HTPC is half way there - advise me on a KB&mouse combo

rjk · 12 Apr 2009 at 19:37

got my HTPC up and running today

mainly from old parts i had lying around

for anyone interested...
spec consists of
intel e6300
msi mATX budget board
2gb geil ultra
geforce 8400gs hdmi
320GB samsung f1
1TB samsung f1
350w antec basic psu
Vista Ultimate 64

waiting to get a case for it still - cant make my decision
want something that matches my samsung 42" plasma and ps3

the system is pretty nippy around windows so im happy with its performance

the major drawback is that i cant seem to find any good kb setups

my intention was to use a wireless kb but the range is poor

i want something like the microsoft media center keyboard

unfortunatly i cant seem to find that product with a reciever without buying the remote

would a bluetooth board be a better option?

let me know your thoughts

links to interesting reviews would be appreciated too :cool:

thanks - rjkoneill

siumatfung · 12 Apr 2009 at 19:47

i think logitech vx nano is a definite for the mouse it is excellent imo i have been using it instead of my MX518 its just that good about the key board i guess you pay for what you get so have a good look i am using the logitech illuminated keyboard its sweet shame its wired tho if they did a wireless i would totally consider it.

Scooby_WR1 · 12 Apr 2009 at 20:00

I have got this one http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-001-KE which works great unless you block the signal by covering the top of the board.

xb8browney · 12 Apr 2009 at 21:58

rjkoneill said:
waiting to get a case for it still - cant make my decision
want something that matches my samsung 42" plasma and ps3

I use a Antec Fusion in Black.

ANDARIAL · 13 Apr 2009 at 07:37

Scooby_WR1 said:
I have got this one http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-001-KE which works great unless you block the signal by covering the top of the board.

Seconded works fine at about 14 feet for me

xb8browney · 13 Apr 2009 at 07:40

I have had that keyboard for about a year. It's very popular but I feel it's a bit "Plastic" I mean it doesn't look very nice with your HTPC, Glossy black LCD/Plasma TV.

I'd rather go for the Logitech diNovo

ANDARIAL · 13 Apr 2009 at 08:13

You would pay nearly £100 or more for a KB? :eek:

Especially for a HTPC KB?

xb8browney · 13 Apr 2009 at 09:48

ANDARIAL said:
You would pay nearly £100 or more for a KB?
Especially for a HTPC KB?

Worth it imo. £400+ HTPC, £500 + TV and then a £30 keyboard. It becomes very unstable/usable when downloading as well maybe something to do with the wireless

Glaucus · 13 Apr 2009 at 09:53

cheap option Keysonic
Expensive option
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-093-LG

Don't get a mouse like some suggest, what would you use it on.

Valo · 13 Apr 2009 at 11:36

Another expensive option would be the diNovo mini - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-135-LG&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=1277

spoonjaffa · 28 Apr 2009 at 12:22

Been using the keysonic for a couple of years now and was ok for most part but its got a very cheap plastic feel. Recently its stopping working, batteries seem fine so dont know whats up.?! Mouse pad and has acted up a a few times previously but a good hard hit and a screwdriver wedged in with minor disassembly fixed i!
That diNovo mini looks the part... using cheap wireless keyboard makes the whole setup seem cheap. I'd say go for the diNovo mini and you know i will be a keeper!
I'll be upgrading too.