View Full Version : Remote Keyboard + Mouse - Which one?
Markatlarks
29-07-2003, 4:21 PM
I need a remote (RF) Keyboard and Mouse (Preferably all in one) for controling an HTPC. Other than the Gyration units can anyone who has experience of this type of device recomend a good product.
Cheers
Mark
Steve Bate
29-07-2003, 6:07 PM
I've got a Liteon Airboard which is ok, not a patch on my Gyration tho', only benefit is the mouse is a little joystick on the keyboard.
Steve
Bugger just read you want RF, the Airboard is IR :god:
Caveat
29-07-2003, 8:39 PM
I use the Logitech RF keyboard and mouse and have found the range disappointing ... perfect for a clutter free desk, not so good for htpc.
With the htpc I use an IR small kb/mouse combination and if it were a better model it would be perfect - the mouse on mine is extremely tricky to use.
Using IR means a pronto remote can learn the keys too, so most of the time I use the pronto to send keypresses and leave the kb alone - Girder helps here too.
My HTPC is in the attic (sitting above the projector), so I use a Powermid (http://www.cyberselect.co.uk/HomeAutomation/Products/Powermid.html) to send the IR up to the PC as RF where its re-broadcast as IR again ... seems to work well for me.
Gyration is the only choice. ;)
Tim Cooper
30-07-2003, 7:42 AM
Gyration is the only choice
Yup:grin:
The Gyration is just a little to expensive for me to warrant spending that on a HTPC. Although only IR that Airboard looks like the best of the cheaper bunch I've been considering. Does anyone know a site or anywhere in the UK where it is available please?
gab2001uk
30-07-2003, 10:12 AM
Gyration. Has to be.
Use as ordinary optical mouse on your leg / wife / table
Pull the trigger and move in the air if no suitable suface.
Instant response, and RF as well.
Available from http://www.quietpc.com/uk/cases.php (bottom of the page)
baldbird
30-07-2003, 10:19 AM
[edited by nutcase_1uk] There's a Chinese firm called Newtone that I've already seen and have cracking product thats sexy and works well - can't buy them till September (when they start selling into the UK) but I'd say they'll be worth the wait.
gab2001uk
30-07-2003, 11:01 AM
The BTC is available from: http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+Catalogue&category%5Fname=Computing%2DOffice+%2D+Computer+Ac cessories+%2D+Keyboards+and+Accessories&product%5Fid=80776
I have one, but do not use it. The "mouse" takes forever to scroll across the screen, and the IR connection is not reliable.
Any offers for mine (used for 1 week) cost new approx £30
SixWhippys
30-07-2003, 2:59 PM
It's IR, but the Qtronix QT-SCLI keyboard with built in trackball. It's a nice little keyboard, decent key action, trackball is as fast as a normal mouse, and it looks good with my black av/htpc kit. It works fine across the lounge when I'm sitting in my sofa (as long as I point it at the receiver - RF would be better in this respect).
Cost is £50 from keyboardco.com, so it's reasonably priced.
how about the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard Combo ..
homethx
31-07-2003, 12:00 AM
Originally posted by Zef
how about the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard Combo ..
That cost more than he's was willing to pay.
I'd say save up for a bitlonger and get the gyration its definitely worth it.
my problem is I have 2 toddlers under the age of 2 and the Gyration would be too much to replace. I have several Logitech desktops throughout the house on other computers for the good stuff but need something cheap, cheerfull, all-in-one and reliable for the HTPC in the lounge :(
Pootle
04-08-2003, 9:30 PM
Originally posted by Zef
how about the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard Combo ..
hahaha - that is a joke, right?
Originally posted by TEK
my problem is I have 2 toddlers under the age of 2 and the Gyration would be too much to replace. I have several Logitech desktops throughout the house on other computers for the good stuff but need something cheap, cheerfull, all-in-one and reliable for the HTPC in the lounge :(
So have I! I keep the mouse out of reach in its recharger cradle but the keyboard has been fiddlede with occasionally . Its pretty robust though. (really nice keyboard ..very high quality very light)
Markatlarks
05-08-2003, 8:04 AM
http://www.accesskeyboards.com/products.htm
Me thinks that we should consolidate this list of sugestions into a permanent hardware archive? Is there such a thing. Maybe someone in the know could add it to the HTPC hardware list?
Many thanks for all the information on the mouse/keyboards - I have provided a link above to an all in one product which has a range of 5 - 15 metres. Has anyone any practical info/experience on this device?
GSE8696WTA - £65.00ea
GINRFWIRE003 - £85.00ea
alexs2
05-08-2003, 9:58 PM
For what it's worth,I'd add my pennies worth to the Gyration camp....excellent product and well made.
adesonic
06-08-2003, 8:53 AM
More of the same I know, but the gyration really is the business.
Desmo
09-09-2003, 12:49 PM
Sorry to dig up an old thread but I assume that the Gyration is still the one to go for :)
I'll get my order in today to QuietPC unless somebody tells me otherwise.
Markatlarks
09-09-2003, 3:30 PM
I have acquired a Gyration Remote mouse and keyboard - Here are my views on each:
Mouse:
Heavy in hand and very comfortable - Feels the biz!
It is held rather like a 'ray gun'. It has a trigger which your index finger rests on very comfortably. It has a scroll wheel and a left and right button both of which extend well to the bottom of the top surface so that squeeze pressure will invoke left or right functions. When you are using the mouse 'in free air' (controlled by gyroscope in the mouse) it is rather like holding a comfortable heavy plastic 'gun'. To activate the windows arrow you simply click the trigger and keep it depressed. You move you hand - like a wand - and the arrow you are controlling moves with your wrist/hand movement - in complete unison. When the arrow is over the target - say an input box in windows - you simply release the mouse trigger and the arrow freezes in space. No hand movement will effect it now. All you then do is left or right click etc.
Marks out of 10 - 9.5 (nobodys perfect!)
Keyboard:
Light and very compact. Consider it like a laptop/notebook keyboard. I personally am not familiar with the layout and did have a lttle problems woking in a darkish environment - Like when you are watch a movie or similar. Howecer I have now 'learned' where the Del key is - so I am sorted. It is a good product. Not quite as robust feeling as the mouse - but hey the mouse feels like a little hand greande!
Marks out of 10 - 8
Powering the devices:
Mouse resides on a special charging tray when not in use and the keyboard has 4 AA type batteries (but thiner).
Do9 your self a favour - get one - you wont be dissapointed. Its range is fantastic - No line of sight required. Will control my PC from anywhere in a 25foot lounge.
Thanks to all who advised. I am glad I took it!
I just wish they did a keyboard with luminous keys.
I'd do a diy on mine if I can find a suitable paint/sticker.
Good job I ordered one today then :grin:
Originally posted by Markatlarks
You move you hand - like a wand - and the arrow you are controlling moves with your wrist/hand movement - in complete unison.
Have I got this right? You move your hand about to move the cursor, and not just tilt it in the direction you want to go?
Desmo
10-09-2003, 12:16 PM
Wehey, it arrived today and I only ordered it at 4.30 last night. Well done to Quiet PC :)
Just tried it the Mac here at works and it's pretty nifty.
Markatlarks
10-09-2003, 1:23 PM
Yip - It is an elctronic gyroscope. So where ever you move your hand (wrist is better) it moves up and down etc. It is as if you have a laser guided pointer! Imagine a torch which shnes a picture of a mouse pointer which becomes stantionary when you take your index finger off the trigger - ther you go - it's real smart.
Illumination of the keyboard. - I have a Pioneer 2100s - This comes with a back/side lit remote with 2 million buttons on it. Cant say the illumination helps as the writing is so small I cant read it! However how aboutultra violet paint with a UV light? Wont effect the darkness and it wont eat up batteries.
Conversely you could learn to touch type?
gingercat
11-09-2003, 10:07 AM
Just spotted this set on Scan's Today Only page (http://www.scan.co.uk/todayonly/) for only £75.20 inc VAT! (then add £7+VAT delivery) Bargain!
Garrett
12-09-2003, 9:38 PM
Sorry for coming lat on this discussion but I went for a Logitech wired keyboard since I’m using it on the desk top but I got a MX700 cordless mouse because I was feed up with keep dragging the cable from back of the desktop. It is extremely comfortable and although not needed an be used at the back off the room about 12 feet from the receiver.
I believe this model is a big improvement over the previous model.
I too have a MX700, it's the best mouse i've ever seen and the range is very good if you keep it well charged.
Have not tried the keyboard though, but am seriously considering it.
Garrett
15-09-2003, 8:41 PM
How do you charge the keyboard? Do you have to plug it in at night? Not that I’m going to get one I went for the Logitech Internet Navigator.
The MX700 does feel very nice in the hand.
Markatlarks
16-09-2003, 8:03 AM
When considering a keyboard/mouse the range is/should be the first consideration.
Having used the Gyration for a month or two now I can confirm that it works in all environments - IE line of sight - 7 metres at least as well as being completely obscured from the receiver and pointing in the wrong/other direction.
The Gyration keyboard has 4 (I think) batteries which after a busy month are still 100%.
The mouse lives on its rechage cradle and even after a full days use still works to maximum range.
The Gyration is a very class product. You wont be dissapointed.
Garrett
16-09-2003, 9:27 AM
Can you read text like this at 7 meters?
Markatlarks
16-09-2003, 3:52 PM
When I started this thread it was in the context of using a remote control for an HTPC.
HTPCs usually have some form of large screen/projected image associated with them.
So to make sense of your fairly irrlevant question - maybe I should ask why you should want to sit so close to an 8ft screen!
I have a sitting room which is 30ft long. I am at least 16 feet from the screen and need a remote mouse - not only for controling ThatreTek but also Google, Word and the like.
I actally work at this distance from a screen withan 8ft width. May seem strange but even NASA do the same.
The whole point of the thread was to have an exchange about 'the best product - both Keyboard and Mouse. I beleive the Gyration is that, mind you having said that the Logitec isnt bad either.
Garrett
16-09-2003, 5:41 PM
Markatlark my comment was meant as help not a criticism. I was wrongfully pointing something out, and I only picked up on the thread on page 2 as I said “Sorry for coming late on this discussion” and missed the point of the use with HTPCs or I would not have made the above remark which I though was help.
I have a mate who is after a wireless keyboard just to have on his lap rather than on the desk. And was pointing the way to a corded keyboard (which I now see would be totally inadequate) and I use a wireless mouse because I was forever pulling the cord back up from the back of my desk.