ISO best wireless keyboard for an htpc

[Haopengyou]

I have read comments about wireless keyboards have delays in startup, having limited range, etc I am looking for a keyboard that would ideally have a range of 10 feet. Any suggestions?

[lacywest]

For my HTPC ... the tower sits on a subwoofer next to my HDTV ... I have a USB 2.0 cable going under a throw rug to under my bed.

I got the USB 2.0 cable from Ebay ... its like 16 feet long. I use the Logitech wireless Keyboard and mouse that Walmart sells for about 40 bucks. The set that was in the box also included a pair of powered speakers too ... but awhile back I noticed that the speakers are not included anymore. The receiver ... I put it between the two matresses ... right under me ... keyboard is sometimes above me on a shelf. The mouse is close by. I found out I dont need a mouse pad. The mouse works just fine by just using my chest ... my stomach or the comforter I'm laying on around me.

As for lag and such ... didn't notice. But I do have to put the mouse on the table next to me when watching a movie or the mouse movement will trigger the progress bar to appear or whatever.

One time ... we [my wife and I] were recording a show with my HD-PVR ... we finished recording the show and went on with watching something else on Directv ... 30 minutes later or so ... I bumped the mouse on the night table next to the bed ... I was surprised to find out we were watching the show through the ARCSOFT preview recording window ... on our PC ... I usually switch back to TV\SAT on the Pioneer Receiver for normal TV viewing.

The quality of the difference between viewing the output directly from the Directv box and the output coming from the PC's video card ... wasn't noticeable. At least not for the show we were watching.

The video card is a Nvidia 9500GT ... I use the video component HDTV output for connections to my HDTV ... which is a Panasonic 42" Plasma in the bedroom.

For the PC that I'm typing this reply on ... I do the samething but the monitor is a Sony 31" Bravia LCD HDTV. Keyboard and mouse are wired ... not wireless.

[KBeee]

I use a Logitech keyboard and mouse too for my HTPC, but mine is bluetooth. Just stick the dongle in a USB port and I have no problem using the keyboard and mouse from anywhere in my living room. Also handy for HTPC-phone file transfers.

[p_l]

Hello 好朋友,

I tried quite a few with my HTPC and was disappointed with bad range and lagging until I found the bluetooth Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution. It's a little pricey, but I've had it for 2 years and it's been great.

[Video Head]

I use a Logitech DiNovo Mini. It is about the size of a game controller and has a smoked plastic "clamshell" type cover. It combines the mouse and keyboard into one: it has a circular notebook style trackpad for mouse control and then a full minisized qwerty keyboard. You use your right thumb on the trackpad and your left thumb for mouse clicks. The keys on the keyboard are small but you probably will not be using your HTPC to compose a novel...

Other nice features on this one include backlit keys and pad and Bluetooth conectivity. The best part IMO is that it looks right at home on the coffee table - most people have to ask what it is. It is pricey but if you have a nice home theatre it will fit in great.

VH

[p_l]

Just got a new keyboard and it's now my favorite for my HTPC, because... when your hand just approaches, the Logitech K800's laser-etched backlit keys come to life.

Also great range, no lag, good tactility, works out of the box, programmable keys, unifying receiver, great battery life, etc.

[cwb]

I bought a cheap wireless keyboard/mouse combo, and also a 16 foot USB extension, that goes from my HTPC, under the house, and back up behind the couch, with the keyboard/mouse receiver plugged in behind the couch.

(the HTPC is in another room from the entertainment center)