Wireless keyboard question - forum search down (1 Viewer)

[KeithO]

Any suggestions on the best wireless keyboard for an HTPC? Preferrably with a decent price, but I'd like it to do the following:
- Have a range of at least 20 feet (couch to TV)
- Be able to replace ALL of my remotes by having a learning feature in it
- Control my HTPC, DVD player, Cable box, TV, Tuner and VCR
- Preferably a built in mouse/rollerball as well, but I can get a separate one if its better
Thanks!
Keith
p.s. I can't seem to do any forum searches. I keep getting error messages from the search engine saying that its down. Any idea when this will be fixed? i'm sure I'm asking a question that has probably been asked before.

 

[CRyan]

Oooph. I am not sure there is an IR keyboard that can do all that. Not sure you would want a keyboard to control everything as they are very cumbersome for such things. I tried this several years ago to play games from the couch - it just got on my nerves. I think most of them, if not all, use touchpads. I hate those things.
Anyway, I would look into getting an IR reciever for the computer. Then get a good learning remote and do it that way. Then you can control everything including your computer with the remote for HT functions. Maybe then use the IR keyboard for standard computer use.
Maybe someone here knows of a keyboard that can do everything you want.
C. Ryan
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http://www.elitestoragedesigns.com/RyanOAR.bmp

 

[KeithO]

Well, I had remembered about a year ago when everyone was talking about an IR keyboard on this forum that went for about $99 (a bit high for a keyboard, but it was supposed to be very good) and I THINK was called an Airtouch. Haven't been able to find anything on it though, so I may be getting the name wrong. And according to them, it did all that (most importantly was a learning device, so it could replace all your remotes). I know it'd be cumbersome, but I'd love to be able to type "DVD" and turn the DVD player on, type "DVDPLAY" and play the dvd, etc. Make it easy for others in the house to remember too.
Keith