Oct 15, 2001

At least twoaiwan computer peripheral manufacturers have developed 2.4 gigahertz wireless keyboard and mouse models, according to industry sources.

The latest 2.4 GHz wireless peripherals operate on the same frequency as Bluetooth devices. They also have fewer problems with interference and provide more separable channels than the existing 27 MHz counterparts, though at a higher price.

Silitek Corp. said that it has begun delivering small volumes of 2.4 GHz wireless computer mice to customers in Europe in a trial basis. The company has also developed a 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard that is scheduled to be mass-produced in November this year. Silitek expects that the two products will boost sales.

KYE Systems Corp. also recently confirmed that it is aggressively developing 2.4 GHz wireless peripherals, but it did not say when exactly the new products would be demonstrated.

An industry insoder said that wirelesscomputer peripherals are gaining popularity worldwide, especially in Europe, whee about half of the recently sold computer mice were wireless models.

The source said that price is still a deciding factor in how quickly 2.4 GHz wireless products will replace their 27 MHz predecessors. The former is about 10% more expensive only that the latter due to the US$ 2.5 cost difference for the wireless module.

The source predicted, however, that demand for 2.4 GHz wireless produce could grow as more lower frequency wireless devices, including cordless telephones and cell pholls, increase interference on the bands allotted to them.