We're getting set to move from....

Titanium G4 + EyeTVUSB + CRT

...to...

an Intel mini (as soon as it gets a hardware bump & 10.5!) + EyeTV Hybrid + 40"LCD

I currently access the current Mac by grabbing one of the family's laptops (or desktop) and using VNC. There's also a wired kbd & mouse attached to the Titanium (which is hiding under some shelves).

For a variety of reasons, we DO NOT want to use VNC for controlling the mini. I know it's a great solution for many HTPC users, and I do use VNC every day at work and home for a number of purposes, but we know that we want a different solution for our Mac mini HTPC.

We want a wireless keyboard and "mouse" (pointing device).

Bluetooth is desired, so that there is no additional USB junk to hang off of the mini. Simple is better. :)

Also, we want a pointing device integrated with the bluetooth keyboard. Trackball is probably slightly preferred, but a trackpad would be great, too.

I realize that most keyboards will have Windows control keys. I have no problem remapping ctl/alt/whatever keys as necessary.

So! Is anybody really happy with their bluetooth keyboard/pointer combo? Do tell! Nice size, not too small, not too big? Easy to use from the couch? Another other features to look for?

Also, anything to stay away from?

We're looking forward to moving to a modern setup. Thanks for any advice!

-Greg

I know you'd rather have a bluetooth model but I was where you are about a month ago. I really never found a bluetooth with all the features you listed. I did find keyboard that I've been using for a few weeks now with my MacMini HTPC and it's been great. You can find the info on it here:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/pName/xgene-24ghz-wireless-keyboard-with-800dpi-optical-trackball

It is a Windoz keyboard so some of the multimedia buttons do not work but the built in scroll wheel and track ball are great.

-EJ

Thanks, Eric.

Disheartening that you went through the same thing a month ago in looking for BT gear! I'll keep my eyes open, and also check out the link you posted.

-Greg

Did you try the search function for this forum? Several recent topics include:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=754479&highlight=bluetooth+keyboard

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=822728

That said, I just purchased the Logitech Edge keyboard to use with my Mini HTPC:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,crid=2676,contentid=12339&ad=emea_hpb_edge_nov06#1

It's sleek and sexy, and according to this guys blog:
http://5thirtyone.com/archives/751
he's got it up and running with OS X with full functionality.

So far I like it and I noticed in last Sunday's BB flyer, it's on sale.

Don't forget to make sure that your LCD you are looking to purchase works with the Mini. A 1080p lcd that does 1:1 pixel mapping is preferred. Otherwise, you may have to resort to one of the resolution finagling applications to get it to work. Much nicer to plug and play, and 1080p definitely gives a better image for pc uses. There are several threads in the Mac forum talking about displays and Macs.

Did you try the search function for this forum?

Yup -- but, like you'll see from those threads, choices for *bluetooth* wireless keyboards with *integrated* trackballs or trackpads are few and far between, dang it!! :( :( :(

-Greg

Don't forget to make sure that your LCD you are looking to purchase works with the Mini.
...
and 1080p definitely gives a better image for pc uses.

Thanks for the reminder.

Actually, I am not going to be using an LCD as a computer monitor, so to speak, but I am going to dangle a Mac mini off of an LCD TV. 40" and 720p -- all things considered, 1080p is not a good choice for us for a number of reasons. And, fortunately, looks like the new "T" series of Samsungs do DVI/HDMI without the traditional bad overscan problems! Woo! :D

-Greg

I use a standard Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and it works perfectly from about 12 feet away. I originally picked up a Logitech BT mouse, but was quite disappointed with it. It only seemed to work from about 2 to 3 feet away and was unusable at 6 feet.

I just received, this weekend, the Gyration mouse and I can't say enough good things about it. It tracks perfectly from anywhere in my townhouse, whether using it as a traditional mouse or using it in the handheld mode.

Good luck!

Also, we want a pointing device integrated with the bluetooth keyboard. Trackball is probably slightly preferred, but a trackpad would be great, too.

Thanks for any advice!


Logitech dinovo edge. This is the best out there, I've been trying to get my hands on one myself.

There are cheaper options but I'd fork out for the dinovo edge.
http://img.clubic.com/photo/00371314.jpg

For the mac http://digg.com/apple/Use_the_Logitech_diNovo_Edge_with_Mac_OS_X

i agree about the dinovo edge. best looking and nearly the most functional. the best (but not best looking) is the adesso wkb-4000. it is plastic and a bit creaky but a solid performer. it is smaller with a bigger track pad. the adesso has a small 2.4Mhrtz dongle that works well and the edge has a bluetooth dongle though the edge paired well with the intel mini without the dongle. also my beautiful edge went screwy after my cat puked on it (and me!); though not logitech's fault the edge gave up the ghost pretty quickly. ...i am going to get another one. and use my adeso as back-up (like now) or a second keyboard for my wife to play scrabble with me on the 50" plasma.

You should really use a real scrabble board and stop wasting electricty....

If you're waiting for Leopard 10.5 and the Mac mini hardware bump, why not wait on the BT keyboard as well? Clearly, Apple still has not put all their cards on the table.

Since it runs a version of OS X and can be morphed into virtually any hand-held device, it seems logical that a new Apple keyboard/remote may come in the form of the iPhone and/or the next generation iPod.

At this point, a Mac mini update may now come out before Leopard, unless it requires some new Leopard features.

Below is a terrific web site for tracking when product updates are due (or overdue), because it tracks the date of the last release and the average number of days between releases of Apple's major products.

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

The edge is on sale at newegg.com for $165 and then you get a $30 rebate. I am tempted.

Composit: i could also read a book instead of watch tv. go to sleep at sundown and wake up at sunrise. or just sit in the dark. but i pick my own battles. i have never ridden in a car by myself anywhere. i recycle everything i can (though i hear the city throws it out...) shop primarily for locally grown organic produce. use only recycled and unbleached toilet paper and paper towels. and use non-toxic biodegradable cleansers. why so judgemental about electricity use on a website devoted to using extra electricity?

I just bought an Edge from BB using the reward zone coupons that came in the mail, and I'm VERY impressed.

i agree about the dinovo edge. best looking and nearly the most functional. the best (but not best looking) is the adesso wkb-4000. it is plastic and a bit creaky but a solid performer. it is smaller with a bigger track pad. the adesso has a small 2.4Mhrtz dongle that works well and the edge has a bluetooth dongle though the edge paired well with the intel mini without the dongle. also my beautiful edge went screwy after my cat puked on it (and me!); though not logitech's fault the edge gave up the ghost pretty quickly. ...i am going to get another one. and use my adeso as back-up (like now) or a second keyboard for my wife to play scrabble with me on the 50" plasma.

Hey fellas, it sounds like you might be able to help me. I'm trying to get my new Adesso wkb-4000 wireless keyboard to play nice with my old mac g4. So far, I got butkus. OS X will not recognize it. Any ideas on what I can try? Does it HAVE to be an intel based mac to work?
Thanks!
-vb