[guiri]

Dunno if this is the right forum but I would assume so.


I have a PC and a nice big tv and I want to occasionally while I watch tv, switch over and say, check my email, look up something on youtube, imdb or somewhere else online.


I don't plan on writing long letters this way but not sure what keyboard size to get.


I've been recommended one of those with touchpad but then someone said that they're hard

to scroll with and I DO a lot of scrolling.


I have wide hands with semi fat fingers so either something big enough that I can type on

or something small enough that I can hold like a candy bar phone and type with my thumbs.


Distance to my computer is prolly less than 15 feet.


I watch movies and stuff through my wd tv live plus so I'm not going to stream anything or go online and

watch movies so no need for dedicated buttons for media player or anything which I don't like anyway.


Just surfing, typing the occasional search phrase or password in and then mouse control.


I would appreciate links if possible.

Update! Since I've decided that a backlit keyboard is probably a must for me as my room's pretty

dark and my eyes are pretty crummy, let's just concentrate on units that DO have backlit keyboards.


Thanks


George

 

[lespurgeon]

I like the lenovo small one, but the keys are tiny, not for typing all day. I have a full-sized Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse that I use on the desktop. Range would be the only issue, but it has a pod that plugs into the computer - so depending on how you are set up if you could get the USB cable to within 5 to 8 feet of where you use the keyboard then it would work.

 

[Sammy2]

I use the Rii N7 Touch and my hands are probably as you describe. I've been using this keyboard for over a year for exactly the tasks you're talking about and the occassional maintainence things that cannot be done remotely. It works even through a wood cabinet door.

 

[mdavej]

If you have an iPad or similar, the MobileMouse app is better by far than any wireless keyboard/mouse I've ever used. And it's only $2. Since it's wi-fi there are no range issues, you can wake your PC with it, and the controls automatically change with the context of the PC app you're running. It's pretty amazing.

 

[dksc318]

If you want larger KB and not a separate mouse, the HP mini wireless KB is pretty compact but still easy to type. It has a built-in optical pointing device similar to recent BB phones.

 

[guiri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by lespurgeon  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22137581


I like the lenovo small one, but the keys are tiny, not for typing all day. I have a full-sized Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse that I use on the desktop. Range would be the only issue, but it has a pod that plugs into the computer - so depending on how you are set up if you could get the USB cable to within 5 to 8 feet of where you use the keyboard then it would work.

I had never seen this one. Looks cool but not sure I could type on it without too much trouble.


Thanks

 

[guiri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dksc318  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22139210


If you want larger KB and not a separate mouse, the HP mini wireless KB is pretty compact but still easy to type. It has a built-in optical pointing device similar to recent BB phones.

Found it but didn't find any pointing device and not mentioned on the HP site either...please advise.


Thanks

 

[guiri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22138157


If you have an iPad or similar, the MobileMouse app is better by far than any wireless keyboard/mouse I've ever used. And it's only $2. Since it's wi-fi there are no range issues, you can wake your PC with it, and the controls automatically change with the context of the PC app you're running. It's pretty amazing.

Well, I have an android phone but that would mean keeping it on all the time and I don't so that's a no go and typing on it for me is a pain. Again, fat fingers...


Thanks

 

[guiri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy2  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22138077


I use the Rii N7 Touch and my hands are probably as you describe. I've been using this keyboard for over a year for exactly the tasks you're talking about and the occassional maintainence things that cannot be done remotely. It works even through a wood cabinet door.

Sammy, this is probably the best solution I've seen apart from possibly the Logitech 400.


Have you had problems with the split keyboard? Ie, looking for a key that's on the other side so to speak?


I'm a little scared of the small size though.


Also, I just looked at a review of it on youtube and the kid that did the review was having to swipe many times on the touchpad

just to move the mouse around. I know I can adjust this on the computer but that would mess it up for my regular mouse.

Is this the same for you and is there a solution for this?


Thanks

 

[dksc318]



Quote:
Originally Posted by guiri  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22139879


Found it but didn't find any pointing device and not mentioned on the HP site either...please advise.

Thanks

http://www.amazon.com/HP-Wireless-Keyboard-LK752AA-ABL/dp/B004WK3G50/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3KGNLL200UCI2&s=electronics&qid=1339906663&sr=1-2

They are the two round buttons at the left and right top corners. Right button is also an optical pointing device as you slide your thumb across it.


I also have the Lenovo mini keyboard remote. It has a similar optical pointing device.

 

[guiri]

Thanks, so how you do click or left and right click?


Found a few other options…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eRWqyn8_La0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrqUxtEefmk

 

[Sammy2]



Quote:
Originally Posted by guiri  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22139891


Sammy, this is probably the best solution I've seen apart from possibly the Logitech 400.

Have you had problems with the split keyboard? Ie, looking for a key that's on the other side so to speak?

I'm a little scared of the small size though.

Also, I just looked at a review of it on youtube and the kid that did the review was having to swipe many times on the touchpad

just to move the mouse around. I know I can adjust this on the computer but that would mess it up for my regular mouse.

Is this the same for you and is there a solution for this?

Thanks

Iam typing this from the N7 right now. Tne keyboard is very natural for me and mimics the slide out on my android. The swipe speed is adjustable with the FnSpacebar combo. Having he touchpad in the center is a bit cumbersome but it puts the keys in a good position. I've also learned that holding your left index finger along the top blocks the RF signal.

 

[guiri]

Thanks, I may still give this a try but found a good deal on the hawking thing that I posted above so we'll see. I kinda liked the idea of the whole thing being a touchpad instead of something small.


Good to hear that they've made the swipe speed adjustable. I saw the video and was scared that they didn't.


Thanks again


George

 

[guiri]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22138157


If you have an iPad or similar, the MobileMouse app is better by far than any wireless keyboard/mouse I've ever used. And it's only $2. Since it's wi-fi there are no range issues, you can wake your PC with it, and the controls automatically change with the context of the PC app you're running. It's pretty amazing.

So, what are the options if I get a cheap tablet to do this and what apps are available?


Is there one where I can custom make my own remote control layout and map the codes for the buttons to it

and is there a cheapo tablet with a good screen that has an instant on?


How would it control my pc though?


Thanks


GEorge

 

[StinDaWg]

Best available for htpc use. Backlit and has a scrollbar below the optical button. You can find it on sale for ~$35 from lenovo.com every couple of weeks.

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Enhanced-Multimedia-Keyboard-57Y6678/dp/B005L2NTTQ

 

[guiri]

Yeah, saw that one. Ordered another one which should be here in a week so we'll see. I'll be back with my opinion about the other model.


Thanks

 

[bryansj]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mdavej  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22138157


If you have an iPad or similar, the MobileMouse app is better by far than any wireless keyboard/mouse I've ever used. And it's only $2. Since it's wi-fi there are no range issues, you can wake your PC with it, and the controls automatically change with the context of the PC app you're running. It's pretty amazing.

I was going to suggest just getting a tablet and doing everything on it. Leave the PC for media use. Check your email and browse the web on the tablet.

 

[guiri]

Yeah, but how do I control the PC with it? Mouse, remotes and browser if I want to watch stuff on the TV? I really don't want to do much on the little tablet screen as I have $hitty eyesight.

 

[mdavej]



Quote:
Originally Posted by guiri  /t/1415916/looking-for-a-wireless-keyboard-mouse-remote-for-surfing-on-my-tv#post_22142826


So, what are the options if I get a cheap tablet to do this and what apps are available?

Is there one where I can custom make my own remote control layout and map the codes for the buttons to it

and is there a cheapo tablet with a good screen that has an instant on?

How would it control my pc though?

Thanks

GEorge

Any iOS or Android device: iPod, iPhone, iPad, Galaxy tablet, any Droid phone.


It's just a touchpad and keyboard, not a remote screen display. I don't even look at it unless I'm typing. Check it out HERE and you'll understand what I'm talking about. The advantage is it's cheap and the range and response are excellent, unlike hardware wireless keyboards/mice. As far as I know, there's no custom layout capability per se, but the included ones work very well and switch automatically depending on the app running on the PC. For example if you open a browser, you get browser controls, and if you open media center you get playback controls. It handles task switching, hot keys, app launching, etc.. If you want to use it as a universal remote for your TV and other devices, you need a different app and more hardware (iRule, RedEye, etc.). I don't do that. I just use the touchpad/keyboard aspect for my PC and use a normal universal remote for everything else.


I've tried every wireless keyboard/mouse solution under the sun, including the ones posted. They all pale in comparison to MobileMouse (or similar app).


I understand about the difficulty of using a small screen for typing. I have the same problem. But I just don't do that much typing on mine. Even so, what little typing I do works well because you can make the keyboard full screen. A full size keyboard is the best solution, but takes up a lot of space and eats batteries. So you have to compromise. So the smartphone works for me. When I'm not around, the family just uses the same app on the iPad. I've designed my system so I don't actually use the PC very much. I use media extenders and normal remotes for everything except web surfing.

 

[guiri]

Sorry but I just don't get it

Well, I've got one remote on the way so we'll see how it works and if it's decent, I should be good with that.


Still, I'm always up for learning more stuff (or try to anyway) so by all means, keep the comments coming

and of course, there might be someone that might be interested in the remote conversation.


Thanks


GEorge