This morning I read about a new wireless multimedia keyboard (touchpad included) and thought about posting it here, but then thought: don't we Mac users have better options these days? iPhone and iPod Touch, for example. Or using a MacBook to control a Mini. Isn't a keyboard kind of 20th century?

In a word: No.

I love my iPhone coupled with Remote Buddy and Touchpad Pro, but a wireless keyboard is often much easier to use during media playback than an iPhone/iPod Touch. Controlling iTunes, the iPhone is no problem. With OSXMBC, it's just not enough.

And a MacBook is über-overkill to use as a remote control. I like VNC too but that's like hunting for duck with a fighter jet. Setting things up or doing maintenance on a remote machine: Sure. Jumping forward or back during a film/TV show: No way.

To retire the keyboard as "...a little 20th century" seems grossly premature to me...especially in a HTPC environment where you often need the full compliment of keys - and have guests/other viewers waiting for a pause/fast forward/rewind/whatever.

My system is probably much simpler than yours. I don't use it, for example, to play games or browse the web. In fact, for most of what I do (watch films, play music, watch slideshows, etc.), the Apple Remote is quite good enough. However, DVD Player really needs a mouse - a keyboard wouldn't work and the remote lacks some functions. Some day, when I get an iPhone or Touch, I won't need the mouse any more.

Sometimes there are benefits to doing things simply, although it might not be everyone's cup of tea. BTW, can't Front Row be completely controlled with only the remote?

BTW, can't Front Row be completely controlled with only the remote?

Probably. Not a huge FR fan, so I'm not sure.

As I noted in my post, I'm using Plex to play back most of my media. While I've mapped a lot of the commands to Apple Remote buttons with RB, there are times when my wireless keyboard is the simplest way to execute a command.

And you're actually using your Mac for a lot more than I am - my Mini is exclusively for media playback - so slideshows/browsing the web/playing games/etc. aren't functions I'm considering.

Mac HTPCs are a highly customized situation, so it's no surprise we're both happy with different solutions. But "obsolete" implies there's no longer a legit reason for it to be around...which is very far from the reality when it comes to keyboards.

Some day, when I get an iPhone or Touch, I won't need the mouse any more.

Ah...you don't have one yet! As someone who's been using the iPhone as a remote for more than a year now - it's not as smooth as you'd think. Unless you leave it on all the time (creating a bright beacon in your theatre and burning through battery life with the constant WiFi connection), you'll need to execute a minimum of three screen taps/button pushes before even SEEING the remote control/touchpad screen. That can be a lot of stuff to get through when you just want to jump forward ten seconds or pause the screen.

BTW, can't Front Row be completely controlled with only the remote?

Further - I agree - The remote isn't satisfactory for the complete realities of my media playback, particularly including DVD Player.

But for "pedestrian" access through FrontRow, the remote does indeed control everything.

My system is probably much simpler than yours. I don't use it, for example, to play games or browse the web. In fact, for most of what I do (watch films, play music, watch slideshows, etc.), the Apple Remote is quite good enough. However, DVD Player really needs a mouse - a keyboard wouldn't work and the remote lacks some functions. Some day, when I get an iPhone or Touch, I won't need the mouse any more.

Yeah, the remotes that come with just about any DVD player will have way more than 6 buttons. The fundamental limitation of the Apple IR reciever/Apple remote pair is the paltry set of only 6 recognized IR symbols.

However, most will be quick to point out that it's actually 6x256, as there is an 8-bit prefix to the symbol. This prefix is changed by holding down two keys on the apple remote and re-pairing it with the IR reciever.

Logically, what you then want is for the transmitter to be able to easily and conveniently learn and map N x 6 IR symbols (i.e. a Harmony 550, which at $50 represents much less of an investment than an iphone), and for the receiver software to be able to recognize and map the same set of N x 6 symbols onto the various types of HTPC functionality, including fast app switching, virtual keyboard, and virtual pointing device (i.e. Remote Buddy).

Fortunately, such a process is well documented (http://funwithcomputers.wordpress.com/2008/03/01/using-the-harmony-880-remote-with-your-macs-built-in-ir-port/). With it, you have a tool for controlling virtually every facet of your Mac-based HTPC. I find I only have to pull out the wireless keyboard for one of two reasons - composing an email or forum message, or system maintenance.

What I meant by "MM keyboards", which perhaps was not so clear, is "multi-media keyboards." I have a keyboard (from an old iMac) attached to my Mini, but I only use it for administration -- updating DVDPedia when I get a new DVD, for example. However, once I use the Mini for home theater, the keyboard goes away and I only use Apple Remote. As I said, I sometimes need a mouse to change settings in DVD Player, but that's pretty rare.

What I meant by "MM keyboards", which perhaps was not so clear, is "multi-media keyboards." I have a keyboard (from an old iMac) attached to my Mini, but I only use it for administration -- updating DVDPedia when I get a new DVD, for example. However, once I use the Mini for home theater, the keyboard goes away and I only use Apple Remote. As I said, I sometimes need a mouse to change settings in DVD Player, but that's pretty rare.

I don't have one yet and not sure if I want one, but the Logitech diNovo mini is a decent solution. I'm hoping that they come out with a Mac version of it, complete with the command keys and such.

It's a small device that works on BT, plus it has a "touchwheel" that can be used as a trackpad.

ft

I don't have one yet and not sure if I want one, but the Logitech diNovo mini is a decent solution. I'm hoping that they come out with a Mac version of it, complete with the command keys and such.

It's a small device that works on BT, plus it has a "touchwheel" that can be used as a trackpad.

ft

Something like this: Logitech DiNovo Edge, Mac Edition (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4429&cl=us,en), or did you specifically need the mini version?

Something like this: Logitech DiNovo Edge, Mac Edition (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4429&cl=us,en), or did you specifically need the mini version?

I hadn't seen that one before ... but for me, a multi-media keyboard should be small. I don't want a full sized keyboard in the living room.

The diNovo mini is perfect, other than the fact that it doesn't have the Mac-centric keys.

ft

New product out today, appropo to this thread.

http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/ikey_releases_keyboard_with_bluetooth_technology/

http://www.ikey.com/ProductsList/index.aspx?productID=135&BT-87-TP

It's not pretty, but it's bluetooth with integrated trackpad, it's compact, spill-proof, and made to take a beating (by your 4-year-old, for instance). Could be of interest to some here.

http://www.applelinks.com/images/uploads/charles/ikbt.jpg

I have this and love it.

Adesso 2.4 GHZ WIRELESS SLIMTOUCH TOUCHPAD MINI KEYBOARD
url: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00083Y0YG

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31X5K7C4PTL._SS500_.jpg

I have the Logitech BT keyboard for Playstation 3. Works fine on my mini, much cheaper than the DiNovo, has been working great for almost a year now. Integrated trackpad with scrolling and everything.

However, I'm getting closer and closer to not needing the keyboard for Plex (formerly OSXBMC) as I get my Pronto remote tweaked and Plex has increased their universal remote support. Soon I don't expect to need the keyboard at all unless doing something other than media (like internet on the big screen or whatever).