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HTPC keyboard/mouse recommendations

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:10 pm
by Ch0z3n
So, I am looking around at wireless keyboards and mice for my HTPC. One interesting thought would be a wireless keyboard with a touchpad since the mouseing requirements will be fairly limited. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot out there. I suppose that a trackball would be sufficient thought I really would prefer a touchpad.

I would rather opt for an all-in-one solution because I usually I will be using it from my bed and I tend not to sleep with a mousepad on my bed.

Even if you don't have any all-in-one suggestions, what do you all use on your HTPCs?

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EDIT: Ohh, I just had a thought, could I use virtual desktop (tightVNC maybe) to control it? More specifically, can I somehow scale the window since the htpc is on a 720P tv which is higher than the 1024x600 on the eee. Then I can just hook up an old crappy keyboard for when I need to mess with the BIOS.

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:47 pm
by dgccr
Hello,

Im currently running a Mac Mini as a HTPC connected to my remote NAS. Dead quite and more than enough power.

For a Keyboard / Mouse combo I went with the Logitech Dinova Mini

Small / Light / Backlit

Image

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keybo ... &cl=us,en#

Its a little pricey at $149.99 but def worth it for the living room!!!

-daryl

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:30 pm
by ntavlas
Depending on the os/media software you`re using a microsoft remote could be very handy.

Those guys make some very good keyboards with built in touchpads. Not sure if you can find those in the states though.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:15 am
by Strid
ntavlas wrote:Depending on the os/media software you`re using a microsoft remote could be very handy.
Microsoft MCE remotes are very well supported under Linux (with LIRC). So good suggestion here.

I've tried to use a VNC client like that once, to control my stereo/music system. Ultimately I got fed up with using a VNC client all the time. Using a remote keyboard/mice like the one dgccr suggested here - which is by the way pretty cool when you look at it IMO!

if you've got an iPhone/iPod touch

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 2:07 pm
by plympton
There are a few wireless mouse/keyboard replacements in the iTunes store. I bought AirMouse (http://www.mobileairmouse.com/press.html) and it works really well.

Though in reality I usually either VNC in or use my Ultranav travel keyboard (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 45849.html) most of the time. VNC works great even under Vista now, though you'll have to window-ify the Media Center app for some reason (some DVXA mode or something?)

Now, a wireless Ultranav keyboard... !

-Dan

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:46 pm
by Ch0z3n
Yeah, that is a really awesome keyboard, but it is about $100 out of my range. I'm gonna try UltraVNC in a few minutes here.