Can anyone recommend a wireless keyboard with built in mouse for htpc?

ensyed · 09-28-04, 06:35 PM

I tried looking at Best Buy and Circuit city but they dont carry keyboards with integrated mice.

Can anyone tell me some names I can lookup? I dont want to spend too much though.

Thanks

ThreePutt · 09-28-04, 11:33 PM

I don't have one but a lot of people speak highly of the LiteOn Airboard Wireless Keyboard/Joystick Mouse. They are available at DigitalConnections for $29 + S/H

Geckotek · 09-29-04, 01:19 AM

I'd be weary of the IR connection. Not pointing just the right direction and no-worky. Unlike a remote, I don't want to have to point my keyboard. I'd suggest an RF solution.

Personally, I'm using the Logitech MX KB/Mouse I had before (not integrated.) Works great and would only change for the new laser version.

KKF · 09-29-04, 01:55 AM

I would get a keyboard with a trackball a whole lot easier to use than a mouse type one. Well atleast thats what im looking at.

Pestilence · 09-29-04, 03:57 AM

I've had an airboard since 99 (paid NINETY bucks for it) and I've tried the gyro wireless stuff and dell's wireless setup and the IR airboard actually works much better from a lazy boy/couch - the dell (logitech made, i think) had no range, and the gyro mouse kept getting lost in the couch. if you position the receiver correctly, the airboard works well even at 20+ feet.

not to mention i don't remember ever changing the batteries....

the key to it is to learn all the keyboard shortcuts for everything you can. the mouse nub thing works well, but it's all much easier to do with the keyboard. having the mouse there as a backup to the keyboard without having to find it is excellent. i've never used a trackball much, but the times i have i found it very poor as a mouse (worse than a nub by far.

the airboard also has a left click lock/unlock button on the front so dragging and dropping can be done one handed.

idvsego · 09-29-04, 07:54 AM

I am getting this Lite On from Newegg for $25...

Lite On keyboard link

u02sgb · 09-29-04, 09:09 AM

How about this:

http://hi-techreviews.com/modules.ph...ticle&sid=1249

Looks pretty good, I'm in the Uk though and haven't found anywhere I can buy it....

idvsego · 09-29-04, 09:17 AM

I have seen that one. Looks nice, and it has handle. For what, i don't know. But they are there.

Mntneer · 09-29-04, 09:26 AM

The problem I've had with RF keyboards is range. My couch sits to far back to make my Logitech happy. I'm thinking about switching to the much cheaper IR option.

k1114 · 09-29-04, 09:29 AM

The best option for the money is definately the lite-on keyboard/mouse from newegg. It's $23 and works well, the range is really good and the IR isn't as bad as you would think, works from a good variety of angles. I use it daily and I couldn't be happier with it

emillika · 09-29-04, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mntneer
The problem I've had with RF keyboards is range. My couch sits to far back to make my Logitech happy. I'm thinking about switching to the much cheaper IR option.

RF has better range than IR. With that said I don't see how switching to a IR solution will help you. ???

minhi · 09-29-04, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by emillika
RF has better range than IR. With that said I don't see how switching to a IR solution will help you. ???

most of the RF solutions are pretty weak. the microsoft one is horrible (personal exp.) the logitech one is suppose to be better, my gyration is good to 15ft (farthest i tested). so RF should have a better range then IR, but not always...

gduprey · 09-29-04, 10:52 AM

The Interlink VersaPoint RF wireless keyboard is a good choice, though a little pricey. Has a range of about 100 feet. I have it stuck in my equipment room and can be anywhere in my theater and it works great. Has a pretty full keyboard and integrated mouse pointer control (a thumbpad with mouse buttons strategically located around the case). The keyboard is designed to sit on you lap (i.e. has a slight double dip to accomodate legs) and is pretty light.

ensyed · 09-29-04, 07:06 PM

Thank you guys. I think I will try the Liton keyboard.

RalphArch · 09-29-04, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by u02sgb
How about this:

http://hi-techreviews.com/modules.ph...ticle&sid=1249

Looks pretty good, I'm in the Uk though and haven't found anywhere I can buy it....

I saw this and I thought Eureka!!! About two years after getting my discontinued BTC5090 I can get what looks like an identical keyboard which I can then use for my Theater room leaving the older keyboard in the family room.

I search the web and find glowing reviews (the handles by the way are a great touch for a keyboard like this used for a home theater coach/lap situation.Very convenient for picking up and passing to other/setting down etc.

Problem is there still appears to be no place you can actually buy one in the US either.

But since the reviews were dated in the last couple days I imagine its just a shipping delay and they will be available shortly.

Iintend to get one - from the reviews it has an even better range than my 5090 (one reviewer mentioned going outside the house with it still working)

samw · 10-02-04, 03:55 PM

Mod's note: Post deleted. Links were porn sites containing malware.

opus74 · 10-02-04, 07:42 PM

I have both the Lite-On from NewEgg and the Lite-On from DigitalConnection. I prefer the DC one because of the placement of the mouse buttons directly under the stick.

vfrjim · 10-02-04, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by opus74
I have both the Lite-On from NewEgg and the Lite-On from DigitalConnection. I prefer the DC one because of the placement of the mouse buttons directly under the stick.

Do they both share the same IR code? Because I would really like to have both of them because I have two HTPC's near each other and currently use another wireless KB on my other one (other then the Airboard like DC's)?

Thanks

opus74 · 10-03-04, 09:20 AM

I don't know. I had one downstairs and the other upstairs and had no problems, but I wouldn't have expected them to overlap either. I like the DC one so much that the next order I placed with DC I ordered another one from them and sold the keyboard I bought from NewEgg to a friend.

wdang · 10-03-04, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k1114
The best option for the money is definately the lite-on keyboard/mouse from newegg. It's $23 and works well, the range is really good and the IR isn't as bad as you would think, works from a good variety of angles. I use it daily and I couldn't be happier with it

K1114,

What's the max range for this keyboard/mouse? I've planned to put my PC (system unit) on a shelf in the entertainment center that has a dark smoked color glass. Do you think this keyboard still work with that setup ? If so, where can I buy this keyboard? Thanks.

wdang · 10-03-04, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k1114
The best option for the money is definately the lite-on keyboard/mouse from newegg. It's $23 and works well, the range is really good and the IR isn't as bad as you would think, works from a good variety of angles. I use it daily and I couldn't be happier with it

K1114,

Please disregard the questions I have in my previous reply. I have found the answers at newegg.com. Thanks any way.

vfrjim · 10-03-04, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by opus74
I don't know. I had one downstairs and the other upstairs and had no problems, but I wouldn't have expected them to overlap either. I like the DC one so much that the next order I placed with DC I ordered another one from them and sold the keyboard I bought from NewEgg to a friend.

Could you verify that they do not work on each other's receiver please? I hate my 2nd KB and would really like to replace it with another one.

thanks

Kroot · 10-04-04, 07:29 AM

I have Liteont Airboard from DC - i tried using Logitech Cordless combo for HTPC (using it on main home PC) and found its not suitable, since its too big to use.
Small factor keyboard with buildin mouse (that works great) is well enought to configure HTPC when i need it - all other time HTPC is controlled via remote only.

opus74 · 10-04-04, 10:00 AM

Sorry, I don't currently have the NewEgg Lite-On keyboard. I eventually replaced it with a second Lite-On keyboard from Digital Connection because I didn't like the mouse button placement on the NewEgg version...

Don

Quote:

Originally posted by vfrjim
Could you verify that they do not work on each other's receiver please? I hate my 2nd KB and would really like to replace it with another one.

thanks

mediafrk · 10-04-04, 10:50 AM

i did scan quickly through the post, so i may have glanced over this point: i noticed that no one has mentioned bluetooth. range has been a troublesome issue for standard rf keyboards in my ht, and the bluetooth adapted keyboard, so far, seems to be the solution. i would assume stronger rf signal. i am not sure on the details. are there any negative experiences with bluetooth-adapted keyboards?

wireburn · 10-04-04, 11:23 AM

About the Newegg/DC compatibility: I was told by Steve at DC that the newer receiver works with the old keyboard, but the hotkeys at the top won't work.

-Mike

Datalux · 10-04-04, 03:38 PM

For those interested in the BTC9019 URF keyboard, I just received this:

Quote:

Hi Michael,

I just got this email forwarded from BTC. You can buy this keyboard from us. We are BTC distributor. We carry all BTC products.

Please call me or email me if you are interested.

Thanks

Pasco Tsang
Sales Manager
Ogeek
6167 Jarvis Ave. #139
Newark, CA 94560

Phone: 510-282-6905
Fax: 510-991-9898

www.ogeek.com

random2 · 10-04-04, 05:55 PM

I have logitech rf and logitech bluetooth. The rf really didn't have the range I needed, the bluetooth has plenty.

Downside on the bluetooth is that the mouse needs to be charged more often.

of course, neither of these have integrated mouse.

RalphArch · 10-04-04, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Datalux
For those interested in the BTC9019 URF keyboard, I just received this:

Thanks - just ordered one from them and it will ship tomorrow. Said they would have it up on their website tomorrow but you have to call in orders
email is pascot@ogeek.com

Diver · 10-04-04, 11:46 PM

We have 2 Lite-On keyboards, two RF, and one wired. Anyone who says RF is better hasn't tried the Lite-On Airboard and they shouldn't confuse people who come to the forum looking for answers with their own half baked ideas. Side by side, IR is much more powerful and has more range than RF. That is not my opinion, that is what I have discovered to be true. I spent too much money trying different RF keyboards that would work in my HT, but they just can't go the distance.

09-28-04, 06:35 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
ensyed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: NY, NY USA Posts: 438	Can anyone recommend a wireless keyboard with built in mouse for htpc? I tried looking at Best Buy and Circuit city but they dont carry keyboards with integrated mice. Can anyone tell me some names I can lookup? I dont want to spend too much though. Thanks __________________ Rummy Pioneer 50in Kuro 1080 Onkyo 605 Sony VAIO XL201

09-28-04, 11:33 PM	#2 \| Link
ThreePutt Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 104	Airboard I don't have one but a lot of people speak highly of the LiteOn Airboard Wireless Keyboard/Joystick Mouse. They are available at DigitalConnections for $29 + S/H

09-29-04, 01:19 AM	#3 \| Link
Geckotek Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 255	I'd be weary of the IR connection. Not pointing just the right direction and no-worky. Unlike a remote, I don't want to have to point my keyboard. I'd suggest an RF solution. Personally, I'm using the Logitech MX KB/Mouse I had before (not integrated.) Works great and would only change for the new laser version. __________________ Going to church doesn't make a man a Christian, any more than going to a garage makes him an automobile. -- Billy Sunday

09-29-04, 03:57 AM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Pestilence Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 254	I've had an airboard since 99 (paid NINETY bucks for it) and I've tried the gyro wireless stuff and dell's wireless setup and the IR airboard actually works much better from a lazy boy/couch - the dell (logitech made, i think) had no range, and the gyro mouse kept getting lost in the couch. if you position the receiver correctly, the airboard works well even at 20+ feet. not to mention i don't remember ever changing the batteries.... the key to it is to learn all the keyboard shortcuts for everything you can. the mouse nub thing works well, but it's all much easier to do with the keyboard. having the mouse there as a backup to the keyboard without having to find it is excellent. i've never used a trackball much, but the times i have i found it very poor as a mouse (worse than a nub by far. the airboard also has a left click lock/unlock button on the front so dragging and dropping can be done one handed.

09-29-04, 09:29 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
k1114 Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 36	The best option for the money is definately the lite-on keyboard/mouse from newegg. It's $23 and works well, the range is really good and the IR isn't as bad as you would think, works from a good variety of angles. I use it daily and I couldn't be happier with it

09-29-04, 01:55 AM	#4 \| Link
KKF Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 17	I would get a keyboard with a trackball a whole lot easier to use than a mouse type one. Well atleast thats what im looking at.

09-29-04, 07:54 AM	#6 \| Link
idvsego Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 256	I am getting this Lite On from Newegg for $25... Lite On keyboard link

09-29-04, 09:09 AM	#7 \| Link
u02sgb Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 33	How about this: http://hi-techreviews.com/modules.ph...ticle&sid=1249 Looks pretty good, I'm in the Uk though and haven't found anywhere I can buy it....

09-29-04, 09:17 AM	#8 \| Link
idvsego Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 256	I have seen that one. Looks nice, and it has handle. For what, i don't know. But they are there.

09-29-04, 09:26 AM	#9 \| Link
Mntneer AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 2,606	The problem I've had with RF keyboards is range. My couch sits to far back to make my Logitech happy. I'm thinking about switching to the much cheaper IR option.

09-29-04, 10:52 AM	#13 \| Link
gduprey DVArchive Guy Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA Posts: 1,782	The Interlink VersaPoint RF wireless keyboard is a good choice, though a little pricey. Has a range of about 100 feet. I have it stuck in my equipment room and can be anywhere in my theater and it works great. Has a pretty full keyboard and integrated mouse pointer control (a thumbpad with mouse buttons strategically located around the case). The keyboard is designed to sit on you lap (i.e. has a slight double dip to accomodate legs) and is pretty light.

09-29-04, 07:06 PM	#14 \| Link
ensyed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: NY, NY USA Posts: 438	Thank you guys. I think I will try the Liton keyboard. __________________ Rummy Pioneer 50in Kuro 1080 Onkyo 605 Sony VAIO XL201

10-02-04, 03:55 PM	#16 \| Link
samw Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 16	Mod's note: Post deleted. Links were porn sites containing malware. Last edited by Bob Sorel; 06-24-08 at 09:32 PM..

10-02-04, 07:42 PM	#17 \| Link
opus74 MyHD user Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 316	I have both the Lite-On from NewEgg and the Lite-On from DigitalConnection. I prefer the DC one because of the placement of the mouse buttons directly under the stick. __________________ E. Donald Argo www.donargo.com

10-03-04, 09:20 AM	#19 \| Link
opus74 MyHD user Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 316	I don't know. I had one downstairs and the other upstairs and had no problems, but I wouldn't have expected them to overlap either. I like the DC one so much that the next order I placed with DC I ordered another one from them and sold the keyboard I bought from NewEgg to a friend. __________________ E. Donald Argo www.donargo.com

10-04-04, 07:29 AM	#23 \| Link
Kroot Design of HT is fun Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Estonia Posts: 308	I have Liteont Airboard from DC - i tried using Logitech Cordless combo for HTPC (using it on main home PC) and found its not suitable, since its too big to use. Small factor keyboard with buildin mouse (that works great) is well enought to configure HTPC when i need it - all other time HTPC is controlled via remote only.

10-04-04, 10:50 AM	#25 \| Link
mediafrk New Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 5	bluetooth? i did scan quickly through the post, so i may have glanced over this point: i noticed that no one has mentioned bluetooth. range has been a troublesome issue for standard rf keyboards in my ht, and the bluetooth adapted keyboard, so far, seems to be the solution. i would assume stronger rf signal. i am not sure on the details. are there any negative experiences with bluetooth-adapted keyboards?

10-04-04, 11:23 AM	#26 \| Link
wireburn AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Muskegon, Michigan Posts: 1,355	About the Newegg/DC compatibility: I was told by Steve at DC that the newer receiver works with the old keyboard, but the hotkeys at the top won't work. -Mike __________________ I didn't do it Nobody saw me do it, You can't prove a thing An Haiku by Bart Simpson

10-04-04, 05:55 PM	#28 \| Link
random2 Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 52	I have logitech rf and logitech bluetooth. The rf really didn't have the range I needed, the bluetooth has plenty. Downside on the bluetooth is that the mouse needs to be charged more often. of course, neither of these have integrated mouse.

10-04-04, 11:46 PM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Diver Advanced Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Benicia, CA Posts: 779	We have 2 Lite-On keyboards, two RF, and one wired. Anyone who says RF is better hasn't tried the Lite-On Airboard and they shouldn't confuse people who come to the forum looking for answers with their own half baked ideas. Side by side, IR is much more powerful and has more range than RF. That is not my opinion, that is what I have discovered to be true. I spent too much money trying different RF keyboards that would work in my HT, but they just can't go the distance.