Plug & Play

Are mice and keyboards plug-and-play for laptops (automatically detected and ready to use)? Or will it require driver installation of any sort?

If it helps I have a Dell laptop and will be buying a Dell keyboard and mice...

D'hell?
I'd definitely go with a Microsoft USB digital mouse, NOT a Dell.
And either a Microsoft or Logitech keyboard.

It's doubtful that your laptop will have a PS2 port for either a normal (PS2) mouse or keyboard so you'll have to go USB.
And yes, any USB device will work without drivers.

Good Luck,
Old Timer

Never had problems with Dell and I'm choosing that brand just because my other stuff (mainly computer) are Dell too. I like matching stuff.

I'll bet you drive a YUGO too, right?

Dell is only the lowest quality brand on the market.

I've been working on computers long before there was a Dell, and it's the one brand I have the most service calls on.

But keep on buying the stuff, because we repair tech's need the income.

Good Luck,

Are mice and keyboards plug-and-play for laptops

Yes.

Or will it require driver installation of any sort?

Yes - if it has any special features - extra buttons, etc. you want to use. To use as a basic mouse, it should use Windows native drivers with no problem.

and ready to use

Maybe. Depending on the notebook, you may have to disable the touchpad to enable the mouse.