Mini HTPC Keyboard Options

[Paul Hann]

I'm soon to be getting a mini for my HTPC. Trying to figure out what is the best integrated keyboard/mouse solution. The apple wireless keyboard is out because there's no integrated trackpad and I won't have a flat surface to run a separate mouse on. I've been using Air Mouse on my current HTPC with pretty good success, but I'd prefer a real keyboard. Most HTPC dedicated keyboards I've seen are designed for PC, not mac, and I definately want correctly labelled and layed out keys (esp. option keys, volume controls and expose). I see that Adesso has a mac specific integrated keyboard/trackpad, but it doesn't look like it supports multitouch. Any suggestions?

[CaliforniaMini]

I would suggest a Logitech diNovo Edge, Mac Edition. It is a bit pricey but does all you want, except multi touch. However I don't know that any wireless touchpads that do support multi touch - it may exist, I'm just not aware of it. I have the Windows version of this, but plan to get that problem taken care of soon.

Good luck!!!
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Mercury TiBook 400MHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, Airport
Mini 2.16GHz C2D, 2GB RAM, 320GB 72k RPM HD, 1TB External, Slingbox
BlackBook 2.2GHz C2D, 4GB RAM, 320GB 72k RPM HD
Mini 2.0GHz (Early 2009), 4GB RAM, 320GB 72k RPM HD

[MoL]

Or if you're looking for a small one, you can look at the logitech dinovo mini, some peple here have it and love it (so maybe i'll buy one, one day ...), even even the cost is quite high.
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Sorry for my english, i'm french
(yes, like the ones who eat snails and frog legs ^^)

[geitemelk]

I had the same questions.

Another solution is the Keysonic keyboard KeySonic 540RF. It is wireless, includes a touchpad and as a bonus has a mac key layout.

It is much cheaper then my solution: wireless apple keyboard and a wireless wacom pen tablet.

[MrBabou]

I use a Dinovo Edge myself. It's the 'windows' version, but works fine with the Mini.

One thing I don't really like on it though, is the small trackpad, mostly for scrolling. It works, but it's a headache. I'm now using a Logitech cordless trackman wheel beside me. Now THAT works well! Takes a little bit of getting used to, using the trackball with your thumb, but it's MUCH easier than the keyboard's trackpad. And also, having tried both, I find this mouse easier to use (trackball moved with thumb) than the cordless trackMan optical (trackball for your fingers).
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My home setup

[mini ant]

I looked at a Dinovo but the price was to high for me so i went for a Keysonic ACK-540MAC RF Wireless Keyboard Apple Mac. its a white a mini wireless keyboard with a built in tracepad with a mac keyboard layout. i got it from ebay for £30 plus p+p.

[ez061111]

Personally I had an issue with having a keyboard/mouse lying around in the living room; of any size. Use screen sharing from my laptop to connect. Dunno why having a laptop sitting around in the living is acceptable...strange how we justify things.
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2.0 GHz i7 Mini 8 GB RAM, OWC Merc Extreme SSD & Samsung Spinpoint
2.6 GHz i7 Mini 16 GB RAM, Samsung 830 & Hitachi
15" 2.3 GHz i7 MBP 16 GB RAM, OWC Extreme Pro 6G SSD & WD Black

[MrBabou]

[fsartono]

I use Jaadu on my iPhone to gain mouse & keyboard access on my Mac mini. Best and free solution.

[GizmoDVD]

[ez061111]

If you have 10.5 you can use Screen Sharing; it's a built-in Core Services app. Open HD icon and on left bar you will see computers that are in your network. Click on computer you want to access and then click on "Share Screen". Computer that you want to control must have Screen Sharing activated in the Sharing area of System Preferences.

I bet there are other free remote access programs out there, but I've not used them.
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2.0 GHz i7 Mini 8 GB RAM, OWC Merc Extreme SSD & Samsung Spinpoint
2.6 GHz i7 Mini 16 GB RAM, Samsung 830 & Hitachi
15" 2.3 GHz i7 MBP 16 GB RAM, OWC Extreme Pro 6G SSD & WD Black