HTPC Owners - Come Here! Keyboard/Mouse Inquiry

[brettallica]

OK, now that I have your attention, I'd like to ask the congregation for some help on something.

I currently have two HDTVs at my house, both of which have HTPCs hooked up to them. The keyboard and mouse combo sets I'm using leave a lot to be desired. The one for my main home theater is a Logitech diNovo Edge, and it's OK. The one for my bedroom is a Visenta, and it is cheaper than cheap — I am totally fed up with it. Impossible to type, dropped connections consistently, bizarre mouse behavior...basically it's everything you don't want. I paid $30 for it new from eBay, so I guess in a sense I got what I paid for. The Logitech cost me a pretty penny, and in all honesty it is a much better keyboard. I'm not looking to break the bank with a replacement keyboard/mouse for the bedroom, though.

My goal is to replace (at least) my Visenta. I want something small and hopefully slim, as I like to stow the keyboard out of site and I don't have much room in the place where I typically keep it. My requirements are simple: slim, wireless, and must include trackpad-type mouse. That's it. A 10-key would be cool, but not necessary; those generally add length anyway. I've seen the Adesso models, and am tempted to try them. I am currently using a Dell SX280 for the computer with the Visenta keyboard/mouse, but will likely be replacing that (as well as my other HTPC in my home theater, for that matter) with a Mac Mini. I saw that Logitech is selling a keyboard that matches the aesthetics of the Wii, and I would be totally down for something like that, but it has to have a mouse.

What are you guys using for wireless keyboard/mouse combos?

[slaizer2000]

stay away from anything wireless that only gets 3-6 feet range. Those are horrendous. If you go with RF try to find a model that does 100 feet or 33meters. those tend to have the best response. Even if you have intereference from other devices you tend to always have a good connection. Another way to go is bluetooth which gets great reception. Only issue i have with this is if you decide to swap the device between computers or devices you have to re-pair the keyboard with the bluetooth dongle which is a pain.

so a good RF keyboard is in my opinion the best way to go. You can just move the receiver from one computer to another and you automatically have it paired (the initial setup will load drivers of course)
You will have to pay a good prcie for them though. But they end up being worth it.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by slaizer2000

stay away from anything wireless that only gets 3-6 feet range. Those are horrendous. If you go with RF try to find a model that does 100 feet or 33meters. those tend to have the best response. Even if you have intereference from other devices you tend to always have a good connection. Another way to go is bluetooth which gets great reception. Only issue i have with this is if you decide to swap the device between computers or devices you have to re-pair the keyboard with the bluetooth dongle which is a pain.

so a good RF keyboard is in my opinion the best way to go. You can just move the receiver from one computer to another and you automatically have it paired (the initial setup will load drivers of course)
You will have to pay a good prcie for them though. But they end up being worth it.

Interesting. Nice ideas there. Thanks. Both keyboards I'm using now are Bluetooth models. The Visenta just sucks. I hadn't thought about going with something RF, but then again I never thought about it either. Any suggestions on models, or where to look?

Correction: the Visenta is an RF-based keyboard, not Bluetooth.

[crackinhedz]

I use one of these with my PS3...would be same for PC. I really like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Wireless-Keyboard-Optical-Trackball/dp/B000JJM7S0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258577007&sr =8-2

Although I know you said you want track pad type mouse, this has a roll ball, but its in a convenient location with R1 & R2 type triggers for easy clicking.

[SpoonMaN]

i use a logitech bluetooth set, works great even for some not fast moving FPS playin.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I use one of these with my PS3...would be same for PC. I really like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Wireless-Keyboard-Optical-Trackball/dp/B000JJM7S0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258577007&sr =8-2

Although I know you said you want track pad type mouse, this has a roll ball, but its in a convenient location with R1 & R2 type triggers for easy clicking.

I've been looking at the Adesso models a lot, and I was checking them out before going with that piece of crap I ended up buying. So you've had a pretty good experience with that then? If that's the case, then I will assume Adesso is just a better brand than my crapper. Adesso does make a trackpad style, seen here.

[crackinhedz]

Im not a fan of track pads...I find it more aggrevating than anything when either I run out of room, or I slip of the pad. The "drag and drop" function is tough for me.

Im not a huge fan of roll balls either, but this one is idealy located...left side would have been better...but, beggers cant be choosers!

Its kind of shaped like a game controller so its easy to use. Very convenient for sitting on the couch to surf. I would recommend.

The actual brand name is Xgene, but its sold under different names on amazon.

[househead]

i'm gonna try this one:

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281

[tlmaclennan]

Apple needs to make a wireless blutooth keyboard / multi-touch trackpad combo similar to the Macbook Pro. I would use that in an instant.

[clarkbar]

I use the Logitech diNovo Mini for my HTPC, its small, bluetooth and built in mousepad, also has a switch to be mated with a PS3. Works great.

[essinger]

I'm using the Microsoft Media Center Keyboard. It's great as long as your HTPC is dedicated to that task and you are already using the Microsoft remote (its IR receiver is require) and Windows Media Center (of course.) You wouldn't want to use as a PC keyboard, but as a couch/TV keyboard it's nearly perfect.

If you don't have any experience with thinkpad-style mouse pointers there is a learning curve. But I love 'em and wouldn't buy a notebook without one.

Hi There!
This is Zoren!
Im new in this site!
I've been looking at the Adesso models a lot, and I was checking them out before going with that piece of crap I ended up buying. So you've had a pretty good experience with that then? If that's the case, then I will assume Adesso is just a better brand than my crapper.
Just keep on posting Guys!
Thanks!
Good Luck!...

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by tlmaclennan

Apple needs to make a wireless blutooth keyboard / multi-touch trackpad combo similar to the Macbook Pro. I would use that in an instant.

Amen! If any of their wireless keyboards had a flavor with a built-in mousepad, that would be so sweet.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by clarkbar

I use the Logitech diNovo Mini for my HTPC, its small, bluetooth and built in mousepad, also has a switch to be mated with a PS3. Works great.

I'm currently using the diNovo Edge for my main HT keyboard. I was looking at the mini version, but that thing is so small it's scary! How is typing on that thing? I do need to (occasionally) be able to type, so weak keys wouldn't work for me; it's got to be able to actually type reliably/normally.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by essinger

I'm using the Microsoft Media Center Keyboard. It's great as long as your HTPC is dedicated to that task and you are already using the Microsoft remote (its IR receiver is require) and Windows Media Center (of course.) You wouldn't want to use as a PC keyboard, but as a couch/TV keyboard it's nearly perfect.

If you don't have any experience with thinkpad-style mouse pointers there is a learning curve. But I love 'em and wouldn't buy a notebook without one.

Interesting. The price is definitely right on that model! I'm trying to figure out how the mouse works on that one, though. It looks like the keyboard as a whole might be a bit on the large side, too. I'll definitely investigate, though.

[essinger]

Originally Posted by brettallica

Interesting. The price is definitely right on that model! I'm trying to figure out how the mouse works on that one, though. It looks like the keyboard as a whole might be a bit on the large side, too. I'll definitely investigate, though.

It's only 5-6 inches wide so it isn't all that big, just long. It fits in the palm of my hand pretty easy. The mouse works most like an xbox controller. You use your right thumb to mouse point and control the direction pad then use your left thumb to click and control play, pause, ff, etc. Think of it as a sort of wide game controller with a keyboard stuck in the middle.

It is really only good for a Media Center keyboard -- you would want to type a paper on it or play a PC game -- but for doing searches and to complete the occasional task that require mouse or keyboard it's great. Plus it is a complete second Media Center remote.

[Nick4Blu_81]

Originally Posted by househead

i'm gonna try this one:

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281

I rock this myself and love it!

[clarkbar]

Originally Posted by brettallica

I'm currently using the diNovo Edge for my main HT keyboard. I was looking at the mini version, but that thing is so small it's scary! How is typing on that thing? I do need to (occasionally) be able to type, so weak keys wouldn't work for me; it's got to be able to actually type reliably/normally.

I don't have much trouble typing, kind like typing on phones with full keys, tend to use your thumbs. I like that if I'm on the couch with it, it's so small I can stuff under a pillow when not using it.