A few months ago I bought a wireless mouse and keyboard to relieve the stress on my neck and upper back from working on a laptop all day long. I wasn’t sure how well the whole thing would work with my setup, so I decided to buy the cheapest set I could find.

I most certainly got what I paid for.

The keyboard is awkward, the keys are large, and it looks like it was made very cheaply. But I was ok with that. After all, I only spent $15 for the set. I really didn’t expect super high quality.

I also didn’t expect the batteries to wear out so quickly, however. The keyboard is only on its second batter in several months, so I’m pretty happy with that. But the mouse is a different story. I’ve gone through countless batteries since I bought this thing. You’d think it’s a kids’ toy the way it uses up batteries.

I tried the cheap batteries ($1 per pair). They lasted a day or two, maybe three. I tried the expensive batteries ($2.50/pair). They lasted a week, give or take. I tried the really expensive batteries designed for electronics ($3.50/pair). They lasted two weeks, give or take.

It dawned on me last night that I’m spending upwards of $5-10 per month just on batteries. That’s so not cool. I’ve spent more on batteries since I bought this thing three months ago than I spent on the whole keyboard and mouse set.

So now it’s decision time. Do I spend a little more on a better quality mouse? Do I just buy a USB corded mouse and put up with the cord? Do I spend another $20 on a battery charger and two sets of rechargeable batteries?

What would you do?