Client PC - What Keyboard Do You Use?

[Brent]

For those of you who use a SAgeTV clientPC at the Television, I'm curious about what keyboard you are using with it if any.

Give me your suggestions on media PC keyboards please.

I'm reviewing the new Vidabox wireless keyboard which is very nice - will be giving it away when I post that review. Also reviewing a very tiny cheapo wireless keyboard, but I'm interested in what others use and what they like/dislike about their keyboard.

[icmoney]

I use Wireless Mini Kybrd with built-in Trackball for Htpc By Ergoguys. Have been very happy with it. Found it at Amazon.

[wammer23]

Adesso wireless, works good, seems to be hard on batteries.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823166047

[derringer]

I think that is the one I have... It was not very expensive and is natively supported in xp, and to my surprise has never caused me a single problem.

its one of the few 'value' choices I've made with no downside. I will get the exact model tonight, but mine has a trackball in the upper right corner, and scroll wheels going down the top, so that when you hold it in your hands, it is very ergonomic to just scroll and surf effortlessly.

I think the previous poster has a similar one, but I will post later with the name, as it is a great wireless option for an htpc, imo (small as well!)

[Apap]

I still use and like my Gyration wireless mini keyboard and airmouse.

[mskitty666]

I'm using the Logitech DiNovo mini. I really like it except for the touchpad which needs improving. Istill really like it and don't regret the purchase at all. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ke.../3848&cl=us,en

[danmyersmn]

That DiNovo is pretty nice. Tiny!! I use this:

Adesso's wireless mini Keyboard with Optical trackball.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0252149

BTW I have not replaced the batteries on mine yet. 6 months or so to date.

[steven017]

I'm currently using two setups.

One is a Microsoft Wireless Comfort desktop set. It works OK but its range is not very good. I often have to move the transmitter/receiver to improve reception.

The other is two separate devices, a Frogpad (Bluetooth keyboard) and The Ball (Bluetooth trackball). This setup works great because the Bluetooth has great range. The only downside is that the Frogpad is a one hand keyboard, so you're not going to be any speed demon when typing. The other drawback is that I find trackballs more challenging to use when playing games, which I only occasionally do. Overall, this is my setup of choice.

[SWKerr]

Belkin MediaPilot Wireless Keyboard

I have used these for quite sometime now and love it. I tried a few other regular wireless keyboards but the range was always poor and you still needed a mouse or track ball. Next I used a gyration but it did not have a built-in mouse and the range was still not all that great. You really need the mouse function on the keyboard. It is a pain to switch back and forth.

The Belkin will sit in a cradle that is the transmitter and charger. With the cradle it is a full sized keyboard if. There are more option now than when I got it but I still prefer it over the other media keyboards I have seen.
1. It is a universal remote if you want it to be.
2. Out of the charger it is really not to big and can sit on the table for weeks without a charge. The keys are not to small for typing.
3. Good Range.
4. It has a pressure sensitive pad as a mouse. (Works like a Think pad pointer.) I have never liked a touch pad, I seem prone to accidental touches. Track balls are better but you still have to move your thumb a lot more than with this thing.
5. I can hold it comfortably with both hands and use my thumbs to control the mouse. Right side is movement, Left side are buttons and scroll wheel. When I want to type I can take one hand and hit a few keys or if I have any real typing I can put it on my lap.

I spend most of my time with it lying om my back on the couch. Usually just need to hit a few keys and use the mouse part. Its Great. For any real typing needs I would just use my desktop.

[jchiso]

I have four Lite-On Airboards from years gone by. They work well and afford long battery lives. These are Motorla SK-7100 model infrared keyboard with built-in mouse pointer. I also have an Inland Wireless Pro infrared keyboard with mouse pointer. The Inland model goes through batteries much faster than the Lite-Ons, but battery life is still good.

[spike5884]

This is the keyboard I use. Takes a good beating.
BTC 9019URFIII

[othy]

Originally Posted by spike5884

This is the keyboard I use. Takes a good beating.
BTC 9019URFIII

I replaced my client with an HD-100, but I used this same (or very similar) keyboard for ~ 1 year. I loved it. Found the joystick-style mouse very usable and it worked well from my couch.

Tim

[Polypro]

MCE Keyboard and a DiNovo Mini.

P

[bluenote]

I bought a BTC 9019 after reading a lot of good things on this forum about it, and I couldn't be happier. The joystick mouse does take a little getting used to, but the distance is excellent, battery life is great, and overall just works really well.

The handle form factor makes for very convenient lugging, too.

Cory

[bjterry62]

MCE Remote only. No keyboard.

BT

[floyd_2]

I use a Logitech DiNovo Edge wireless keyboard / touchpad. I looked at the DiNovo minis too. I went to my local PC shop and tried out a DiNovo mini (with the intention of buying one) and found it to be too small I ended up with a DiNovo edge and find it to be an excellent (but pricey) keyboard.

The DiNovo Edge has some media function keys built in that work well with SageTV, and a funky star trek style volume slider. I have a remote control for my XP PC but hardly use it in favour of the keyboard.

Floyd

[bigbill]

DiNovo mini, although when I use it I always have a feeling that keys are missing...

[finalwish]

Originally Posted by jchiso

I have four Lite-On Airboards from years gone by. They work well and afford long battery lives. These are Motorla SK-7100 model infrared keyboard with built-in mouse pointer. I also have an Inland Wireless Pro infrared keyboard with mouse pointer. The Inland model goes through batteries much faster than the Lite-Ons, but battery life is still good.

I have one of these... are you using it with XP or Vista? I'm trying to get this work with Vista and currently no luck getting the joystick to work on it.

Nevermind: got it working now.

[Cooper]

I also use the DiNovo mini and use with Vista with no problems. It is small but that is what I was looking for. I used to use the BCT wireless not bad but a full size. Fry's always has these on-sale for $20.