HTPC keyboard (IR with "rollerball"?)

[Richard Harnwell]

(part 3 in an occasional series of ideas for the new DIGN case based HCPC)

I've already got a cheapo IR keyboard with built-in mouse type thingy which works OK:

http://www.devima.fr/media/Airkey_small.jpg


The only problem is the mouse part of it is a rubber thing that you push in the required direction (a bit like the "nipples" used on many laptops). I find these far more awkard to use than a normal mouse, but a cordless mouse isn't much use if you're sitting on a sofa!

What I'd really like would be an IR keyboard with an integrated "trackball" type mouse. This should give almost as much control as a standard mouse, and might even be good enough for game playing.

After a quick play with google, I found this:

"Rollerball" keyboard from Kustom PCs (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?view=3019)

I'm currently waiting for a reply to an email asking what the range is.

Has anyone tried it? If so, what's the verdict?

[RichardH]

I found a UK source for The Silitek 7100 (aka Airboard) here (http://www.datagen.co.uk/3dshop/default.html?target=3D_Shopping_Special_Offers.htm l) - cheesy site (make sure you have your speakers on for the full effect) - might be worth checking them out, and whether they have stock.

Where did you get the current one?

[Richard Harnwell]

Originally posted by RichardH
I found a UK source for The Silitek 7100 (aka Airboard) here (http://www.datagen.co.uk/3dshop/default.html?target=3D_Shopping_Special_Offers.htm l) - cheesy site (make sure you have your speakers on for the full effect) - might be worth checking them out, and whether they have stock.

Where did you get the current one?

I got my current airboard from a computer fair for £15.
It is very good for the price, but I really don't like using that rubbber thing.....

It doesn't look like datagen do any rollerball keyboards. Is there a reason I shouldn't use Kustom PCs?

[MartinCo]

also try http://www.cw2.co.uk/index.html
there is a scorpious 990 listed... two models, one ps/2, one usb.

product appears to be this model http://www.qtronix.com.tw/Products-files/Keyboard-files/Scorpius-LI.htm

[Richard Harnwell]

That 990 looks good (I like the 7m range).

I'm tempted......

[MartinCo]

the range will probably be more if you are using a pronto or similar...

that quoted IR range will be based on the keyboard.. the emitter on a pronto is much bigger (assuming it works with this keyboard... check first that you can return it if not compatible).

I'm probably going to buy one of these also.. the only one I could find that was USB.

[Nic Rhodes]

Richard

I have your current Keyboard and a 7100. The 7100 is much better and the reason I bought it. Don't know about this new kustom one.

[triplebj]

I just bought one of these :

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=34468&PX_Session=9042a6bd4d043aa7e08c04fc2bad2193

Still getting used to the little rubber-mouse-thingy, but I am improving by yhe day ;-)

It's RF not IR......

BJ