What about a keyboard and mouse?

jozi

I've nearly got all the parts for my Htpc and was getting a little excited.
Then on the way home i taught how am i gonna control this, can i get away with not using a keyboard and mouse?
I used to have a remote control working on the mobo im going to use which did a bit after some programing with a program i had (need to look it up)

So my question is:
Whats a common kb/mouse setup, wireless? or do you even have either at all?

subway

i have a wireless set that i stash under the couch.
the remote does everything once mce is running but the kb/mo are handy if you need to exit mce and change windows settings etc.

i also have a vnc program running which is handy too.

PowerHouseDan

http://www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10282387&pid=44&rstrat=0
I have this its a nice small light compact keyboard.

Tom Dunne

jozi wrote:

So my question is:
Whats a common kb/mouse setup, wireless? or do you even have either at all?

I have the Microsoft Wireless keyboard/mouse combo, but then I use my HTPC for a lot of computer stuff (surfing web, games).

8T8

Same here wireless is the way to go, though MS have some new fancy keyboard in the works that looks nice but no idea when it will be out.

The Logitech diNovo series are also quite nice but very expensive.

jozi

I tried vnc the other day between 2 computers, i managed to get it to work - on the wrong pc :mad:

I'm on a slight budget here and hadnt factored in either. I'll check with a mate has he got either lying about or just get something cheap for the time being.

From the replies, neither are 100% necesary then. Is the remote i have guaranteed to work? It's one i got with a satalite tuner card ages ago. Came with a IR reciever that plugs into the parallel port.

subway

if your using mce then it wont work at all.
you need a ms certified mce remote - about 35eu from komplett

if your using some other software then it depends what buttons you have.
id think that a parallel conection would less reliable than a usb one tho.

jozi

So to be safe im better of splashing out for a MCE remote (ive spotted them on komplett a few times actually).

Anyone any experience with them imon vfd's? I've seen a few that come with the mce remote. Will dig up a link at luch time

EDIT: http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_5496.html or http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_5493.html
I dont know if a vfd is gimicky or not really.

8T8

Yeah MCE remote is definitely needed as you get the MS IR blaster with it which allows you to change channels on your STB (cable/satellite set top box) with the MCE remote.

As for the Imon VFD never used one there are plenty of reviews of it out there. Plus there are also support forums on the makers website you could aways ask about any functionality - you have to go to support then click on the forum link they use some sort of javascript to hide the URL.

jozi

Have read some reviews, IIRC it got pretty positive reviews most places.

I dont have a STB but one could be coming my way in the future.
I'll just have to stick the MCE remote on the toget list for my next order of parts.