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Keyboard & mouse/trackball/controller for HTPC

Denithor

Denithor

Diamond Member
I am trying to find a nice wireless keyboard & "controller" for use with my HTPC. Located in a small living room, main use will be within 5-8 feet of the box.

I've seen several things that caught my eye, including keyboards with built-in trackballs or touchpads and this X-gene 01034 mouse/remote controller that seems like it would work.

Do you guys typically use a keyboard & separate mouse/trackball & remote or what?

TIA!
 
Originally posted by: sivart
I am actually looking for something similar. Bluetooth keyboard with a trackpad / ball.

This is all I've found so far that I like and is under $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16879212011


Right now I just have a wireless mouse and a lot of saved passwords / bookmarks 🙂
Click to expand...

I'd like something like that but with backlit keys.
Right now I am just using a cordless keyboard and a separate cordless trackball.
 
Originally posted by: sivart
I am actually looking for something similar. Bluetooth keyboard with a trackpad / ball.

This is all I've found so far that I like and is under $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16879212011


Right now I just have a wireless mouse and a lot of saved passwords / bookmarks 🙂
Click to expand...

Requires bluetooth adaptor

Also note their old RF version, which goes for like 20$ comes with the adaptor of course but range is less
 
Originally posted by: BassBomb
Originally posted by: sivart
I am actually looking for something similar. Bluetooth keyboard with a trackpad / ball.

This is all I've found so far that I like and is under $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16879212011


Right now I just have a bluetooth mouse and a lot of saved passwords / bookmarks 🙂
Click to expand...

Requires bluetooth adaptor

Also note their old RF version, which goes for like 20$ comes with the adaptor of course but range is less
Click to expand...

I was / am considering this because

a) My PC has a bluetooth adapter
b) I know where the keys are on the keyboard and don't have to look 😉

Plus...I could use it on both my PC and PS3
 
Logitech DiNovo Mini hands down!

Link to Logitechs website

link to Newegg

At first glance you may be discouraged by the price but I assure you, this thing is worth every penny. I got it on sale from amazon last month for $99.99 shipped, but after using it, I would gladly pay $200. With all the features it has, there is nothing else I could imagine myself wanting.

-Smaller than my outstretched hand.
-Backlit keys.
-Good range, works from my bed which is about 10' from my HTPC.
-Included bluetooth dongle.
-Track pad, which doubles as a directional pad for WMC after flipping a switch.
-Rechargeable battery lasts up to a month on a single charge.
-Works with PS3.

This little device is amazing and gives you almost the same amount of control as a full size keyboard would (minus the F keys). At just under 6" in length its very easy to move around and never gets in the way. If you can afford it, get it now, if not start saving!
 
All - thanks for the responses so far!

@ erwos
Budget is probably up to about $150 for both mouse & keyboard (or whatever controller system turns out the best).

@ sivart
That's a nice looking keyboard/touchpad. I like the scroll feature on the touchpad, that's handy. Cost is $60 + shipping at newegg so not bad at all. Will this work with any generic BT adapter? I like those "shorties" that barely stick out past the USB port...

@ Christobevii3
That's a nice setup also, with adapter included to sweeten the pot. Of course, it's the big adapter, which may be an issue - my case barely fits into my entertainment center as it is (depth), I'm not sure if this would clear and allow the front glass to close. I'll have to look at a USB wifi adapter I've got and see if that will clear. Or I might have to cut out a hole in the back. 😉 My GF won't like that solution though...

@ zylander
In a word: nice! I would have to get used to the tiny keys, that looks as painful as texting on a cell phone. There is the issue of the full-size adapter again, will have to look into that. Do you know if this nifty little device will work with generic BT adapters or is it locked to the one included? I also note there doesn't appear to be a scroll feature, that would be a drawback, unless I'm overlooking something?


A few more questions:
-What is the difference between IR, RF, and BT in terms of responsiveness & range?
-Do you guys use a standard "remote" in addition to these keyboards? With or without mouse capability?
-Have any of you used anything from Gyration or X-Gene? Some unique solutions there...

EDIT: I actually just found this on the same site as Christobevii3 linked above. Very sharp looking with a trackball (I tend to prefer trackball to touchpad).
 
Logitech DiNovo Mini is my pick, too. It'll work with any BT adapter, all Logitech products do. Not much sense making it BT otherwise.
 
IR = line of site only
RF = about 30 feet
BT = about 300 feet (under ideal conditions)

Each will need a respective receiver.
 
If the dongle is too big for you, get a usb extension cable of like 6 inches and then it can bend around along the back. Mine is just for mainly as a tv pc. I use my 360 for media streaming from my main computer.
 
The Dinovo mini does not have a scroll wheel or anything like that, but it does have page up and page down keys which work just as well.

They keys are smal and take a little getting use to, but they are a little bigger than you might think. I dont know if you have ever used an HTC fuze or tilt or just any HTC phone with full keyboard but the keys are just like those, but larger.
 
Here on the recommendations from the avsforum Guide to Building a HD HTPC:

* Adesso 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Mini Keyboard w/Optical Trackball WKB3000UB, $70
* Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000, $74.
* Logitech diNovo Edge, $128.
* Logitech diNovo Mini, $109.
 
Originally posted by: Christobevii3
If the dongle is too big for you, get a usb extension cable of like 6 inches and then it can bend around along the back. Mine is just for mainly as a tv pc. I use my 360 for media streaming from my main computer.
Click to expand...

Great idea, hadn't thought of that.

Looks like IR is pretty useless unless you use it only in that room, right? And even then, line-of-sight is restrictive, might not go through the hazed glass front on my entertainment center...

@ kalrith
I'll take a look at those suggestions tonight, thanks!



Anyone out there have a favorite remote?
 
Originally posted by: sivart
Originally posted by: BassBomb
http://canadacomputers.com/ind...=019009&cid=PE.979.279
Click to expand...

Hmmm....2 in the Toronto area...I wonder if any of my co-workers from our location in Toronto would be lucky enough to snag one for me and ship it down?
Click to expand...

I'm sure you can find it from somewhere else. But that is the older mediaboard, it just doesn't have bluetooth (and obviously lower range) but MUCH cheaper

 
The Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro for PS3 works with a bluetooth adapter(not included) on Windows for $60. It has a track pad. The diNovo's are nice but very expensive IMO for use on a HTPC where you usually do not type that much.
 
Hmm...would this work without a service attached? Since my computer already has BT, I could probably pick up blackberry cheap 🙂
 
Stick with a keyboard with a touch pad.
Joy stick mice are the worst.
Track ball is next to awful.
Touch pad is the way to go.
 
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