keyboard / universal remote options?

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  • September 30, 2011 at 10:08 pm #26367
    capall

      Hi all,

      Is there any wireless keyboards out there suitable for a HTPC to navigate WMC, websites, programs etc) that also have Universal remote control functionality, to control the TV, Blu ray player etc  (which I know would require a wireless to IR receiver/transmitter)

      It just seems crazy that we have logitech remotes on one hand as univ remotes, and various wireless keyboards on the other for htpc’s, (forgive the slight pun there, not intended)

       

      derek

       

       

      October 6, 2011 at 10:26 am #31558
      SJMaye

        There are plenty of options out there.  IR/RF/Bluetooth.  This site is an excellent resource for reviews on them.  Check reviews.  In my experience it would be helpful to separate the need for a full fledged media center keyboard/mouse and just the need to point and click.  I only use my MS media center keyboard when I need to type.  Most the time I am only pointing and clicking, though.  I use this Lenovo Multimedia Remote with Keyboard N5901 http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-Keyboard-N5901/dp/B0036VO67I

        and love the trackball.  Far better mousemovements it is far easier than the media center keyboard.  They even have a model now that has a backlit keyboard which is the only deficiency with my model.

        Seriously, check out this site.  Here is just one http://www.missingremote.com/review/iogear-gkm571r-24-ghz-multimedia-mini-keyboard.  But there are more of them reviewed here.

        October 6, 2011 at 4:33 pm #31563
        capall

          thanks for the response,

          I agree, the iogear and di novo mini seems to be one of the better wireless htpc keyboards, there is still probably  a need for 2 devices, . One as a small trackball keyboard and another straight forward remote, but it would be great if we could have a keyboard with some simple home theater functions, at least to be able control on/off, and volume of the TV and receiver

          derek

           

           

          October 6, 2011 at 6:49 pm #31565
          SJMaye

            I have not  found the ideal situation yet.  Even with the great Harmony One remote it was nice, but I wanted to same remote for all TVs in the house since they were all on Media Center.  So I opted to buy a bunch of the original MS Media Center remotes.  I think they are the best remote out there for a media center only environment.  SIMPLE.  My wife loves that the number of buttons are minimized.  You can simply do all you need while in MC. 

            For doing things outside MC I used a full media center keyboard for a long time.  I find the nub control of the cursor slow and painful and handling the big keyboard is cumbersome.  I noted one day most of the time I am not typing at all.  I just needed to point and click most of the time.  This is how I landed on the little Lenovo.  It serves the point and click need very well.  Fits perfectly in the palm of my hand.

             

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