Wireless control for media centre

[allanlewis]

I've recently set up a very basic media centre using a second-hand P4 PC and I'd like to be able to control things wirelessly. For the main media centre functions, I can use a USB IR remote (which I am currently bidding for on eBay), but I'd also like to use it for Internet browsing, so I need a way of inputting text. It seems to me that I have three options:

1. A wireless keyboard, possibly with a trackpad/trackball, such as those manufactured by KeySonic.
2. A wireless mouse/trackball (the latter seem to be £35+, which is a bit too expensive) and an on-screen keyboard.
3. Control the mouse pointer using a gamepad, via an application such as JMouse, the input text using as on-screen keyboard, as above.

Does anyone have any opinions on the pros/cons of each option and/or any other suggestions? Also, does anyone know if the standard PC remote controls (e.g. Microsoft MCE remote) can be used to control the mouse pointer?

[Sterling_Aug]

Anything wireless uses batteries. I used a set of 4 AA batteries in my Microsoft wireless keyboard every 3 months. That got expensive so I got a plain keyboard.

[allanlewis]

Anything wireless uses batteries. I used a set of 4 AA batteries in my Microsoft wireless keyboard every 3 months. That got expensive so I got a plain keyboard.

I use rechargeable NiMH batteries in anything wireless and they generally work fine. Otherwise, I just buy alkaline batteries in bulk (e.g. boxes of 96) and they're not so expensive.

[Rocketmech]

I haven't heard of any MCE remotes that use the same tech as a Wii. Maybe someday someone will develop one.

[allanlewis]

I haven't heard of any MCE remotes that use the same tech as a Wii. Maybe someday someone will develop one.

Logitech make this, and it apparently works a bit like the Wii controller, but it's far to expensive for my purposes.

[Rocketmech]

Now that's pretty cool...

[physco219]

that is pretty awesomeness! Now if there were only a coupon code to be found to slash this baby by i donno say 50% now that would be a cool fix and cool price!

[BBB_2005]

Hi!

I am using Logitech Di Novo mini keyboard. I think it is very nice in terms of design and performance. Of course it is not meant to substitute full size keyboard but in my opinion it is very good for media center and limited net surfing.

/BBB