Interface for HTPC? Wireless Keyboard too big...

[Spiffy577]

Hey all,

I have been looking around for an easy, SMALL, all in one, pointer / arrow key combo for my htpc. The only thing that has worked at this point has been a wiimote. It has the arrow keys and mouse capability. There are drawbacks to it though. Batteries die, need to turn on wii to use the sensor bar (btw, anyone know where to get a usb wii bar?), etc... Any ideas for less than 50 bucks that solve those problems? Smaller the better, wireless (rf probably), trackball or touchpad (although those are annoying), and rechargeable?

I saw this but the reviews are HORRIBLE and there isn't a pointer (mouse) interface, not that I couldn't live without one if necessary.
http://www.gearxs.com/gearxs/product_info.php?products_id=14095

Any ideas?

Thanks all!

 

[bencorn]

I bought this a while back:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Remote-Contr...323?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51880a0a33

Controls the mouse with the circular pad in the middle. Pretty accurate easy to use and it is also a fully functional media center remote. Batteries seem to last forever in it. Used it until I got XBMC fully setup and got a harmony remote to run all my gear and programmed that for xbmc. Now this sits in a box until my next project.

 

[Activate: AMD]

you could try the rii. Its a wireless mini keyboard with an integrated touchpad. not exactly awe-inspiring, but its supposed to be pretty good. Of course, with any wireless device you need batteries, so don't expect that problem to go away.

 

[MisterSkills]

Probably not what you are looking for at all. But i use a Logitech Air mouse, kicks ass.

 

[CrimandEvil]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gyration-GYR320...423?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4153f6b927

That's what I use. Nice for mouse function in a pinch.

 

[Fading Phoenix]

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-with-Keyboard/dp/B0036VO67I

That's my special ops gadget, otherwise I use my harmony to control everything.

Lenovo runs deals on it pretty frequently on their site, usually bringing it down to about $30 with free shipping.

 

[Killroy]

I use the Logitech diNovo Mini for mouse and keyboard input on my HTPC. Works very well, is small, and plug it in to recharge but the battery lasts for months for me. We threw a Halloween party and people were using it to search for videos on YouTube or whatever and commented on how awesome it (and the whole setup) were. There is also a newer version of it for GoogleTV called the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue and Google TV and the larger Logitech Keyboard Controller for Logitech Revue and Google TV but I don't know if they are supported for use in Windows.

 

[Activate: AMD]

I use the Logitech diNovo Mini for mouse and keyboard input on my HTPC. Works very well, is small, and plug it in to recharge but the battery lasts for months for me. We threw a Halloween party and people were using it to search for videos on YouTube or whatever and commented on how awesome it (and the whole setup) were. There is also a newer version of it for GoogleTV called the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue and Google TV and the larger Logitech Keyboard Controller for Logitech Revue and Google TV but I don't know if they are supported for use in Windows.

i wonder if theres any difference. Those two products just look like re-brands of the standard diNovo and diNovo Mini. Actually the big one looks a little different from the standard one, more like the PS3 keyboard logitech sell, but probably very similar. I've wanted one of those minis since I got my htpc, but they're pretty pricey. I'm waiting on a good deal on one before I pull the trigger

 

[Insomniak]

I use my iPhone (or Android). There are a couple very slick remotes that offer keyboard and custom remote layouts for various programs.

If you have an iPhone/iPod or iPad:
Mobile Mouse is an amazing device. Smaller server app on the PC and you are good to go.
http://mobilemouse.com/

RemoteX is the other one I'd recommend. Both recognize XBMC, Boxee, WMC, and a variety of other apps.

There are a few for Android but nothing nearly as polished that I've seen.