Mac Mini and Wireless PC Keyboard?

[InsomniaCalls]

Hi guys.

Looking to take the plunge and get a Mac Mini to hook up to the TV.
I don't much want to use a mouse and wires are a no-no.

I found the KeySonic ACK-540 keyboard and wondered if anyone knows if this will work with OS X?

TIA

Si

 

[Jet]

Probably.

But why not the official Apple bluetooth keyboard? More compact than other keyboards and looks great.

 

[InsomniaCalls]

Because I don't want to use a mouse.

Thanks

 

[J1234]

Also with an Apple keyboard you will get the proper keys, the option key for example, and that way you will get used to the layout better.

 

[lemonkettaz]

Definitely go apple wireless with the mini... i got the same.. its a breeze laid on the bed flicking about couch potatoe in a few small steps

 

[InsomniaCalls]

Does it have a scroll wheel or anything?
I don't have a table so I'm essentially after an all in one solution to sit on my knee.

If not, is it still easy to navigate or would a mouse be a must?

 

[lemonkettaz]

Hmm.. it dont have no mouse in it...

 

[InsomniaCalls]

Yeah, that's pretty much my problem.

My PC keyboard has a scroll wheel and mouse buttons on it, in case the mouse is not to hand.
Looking for something similar to use with a Mac.

 

[J1234]

You should be alright with just a keyboard, you may have to use a mouse to set it up though, then you could just use some keyboard shortcuts to launch certain apps. Most things can be done on the keyboard anyway.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Does it have a scroll wheel or anything?
I don't have a table so I'm essentially after an all in one solution to sit on my knee.

If not, is it still easy to navigate or would a mouse be a must?

You could download "Sailing clicker" and use your mobile to control the mouse pointer

 

[Jet]

You'll get Front Row remember which works with the Apple remote. There are also programs to get the remote to control everything.

 

[arty]

If you mainly want to use the Mini as an HTPC, I'd suggest seeing if you can manage using just the excellent remote control that it comes with before shelling out on a dedicated keyboard. I (now) use mine with my TV almost purely with Front Row in order to play films and DVDs, and it works beautifully. If I need to do more computery things then I control the mouse pointer using my mobile phone over Bluetooth, which also works very well.

Rarely when I need to type on it or do other things I just VNC in over my network. It's extremely rare that I need to actually physically connect a keyboard and / or mouse

arty

 

[InsomniaCalls]

All good points. I hadn't actually thought about the VNC possibility.
I'll give a combination of the remote, my phone and VNC a go before I buy anything else.

Thanks people!

 

[Deleted member 651465]

You also might want to check out Sofa Control, it basically extends the control of the Apple remote beyond front row

They are using a Mini as a HTPC as an example of the best use for the software so it's perfect!

 

[InsomniaCalls]

Thanks!

Just looking at prices for the Mac Mini.

The Intel Core Duo processor is obviously the best one out at the minute but some places are still selling the G4s for about half the price.

If I'm only using it for HTPC will I notice any major difference?
And is the remote a new thing or did it come with the G4 too?

 

[Ry@n]

Im not sure the G4 one comes with front row either?

Im not sure wether youd get a remote, i never had one with my G4.

Im going to take a look at the new Mini though..
Quick question if i may....Does front row allow playback of Xvid and Divx ? What other formats does it play?

Thanks

 

[Caged]

If it's just for use as an HTPC you might be better off getting an Apple TV and hacking it.

 

[InsomniaCalls]

I ended up with the 1.86Ghz Intel Duo w/ 2Gb RAM.
It's sweet