Controlling an HTPC (avoid Rii Mini Bluetooth Keyboard!)

GeX

GeX

GeX

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2002
Posts
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Location
Manchester
Hi all.

When I ordered all the bits and bobs for my HTPC, I bought a Rii Bluetooth mini keyboard / touchpad. I was hoping this would be perfect for light browsing, but having set it all up I found it didn't really work very well at all. If you are considering one.. don't bother. Useable range of around 1m :( It's a shame, because on paper it looked well. I didn't really like the non-offset keys though too.

I'm now looking for something slightly bigger and have been looking at KeySonic 2.4ghz keyboard/touchpad. It looks like a laptop setup - which is about the right size I reckon. It's RF instead of bluetooth. Anyone know the pros and cons of each connection technology? With the Rii keyboard, it seemed to take a while for bluetooth to handshake and actually connect. I'm not keen on using it tbh.

As well as the keyboard / mouse, I'm looking for an IR remote. I have a classic Xbox and my plan was to use the remote off that with an old USB IR receiver I had kicking about. However, after plugging it and installing EventGhost it didn't seem to be receiving anything. So that is either faulty, or doesn't work with the Xbox remote.

What remotes do people use. I just need it for controlling XBMC really, anything more complex will be done using the keyboard/mouse. I will also be using the remote app on Android - but I want a dedicated remote as well.
 
i went for the "Keysonic ACK-540RF Wireless Mini Keyboard with Built in Touchpad"

it does not have the remote, and is basically have a laptop :D
 
np :)

I might just order one anyway, if it's no use I've got 7 days to send it back
 
I looked at that and my mate rave's about his. Went for the Logitech diNovo mini which is also ncie, and has media remote mode too. I use it exclusively on xbmc and works like a charm. Picked it up £50 new on the bay I think.

I only went for that option though so as not to ahve a keyboard lying around.
 
I've looked at the diNovo, I don't see why it has a hinged lid though - am I missing something?

I initially didn't want a keyboard lying about either, but figure something that is about the size of a laptop keyboard that can be pushed under the sofa out of the way isn't so much of a problem.
 
I have the Keysonic RF keyboard, works a treat, but what I really want as well is a similar Windows Media remote that works great as well. Ones I've had in the past are really poor in terms of laggyness and missing buttons presses a lot of the time. Anyone got any suggestions on that front?
 
Jokester said:
I have the Keysonic RF keyboard, works a treat, but what I really want as well is a similar Windows Media remote that works great as well. Ones I've had in the past are really poor in terms of laggyness and missing buttons presses a lot of the time. Anyone got any suggestions on that front?
Click to expand...

i was looking at that and again, really really mixed reviews. strange market this
 
_Jimlad_ said:
i was looking at that and again, really really mixed reviews. strange market this
Click to expand...
Yeah I don't understand it, every other remote (TV, video that sort of thing) I've had has worked perfectly, but for some reason all the Window Media remotes have just been garbage.
 
ive got the rii 2.4ghz wireless keyboard and it works a treat, did think of bluetooth but went for 2.4ghz instead.
but i find i swap between that and my rc6 remote, depends if im just browsing for films etc or using internet.
 
The RC6 remotes.. are they all the same? What about the receivers.

adbp1 - do you not find the trackpad laggy? Good thing you didn't go for the bluetooth version :)
 
I believe function wise they are all the same, which makes easy for setting up as most programs like xbmc will allow you to chose that remote.

as for track pad its fine for me even at 10ft away
 
The little diNovo gets rather "flaky" after a years use, or at least it has in my experience. It simply refuses to work at times or goes completely mad. Sometimes it works fine, but only for while. Annoying really as it was a nice bit of kit. :(
 
Well the Keysonic ACK-540RF arrived today, so I'll give that a go tonight when I get home.

adbp1 said:
I believe function wise they are all the same, which makes easy for setting up as most programs like xbmc will allow you to chose that remote.

as for track pad its fine for me even at 10ft away
Click to expand...

so just any of the ~£10 ebay jobbies then?
 
Just had my new RC6 remote and reciver arrive so will let you know how I get on with that later.
Very cool though as the reciver is very small and can be converted to an internal reciver with the supplied kit :p
 
"Keysonic ACK-540RF Wireless Mini Keyboard with Built in Touchpad"

arrived today, very nice and works well. about the same size as a bit of a4 paper, and maybe half and inch thick, it pretty good and does the job well
 
Well new IR reciver is fitted and is made of WIN :D
Fully RC6 compatable (tested with my old Microsoft remote) and just as responsive as my old Microsoft receiver.
Supplied remote is pretty good too but I decided to keep my old one and use the new one on my other box.

ir-reciver.jpg
 
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