Best Keyboard and Mouse/Trackball - Whatcha got??? - Page 6

A pointing device will always be more sensitive to RF performance than a keyboard. After all, it is just an ascii character being transmitted; a single byte. Whereas a pointing device is constantly delivering updates on position and speed, at 125 Hz in the case of my Logitech mouse. So you can see why a keyboard might act like everything is fine, while a mouse or scrollbar would be erratic.

That said, I don't know if your problem is RF related or the scrollbar itself. I am just repeating my several experiences with wireless mice. FWIW, I too have never had a problem with a keyboard even though it was 'talking' to the same dongle as the problem mouse. The pointing devices just require a much higher level of radio link performance.

It depends. If a keyboard misses a key, we will find it extremely annoying because it causes mistype. If a mouse miss a position, not a big deal. Mouse/Trackball/Touchpad/etc are all relative positioning device. You keep moving until you hit your target. If it is slow, move faster. If it stopped, keep moving. If you don't look at your monitor and move your mouse in a full circle, it will not return to the same point. We are quite forgiving at that.

I have a couple of keyboards that drops signal after certain distance. But it is far more annoying than the mouse. As long as the mouse moves, I am fine. Even if it misses a few clicks.

The issue is that there are fewer bluetooth keyboards than RF proprietary keyboards currently. So in order to solve for one problem, you eliminate many more choices. I actually agree that it would ideal if we could eliminate the radio signal issue and buy stronger receivers.

True, unfortunately. In my case, I prefer a standard-size keyboard for my HTPC, even though it sits on the coffee table. However, if one were after a boutique or small keyboard that was more HTPC than PC, well, your choices are going to be limited.

IMHO, one of the primary features to look for is bluetooth instead of proprietary RF. This allows the option of not only a higher power dongle(which is only on the transmit side), but also a high-gain dipole antenna, which works in both directions.

My experiences have been the keyboard might experience a slight delay if the radio link is poor. Remember, it is a two-way link, so there may be confirmation and the keyboard may resend if a keystroke is missed by the receiver. Guessing here. I have never seen a missed keystroke, but I have seen a slight lag, which is relatively unimportant. Perhaps a different or more-correct implementation of bluetooth. Or are you talking about proprietary RF?

However, the mouse cursor will wander around drunkenly with a bad radio link. Trying to position the cursor correctly can be quite the frustrating experience.

The Logitech Dinovo Edge gets my vote. I did some research and bought it for my HTPC about 18 months ago. It is a champ in the following ways:

1) It's profile. It is very thin and light. It has an elegant design and good layout.

2) It has a touchpad instead of a trackball. You can swirl your thumb around the edge of the trackball to scroll. This is very handy.

3) It has a docking station to recharge the batteries. I hate having to buy batteries and I love stuff that is rechargeable. The battery life is also awesome. I use it several hours a day and maybe charge it on the dock twice a month.

I'm starting to lean in that direction myself. Just buying a fully functional bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse, instead of crippling my self with these smaller neutered HTPC keyboards.

What are you using for a keyboard??

Same here as I stated before. I also wanted people to realize this keyboard is thinner than an aaa battery and has suffered multiple spills without a problem. The price mught be a lot but it's worth it. You get what you pay for. I'm typing on it right now and love it!

Looking at it, I just don't see how navigation can work that well with this keyboard. Typing yes, but mouse movements, scrolling, and clicking seem like it would just be a pain with the Edge.

so ur saying you actually jerry rigged a bluetooth transceiver with a wifi class antenna? That sounds like overkill. Are you looking to control your pc from your neighbor's house? bluetooth class 2 is 30ft, more than adequate for personal area networks. class 1 is 300ft, that's wifi class reception power. problem is most devices are class 2 so they can't transmit that far.

I'll add a vote for the Logitech didovo mini for HTPC maintenance, net surfing, etc. Been using it for 3 weeks now. Zero problems. I move it between 3 MC systems. Mostly for software updates, defragging, etc. Occasional internet use. Kind of $$$ but worth it. I would not consider it if you actually want to do "work". It is a little awkward to do certain things. But for the tasks I mentioned, hard to beat. I have never had to press the connect button after the initial binding. Just plug in the USB "dongle" hear the "ga-doink" and you're in control.

I'm using a Speedlink Media Center Controlboard (SL-6495) which is great. Very ergonomic (curved to fit on the knees), good range of MC buttons, and fast response. I've had this for well over a year now, and it's still on it's first set of batteries. It has a trackball rather than trackpad, but it sits right under the thumb, and it very easy to use.

Didn't cost any more than £20 either ($30?).

I googled this and from the thumbnail it looks to me like a UK version of the "Adesso", rebadged of course.

No, I did not say that. 'Jerry rigged' was definitely your description. Perhaps you should take a moment and look up the Sena Parani UD-100 yourself?

I simply purchased a proper class 1 bluetooth adapter with a threaded RP-SMA jack for an antenna, with the antenna being the primary goal, the class 1 power was just an added bonus. While it may sound like overkill, it actually works like a charm. Best bluetooth adapter I have ever owned. You can't argue with results. I might mention that I also use a bluetooth headset for VoIP phone calls, so decent range is important for use as a telephone.

Of course I am aware that most devices are class 2, and the class 1 power only works in one direction. But the antenna provides bidirectional gain, even to class 2 devices.

A capable bluetooth adapter can really be a great home wireless device. Mice, keyboard, VoIP telephone, all at the same time and with total reliability. I do not pollute my local radio spectrum with cordless telephone, 2.4 GHz 'RF' devices, etc. Just wifi and bluetooth, both of which work seamlessly together.

I would recommend the Logitech MX 5500 for the keyboard. I don't have experience with that particular laser mouse, however I have had good performance from the MX1000, which is an older version.

I have not personally used these exact products, just going on Logitech's arguably good reputation, and the bluetooth 2.0 spec of the above cordless desktop.

Combine these with the Sena Parani UD-100, 5 dB dipole antenna, Toshiba bluetooth stack, and you should have a cordless desktop that performs better than most corded models . . . for a price.

As a three week follow up I've been quite happy with the PS3 Mediaboard Pro that I got from Amazon in controlling my HTPC. Too bad Amazon has raised their price so much since I bought mine 01-15-2010. It was $54 shipped when I bought. Now it's $70 shipped.

This looks promising: http://www.enermax.com/home.php?fn=e...3&lv1=12&no=53

http://www.guru3d.com/article/enerma...yboard-review/

Anyone has it?

In the meantime, I vouch for the DiNovo Edge. Even for navigating the web. The combination of scrolling with the touchpad and left clicking with the arrow button on the left side of the keyboard is really nifty.

Yes, go back a page or two to here. Just a rebadged Iogear/Zippy Wireless Keyboard in an upgraded material. Core issue still remains, the trackball is poo poo.

I can also recommend the PS3 Mediaboard Pro. It has excellent range with the iogear bt dongle. My only problem is I'm left handed and the touchpad on the right is really made for right hand use. So my search continues..

I have this in my Amazon watch list. Kinda waiting for the price to drop again before I jump in.

Well it's obvious that people are buying up the Enermax model. New egg is out of stock, and won't get new stock back in until the 23rd of this month.

Lenovo mini

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/lenovo...ard/17822.aspx

Hey guys, the lenovo keyboard that many of you are waiting on is back in stock and on sale if you use this coupon code USPCF16336

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c..._menu_area=yes

comes out to 41.99, free shipping + tax.

Hah didn't see your post. Good deal if it ships. I'm still waiting a month for the last one I ordered and that was at full price.

Here's a new one from Perixx (the company that I think makes the highly rated Vidabox Premium Keyboard, which unfortunately lacks a scroll wheel) and going to be sold at Ergogeek end of Feb. Unfortunately, no reviews but if this one has similar parts to the the Vidabox board then this is one to watch.

It's the PERIBOARD-706.


Comes in black or white. I can't see mouse buttons but they may be on either side of the wheel. Unfortunately, I see minimal Media Center keys.

Features from here:

346*173*27mm Mini Size
RF Wireless 2.4GHz Keyboard
Up to 10 Meters Interruption-free Receiving Distance
Build-in Optical Trackball for Easy Control of Mouse Function
Stylish Piano Finish Design
Build-in Storage Compartment for USB Receiver

assassin, looks like you finally got your wish, albeit not completely... but hey.