10 replies to this topic

[seanseany]

Cut a long drunken story short , I have an Asus Laptop - Win 7 x64, that's minus both hinges lol. I'm thinking about completely disconnecting the screen and connecting it to a LCD T.V via HDMI in one of my bedrooms as a media centre type thing.Sitting discretely on top of a Blu-ray player and under my TV.

I'm looking for some advice on a "Ultra slim" , splash proof keyboard on a wireless USB connection. Full size would be nice but the main thing is, it has to be stylish and not overly expensive (Willing to pay up to GBP£100.00 ,maybe a tad more, under that would be ideal).

Any ideas please ?

Oh, I'm based in the U.K.

Thanks...

[AJerman]

MS Wedge Keyboard?

You may want to take some things into consideration. I've been doing the HTPC, or really my main system on my TV for years now. I had a diNovo Edge for a long time due to the built in touchpad, and it was okay. It lasted a long time (years... 5 years or so?), but it had it's share of issues along the way, namely connection issues at reasonable distanced like 6 or 7 feet max, charging issues, etc. They very likely may have fixed most of those problems by now, but it's still incredibly expensive, and while I certainly got used to the tiny touchpad, it's not the easiest to use still.

What I found is that my diNovo Edge, while still hanging in there by a thread, has taken quite a beating over the years. Be it falling off the couch or coffee table, getting sat on, you name it. It lead me to look at my keyboard and mouse as more of a disposable item after a year or two. That being said, I got the Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 just 2 days ago to finally replace my diNovo Edge. It's certainly not what I'd call a slim keyboard, and it's full size with numpad which is actually kind of nice after years with a cramped keyboard. It does seem fairly sturdy and is light enough to have no issue using in a HTPC type situation, plus the bluetrack mouse works on my coffee table, couch, pant leg, you name it. I'm pretty happy with the purchase and I probably won't spend too much money on an HTPC keyboard anymore.

If I were going to spend the money on a nicer, thinner, keyboard, I'd probably get either the Wedge keyboard or an Apple wireless keyboard.

[seanseany]

Thanks for the reply Ajerman. Wow didnt even realise that the Apple KB would work on Windows.Thats kind of the thing I am looking for to be honest , but maybe in black.

The Bedroom in question is a quest bedroom. Sure, It gets used most weekends by friends and family but the overall use wont be " excessive". I want something with a range of maybe 15 feet / approx 4 meters. Obviously I need something that will work and have a nice look to it . It will be on display when not in use, maybe I'm vain , but I like to have nice looking things in my house.

I will deffo be googling those suggestions you made and having a look-see. Just out of curiosity , do Apple wireless KBs work as well as they look ?

Personally , I hate touchpads ,Even on a laptop I use a mouse and a good one will work on any surface , but yeah I would consider one ( As I wont be using it lol).

Thanks for the suggestions , really appreciate it.

[oh2d]

http://www.shopping....ite-v2-Keyboard

Best ultra-slim in black I think.

[AJerman]

I think the Apple Keyboards work as well as they look. I love the feel of them, but I also like those ultra low profile keys. To be honest though, the wedge keyboard might even be a little nicer, but I haven't been hands on with one of those. The Wedge keyboard has Fn keys for added functionality with Windows in mind, but I also think the nearly identical shortcut keys on the Apple keyboard work on Windows too, at least with the right software, so I really don't think you can go wrong either way. The Wedge is a little cheaper but they are damn near identical for the most part. The Wedge is black if that's what you wanted.

[seanseany]

oh2d : Yeah that's really nice , prefer the Elite v2 to be honest but either way both really nice and fairly cheap ! On my list for sure

Thank you !


AJerman

Wedge : Is that the right one ? Looks soooo nice but its a bit small or is my google-fu bad and I should feel bad ?

Really like the wedge tho , slick looking and compact.... but the Elite V2 , thats just sleek n sexy. Both from reputable companies as well.

[Mark]

I suggest


It's not ultra slim but it has the advantage of the touchpad which supports two finger scrolling too. Also, there's a right mouse button to the top left of the keyboard so you can hold it with both hands and thumb the trackpad, and still click easily with your left hand.

I used this keyboard for the purpose which you want to use it for until my media centre pc broke, it was great while it lasted.

[seanseany]

Mark , would you happen to recall the model number for that one please ? Be nice to see the specs for it

Thanks.

[+jamesyfx]

I believe that is the Logitech K400.

It is a lovely keyboard, and it even works with some Smart TV's.

[AJerman]

Yeah, the Wedge is tiny. Didn't know if you might want that for a system like that. Yeah, that Logitech K400 has a much larger touchpad built in, but I decided to go back to a mouse this time and that's why I didn't like that one as much. But if your system is going to have limited use, you may be able to get away with a touchpad better than me on my main system at home. It seems to have gotten pretty good ratings on Amazon and is priced a hell of a lot better than the diNovo Edge. Pretty simple layout though, not even many Fn keys. In fact, it looks like it has an Fn button for a total of 6 keys. My only concern is quality when it comes to Logitech, but with limited use I'm sure it'd last you for plenty long enough.

[seanseany]

Sorry going to have to slip out of this thread until tomorrow . Two reasons , First one is the beer is kicking in and secondly and most likely the most predominant reason ...My Mrs wants me....... To do what exactly is any ones guess ? But knowing my luck its something to do with washing up/ spider removal/ a troll on face book and she needs moral support lol.

Thanks for the input , I value it all lots !