this monitor work with it?
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...9kdWN0X3NwZWNpZmljYXRpb25z&product_uid=101460

2. I know its not the best monitor, but i need one that will work both as a TV (for the Xbox360/Wii) and work as a monitor. Anyone have any better recomendations for a similar budget?

3. What are the correct cables i need to work this on the macbook, i saw something on apples website that was like £65 which seemed pricey for something thats meant to do such a simple job.
Or do i need this?
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObj...TJCH422yu0NHe/1.PSLID?mco=93FDC7B4&nplm=M8754
(any link to the correct item would help)

4. Im going to get the mac keyboard and mightymouse. Should i go for the USB one, or bluetooth. Im hesitant to go with the bluetooth because of its price and because bluetooth kills the macbook battery quicker (am i correct in thinking this?)

thanks for any help. im realising that some of these questions are probably basic things for some of you, but remember not everyone knows the mac that well, just a n00b!

 

[speakerwizard]

Hey, any monitor will work as long as you use the right adapter, mini dvi - vga or dvi etc, as for the keyboard and mouse its what ever you wanna pay out for really, if you think youd benefit from a lack of wires splash out, though i would recomment having a play with the apple mouse before buying it, i personally find it uncomfortable to use for extended periods.

 

[LondonGooner]

Hey, any monitor will work as long as you use the right adapter, mini dvi - vga or dvi etc, as for the keyboard and mouse its what ever you wanna pay out for really, if you think youd benefit from a lack of wires splash out, though i would recomment having a play with the apple mouse before buying it, i personally find it uncomfortable to use for extended periods.

cool
i used an old apple mouse for a couple of years (the one that came with this imac http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/i/z/rv/2003/12/imac-g4-i1.jpg), so i dont think ill have that big a problem with it.

I dont mind paying extra for the bluetooth versions, as long as they dont sap too much battery...

 

[Sesshi]

Unless you're planning to cart it around all the time or you're a neatness freak, only your mouse needs to be wireless.

I'm not a fan of the Apple keyboards which are to me the crappiest-feeling articles around at this time, although they feel like high quality at first due to the high weight of the keyboard. Even worse than the Dell POSs these days. I'd say search for an alternative... lots of threads about it here.

The wireless MM. You'll get lots of different opinions about it here, but I can take it or leave it. For what it is, I don't think it's priced outrageously so is definitely an option.

Monitor: What you need for that TV since it only ahs analog in is one of these - Apple Mini DVI to VGA Adapter M9320
If your chosen monitor has a digital input (DVI) then it's better to use this - Apple Mini DVI to DVI Adapter M9321

Do you need it to be a TV as well? If not then something like this (digital-capable, fairly well reviewed) NEC monitor
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=381916
might be better than a mediocre jack of all trades. I'm sure you can score a half-decent 19" for the money (£180ish) but resolution wouldn't be any different.

Generally speaking I would say if you're stretched for cash then spend as much as you can on the monitor and not worry so much about the rest. As keyboard/mice are low-cost items it's something you can pick up later as occasional funds allow.

 

[LondonGooner]

cheers...

Still im wondering is the bluetooth a drain on the macbook battery?

Would i be able to play the xbox on that NEC monitor (if say i got a VGA adapter thing for it)? that monitor looks great, and i can save 30 or 40 quid on ebay

 

[Sesshi]

Won't you be using this while it's plugged in?

 

[Chundles]

I don't understand why you're worried about battery drain for external keyboards/mouses. When you're using an external KB/Mouse aren't you plugged in? I mean, the external stuff is to make using a laptop more like a desktop. When you're unplugged don't you just use the built-in KB and the trackpad?

You have to explain your usage a little better. But BT isn't a massive drain on the battery - the screen is the main culprit, dimming it can really up the battery life.