Suggestions for a good HTPC Keyboard with built-in navigation?

FuturDreamz

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currently I'm using the Logitech K400 wireless keyboard with a built in trackpad, but for my next system build I won't be using it because of finicky reception.

I'm curently looking for alternatives, and I want your advice. Curently I'm considering one of these:
IOGEAR GKM561R Black 2.4GHz Wireless HTPC Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel
IOGEAR GKM561R Black 2.4GHz Wireless HTPC Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel
(yeah they seem to be identical but Newegg lists them seperately)

thoughts?
 

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My Computer My Computer

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Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)1.83GHz Intel Core Duo2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Apple 17" iMac MA199LL (Early 2006)
OS
Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
CPU
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
17-inch TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colors
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Hitachi 320GB HDT721032SLA360 7200RPM SATA II (upgrade)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Mouse
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
Internet Speed
4 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
WEI:
Base Score: 3.9 Processor: 4.4 Memory 4.7
Graphics: 3.9 Gaming Graphics: 4.1 Primary HD: 5.9
Hi FuturDreamz. For my own HTPC I have a Logitec K750. This is wireless (no problems with its reception) and can charge it's battery via solar power - it does work.

I'm actually looking for a programmable handheld remote that will communicate with XBMC (the main use of my HTPC). I find this will be an easier/more convenient solution (for XBMC).
 

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Hi FuturDreamz. For my own HTPC I have a Logitec K750. This is wireless (no problems with its reception) and can charge it's battery via solar power - it does work.

I'm actually looking for a programmable handheld remote that will communicate with XBMC (the main use of my HTPC). I find this will be an easier/more convenient solution (for XBMC).

the K750 seems to be a straight keyboard with no built-in navigation system. I'm looking for an all-in-one solution, so I don't have to mess with a mouse on an unstable surface.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)1.83GHz Intel Core Duo2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Apple 17" iMac MA199LL (Early 2006)
OS
Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
CPU
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
17-inch TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colors
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Hitachi 320GB HDT721032SLA360 7200RPM SATA II (upgrade)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Mouse
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
Internet Speed
4 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
WEI:
Base Score: 3.9 Processor: 4.4 Memory 4.7
Graphics: 3.9 Gaming Graphics: 4.1 Primary HD: 5.9
I have been using a Lenovo Multimedia Remote with keyboard for almost two years now. My family members are happy to use it with the living-room HTPC.

It now comes with a back-lit keyboard. (Mine, the first generation one is not backlit.)

Lenovo Enhanced Multimedia Remote with backlit keyboard N5902 | 57Y6678 | Lenovo | (US)

My only gripe is that it does not have the Function Keys (F1-F12) and on the extremely rare occasion when I want to enter the bios, I have to use my regular Wireless keyboard. Also the right click is a little evasive. (might have improved now with the second generation.)

http://www.trustedreviews.com/lenovo-keyboard-multimedia-remote-n5902_Peripheral_review
 
Last edited:

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this one?
Amazon.com: Lenovo N5902 Enhanced Multimedia Remote with Backlit Keyboard (57Y6678): Electronics
Same thing but it's cheaper through amazon.

It definitely does look interesting... I'm partial to the full-size, but I'm a hunt-n-pack typer so it would problably be fairly easy to get used to.

I'll admit I won't build my system for a few months, but I's nice to get a general idea of what I want.

So far I'm torn between your Lenovo and the Iogear.
Both are rated pretty high, and I like them both. I think I might prefer the Lenovo a little more, but then I'd have to ship it to sweetgrass so I can drive down and pick it up (as Amazon doesn't ship to Canada). I think I might get the Iogear for my setup, then the Lenovo if I throw away the Logitech.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)1.83GHz Intel Core Duo2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Apple 17" iMac MA199LL (Early 2006)
OS
Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
CPU
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
17-inch TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colors
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Hitachi 320GB HDT721032SLA360 7200RPM SATA II (upgrade)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Mouse
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
Internet Speed
4 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
WEI:
Base Score: 3.9 Processor: 4.4 Memory 4.7
Graphics: 3.9 Gaming Graphics: 4.1 Primary HD: 5.9
Exactly.(And I had checked Amazon.com and other sellers too as also the other hardware you had mentioned.)

The current price is still steep (since it is recently released. The first generation N 5901 is available for $24) and I shall be looking for it to drop to 35 USD level if I decide to go for it.

Like you I am also on the hunt but in no hurry.:)
 

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OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
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OCZ ModStream 700W
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CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
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My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)1.83GHz Intel Core Duo2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Apple 17" iMac MA199LL (Early 2006)
OS
Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
CPU
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
17-inch TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colors
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Hitachi 320GB HDT721032SLA360 7200RPM SATA II (upgrade)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Mouse
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
Internet Speed
4 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
WEI:
Base Score: 3.9 Processor: 4.4 Memory 4.7
Graphics: 3.9 Gaming Graphics: 4.1 Primary HD: 5.9
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