I don't understand why they put the trackpad or trackball to the side of the keyboard. If you put the trackpad or trackball in the middle of the keyboard you don't have to move your wrist or bend it in an awkward position when you switch between typing and navigating.
I don't see the difference unless you can't put it on a surface, but then this form factor would be unusable anyway, even if the trackpad is on the side.
I actually have an older IOGear keyboard with the mouse buttons on the left and the trackball on the right. I've gotten totally used to it and I actually like it! My 15 month old really likes it too and goes to town on it, so when he successfully destroys it I will probably be getting one of the new models...
I'd be interested in seeing a thorough review of HTPC inputs. I've had two un-reliable Logitech diNovo Minis and am looking for a replacement. The Iogear GKM571R gets decidedly mixed reviews from users. There doesn't seem to be a quality solution.
I have this remote too. Absolutely love it. I use it with Win7 and with some remapped keys I no longer have to hold the function key to get to the multimedia buttons
These are all missing the part to become the final all in 1 - the addition of a learning IR remote. There are some ebay specials that do bluetooth keyboard +trackpad or ball +IR, but these don't look to be the same quality as the dinovo mini, or these devices. Yet I'm reluctant to shell out on another similar device until IR is part and parcel and integrated.
Unless I'm missing something?? (Is there an IR blaster I can relay commands from the dinovo to my amp via the PC that I just haven't seen?)
A remote. I don't want the WMC standard remotes, they are cheap and little to no features other than having a directional pad for navigating anything outside of media center. I also don't need the million+ devices control of a Harmony. Let alone the all too standard mushy buttons and bad layout. I really like the remotes coming out with google tv devices lately. Simple upfront layout, with the back having a full qwerty remote. Bluetooth connectivity should be standard. Sony makes some good looking remotes on said devices. I even like the one on their NSZ-GT1, trackpad isn't all that important to me. In my use, a big keyboard is kind of fail. If you have to resort to a large keyboard and mouse/trackpad, then you're doing HTPC wrong haha. If you're seriously going to browse or quickly look something up, then you're better doing that on your smartphone or tablet.
Oh, and yes of course I want it to at least be able to turn my TV off/on + volume, IR blaster built in to the remote.
Oh, and another obvious feature: Ability to map at least a FEW of the buttons, you know, to launch our HTPC applications of choice. We don't need to do EVERYTHING via a directional pad. I don't want to be navigating more than I need to. HTPC's are about convenience.
The problem it has is common to many of the devices mentioned here: no backlighting. If this keyboard had backlighting I think it would be hard to beat. One improvised solution would be to attach a small LED and switch to the batteries to shine on the keys. Another improvised solution is to put some tape or stickers on or next to the most-used keys so they can be found in the dark.
I keep a cheap Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard on the TV stand, and use the Mobile Mouse app on my iPhone/iPad when I don't want to move my lazy self off the couch. For HTPC usage it works as well as any keyboard/trackpad combo, the Lite version is free and the full version is only $3.
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co.bra - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
I don't understand why they put the trackpad or trackball to the side of the keyboard. If you put the trackpad or trackball in the middle of the keyboard you don't have to move your wrist or bend it in an awkward position when you switch between typing and navigating.REALfreaky - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
Imagine standing while operating the keyboard/mouse. That's why.co.bra - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
I don't see the difference unless you can't put it on a surface, but then this form factor would be unusable anyway, even if the trackpad is on the side.nombrecinq - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
I actually have an older IOGear keyboard with the mouse buttons on the left and the trackball on the right. I've gotten totally used to it and I actually like it! My 15 month old really likes it too and goes to town on it, so when he successfully destroys it I will probably be getting one of the new models...Y0ssar1an22 - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
Hi,I'd be interested in seeing a thorough review of HTPC inputs. I've had two un-reliable Logitech diNovo Minis and am looking for a replacement. The Iogear GKM571R gets decidedly mixed reviews from users. There doesn't seem to be a quality solution.
Thanks!
nathanddrews - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
I bought this a while ago. Love it. Works great with Ubuntu XBMC, too.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UE52ME
justinmalek0 - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
I have this remote too. Absolutely love it. I use it with Win7 and with some remapped keys I no longer have to hold the function key to get to the multimedia buttonsAvendit - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
These are all missing the part to become the final all in 1 - the addition of a learning IR remote. There are some ebay specials that do bluetooth keyboard +trackpad or ball +IR, but these don't look to be the same quality as the dinovo mini, or these devices. Yet I'm reluctant to shell out on another similar device until IR is part and parcel and integrated.Unless I'm missing something?? (Is there an IR blaster I can relay commands from the dinovo to my amp via the PC that I just haven't seen?)
Avendit
EnzoFX - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
A remote. I don't want the WMC standard remotes, they are cheap and little to no features other than having a directional pad for navigating anything outside of media center. I also don't need the million+ devices control of a Harmony. Let alone the all too standard mushy buttons and bad layout. I really like the remotes coming out with google tv devices lately. Simple upfront layout, with the back having a full qwerty remote. Bluetooth connectivity should be standard. Sony makes some good looking remotes on said devices. I even like the one on their NSZ-GT1, trackpad isn't all that important to me. In my use, a big keyboard is kind of fail. If you have to resort to a large keyboard and mouse/trackpad, then you're doing HTPC wrong haha. If you're seriously going to browse or quickly look something up, then you're better doing that on your smartphone or tablet.Oh, and yes of course I want it to at least be able to turn my TV off/on + volume, IR blaster built in to the remote.
EnzoFX - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
Oh, and another obvious feature: Ability to map at least a FEW of the buttons, you know, to launch our HTPC applications of choice. We don't need to do EVERYTHING via a directional pad. I don't want to be navigating more than I need to. HTPC's are about convenience.nicolaim - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
I use the excellent HP Wireless Mini Keyboardhttp://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/pro...
The problem it has is common to many of the devices mentioned here: no backlighting. If this keyboard had backlighting I think it would be hard to beat. One improvised solution would be to attach a small LED and switch to the batteries to shine on the keys. Another improvised solution is to put some tape or stickers on or next to the most-used keys so they can be found in the dark.
truprecht - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
I keep a cheap Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard on the TV stand, and use the Mobile Mouse app on my iPhone/iPad when I don't want to move my lazy self off the couch. For HTPC usage it works as well as any keyboard/trackpad combo, the Lite version is free and the full version is only $3.Sangueffusor - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - link
The GKM561R works pretty well with Raspbmc on my Raspberry Pi. Haven't found out how to get the scroll wheel working, though.