Controlling an HTPC (avoid Rii Mini Bluetooth Keyboard!)

GeX

GeX

GeX

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2002
Posts
6,951
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.
 
np :)

I might just order one anyway, if it's no use I've got 7 days to send it back
 
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.
 
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 :)
 
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?
 
_Jimlad_ said:
"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
Click to expand...

Aye, mine too. Range is great. Touchpad works without lag. Keys will wake the HTPC from S3 sleep. Perfect.

Build quality is a bit flimsy, but it was cheap - so I don't mind too much (rattles a bit when pressing the up/down arrow keys).

Venares said:
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
Click to expand...

What model is it? I want a small receiver as I intend to attach it to the clear plastic strip on the bottom of the Samsung panel (the PC is mounted to the back on the vesa mount)
 
There is no way I can justify the cost of a Harmony One, as lovely as it looks - I can't see how it can be worth that much.

I might just get the MCE remote you've linked there for now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom