Need a way to remotely control my pc

[vegal]

Hey guys. I finally got a graphic card
And its perfect for a "HTPC"
SO I have it all hooked up and running and my PC is connected to the TV!

But now I need a way to control my pc from the couch. How exactly do I do that.. Do I need a wireless keyboard+touchpad or a Windows 7 Remote.?

I have no idea which one would be best and long lasting

Please let me know!

 

[blackangst1]

Something like THIS will work for you. Or, better yet, get a Harmony and use it for everything You'll still need the Windows 7 remote for the infrared receiver, but other than that Harmony is the way to go. Thats what I use for mine.

edit: You could also use something like THIS. I have that keyboard as backup. Aside from the Harmony I dont use it that often as I dont surf the web or game on it, just serve media. But its handy to have for when a keyboard is needed.

 

[vegal]

Thank you for that advice
What do you think about this : http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-Entertain...d_bxgy_e_img_b
The mini ones?

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wirel...8335926&sr=1-1

I like this logitech keyboard. What do you think?
DO these keyboards last long in terms of battery?

 

[LikeLinus]

Something like THIS will work for you. Or, better yet, get a Harmony and use it for everything You'll still need the Windows 7 remote for the infrared receiver, but other than that Harmony is the way to go. Thats what I use for mine.

edit: You could also use something like THIS. I have that keyboard as backup. Aside from the Harmony I dont use it that often as I dont surf the web or game on it, just serve media. But its handy to have for when a keyboard is needed.

Oddly enough that first remote you posted is the one I use in our Master Bedroom for our HTPC. It's damn near perfect because you can use it as a mouse as well. I love it.

We have a Harmony One remote in the living room....and it's a pile of crap. I can't say it's completely crap because I love the macros and I like that it can control my Denon, TV and HTPC, but there is a known issues with the Harmony One hardware and is HORRIBLY slow for an HTPC. You can click the buttons and there is a 300ms delay. It's not so much noticeable when you're pushing it once or twice, but if you try to scroll through a long list of movies/songs.... it is freaking painful.

Here is a thread on it dating from 2008-2001. Logitech won’t officially admit to it as far as anything I’ve seen and they won’t fix it (or can’t). It’s because of the use of cheap chip /controller in the remote.

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/Harmo...key-interdevice-delay-and/td-p/184093/page/21

Buyer Beware

 

[blackangst1]

Thank you for that advice
What do you think about this : http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-Entertain...d_bxgy_e_img_b
The mini ones?

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wirel...8335926&sr=1-1

I like this logitech keyboard. What do you think?
DO these keyboards last long in terms of battery?

I dunno Ive never used one. My friend had the Logitech diNovo for awhile and ditched it...theres things it just doesnt do well. I guess it depends on what youre going to use your HTPC for, and how much you'll need a keyboard.

As LikeLinus wrote, the Harmony One has been underwhelming to say the least. But there are other models that arent. I cant comment on anything other than the 880 (which they dont make anymore) which works flawlessly for me.

 

[0roo0roo]

Lenovo N5901 Wireless Mini Keyboard ebay


try xbmc

wmc is lame abandonware

 

[vegal]

I will be doing abit of gaming and social networking. I also plan to use it for youtube and home media
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166119
This looks very nice but its too expensive
Are there any models simmilar to this but at a lower cost?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Nothing missing with the advice already given.

Just in case, though . . .

My rig uses separate "monitors" for regular computing and "HTPC." That is -- the second monitor is my 42" HDTV. This is configurable through Media Center (at least in Win 7 it is . . )

So . . . . one wants to sit on the couch and point the Windows remote in the general direction of the TV . . . or some direction other than at the desk where the PC is located.

The Windows Remote uses a USB connection. So I bought a USB "extension" cable which is "active:"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812156026

or something like that . . .

I'm also exasperated at the pace and direction of the technology -- having once been "ahead" of everyone through the '80s and '90s. Little . . . mobile . . . devices with little teeny keyboards . . . Blackberries, I-Phones . . . yadayadayada. "Oooo-uuu!! Beam me up, Scotty!"

So I often consider taking my Windows Remote to luncheons with my senior friends -- in addition to my cell-phone . . . which is about 5 years old and has "no frills." I want to say "THIS . . . . IS ALL . . . I NEED!!! . . . .


Yessir . . . . I will die on this couch with my boots on . . . remote . . . in hand . . .

 

[0roo0roo]

what it needs isn't a remote, but kinnect integration. i think the xbmc folks are working on it, but i doubt it will be polished for quite some time... going through menus of lists of media with a remote is a chore on a tv. if you could just ask it to search for a title with kinnect that would make it perfect.

 

[NoCreativity]

Thank you for that advice
What do you think about this : http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-Entertain...d_bxgy_e_img_b
The mini ones?

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wirel...8335926&sr=1-1

I like this logitech keyboard. What do you think?
DO these keyboards last long in terms of battery?

I've got the FAVI though when I bought it, it was a different brand. Battery life for me is pretty darn good. I think I've gone a month without recharging, never had it die though so not sure how long I could actually push it. Average usage is about an hour every day or two.

The touchpad takes several swipes to get from one side of my screen to the other with my computer set to fastest pointer speed. Accuracy is pretty decent.

Range on mine is basically about 10-12 feet before it degrades significantly. I bought the bluetooth version so if I upgraded my adapter that might increase it a little.

Overall I'm happy with it for what I do. If I had to interact with it more (lots of typing or pointing) I think I would probably try and find something a little larger.

 

[vegal]

I've got the FAVI though when I bought it, it was a different brand. Battery life for me is pretty darn good. I think I've gone a month without recharging, never had it die though so not sure how long I could actually push it. Average usage is about an hour every day or two.

The touchpad takes several swipes to get from one side of my screen to the other with my computer set to fastest pointer speed. Accuracy is pretty decent.

Range on mine is basically about 10-12 feet before it degrades significantly. I bought the bluetooth version so if I upgraded my adapter that might increase it a little.

Overall I'm happy with it for what I do. If I had to interact with it more (lots of typing or pointing) I think I would probably try and find something a little larger.

Thank you for your input. I might get the logitech one but I wont have alot of money to keep tweaking it if I get one. Is it reliable?

 

[NoCreativity]

Thank you for your input. I might get the logitech one but I wont have alot of money to keep tweaking it if I get one. Is it reliable?

I've been using it since last fall without issue. Once or twice I've had to turn it off and back on again because it didn't sync properly but that's it.

Last fall I basically had a choice between the FAVI and the Lenovo N5901, at least without spending a bunch of money.

Bottom line is that I don't regret the purchase and would buy it again under the same circumstances. That said, it looks like there are a lot more options out now and I'd be inclined to go with the Logitech, though the IOgear with the track ball looks interesting.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Do you have a smartphone? GRemotePro is an excellent app for controlling an HTPC.

http://gbmsoftware.com/

 

[dagamer34]

If you have a free 5.25" slot, I'd get the Antec Veris Elite IR receiver: http://store.antec.com/Product/accessory-veris_media/veris-elite/0-761345-30125-1.aspx

It lets you use either the included remote or Windows Media Center remote to control your PC. And the best thing is, it can turn your HTPC on from 100% off state (it's hooked into the power button).

 

[vegal]

sup guys im using my xbox wireless controller to type this lol loving it but there is no keypad so im using the onscreen keyboard

 

[Rio Rebel]

I second the suggestion to use a smartphone or tablet or ipod touch, if you have one. This gives you the ability to use it as a keyboard as well.

If not, I like Harmony too. They made one some time back with a Windows Media Center green button, if you can find it.

 

[Aikouka]

I use HippoRemote with my HTPC. It also works with a hacked AppleTV 2 (you have to install VNC on it, which is easy).

EDIT:

Actually, that's not 100% accurate. For normal "remote" things, I use this Gyration remote that someone suggested to me on the forums. I bought mine off eBay and it works really well. It doesn't support a keyboard that I know of, but I don't usually miss that aspect since mine is mostly for media.

Here's Amazon's product page for it (they don't have any for sale):
www.amazon.com/Gyration-GYR3101US-Media-Center-Remote/dp/B000O7IHOK/