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It's been 3 years since I built my first Media Center PC and during that time I've used an array of keyboard/mouse combinations, none of which quite made the grade. I for one didn't even know that a wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad was available until AusPC-Market asked me to review the Adesso WKB-4000. This is a very slick unit, similar in size to a laptop keyboard but with a powerful 2.4 ghz transmitter enabling it operate at extreme distances from the PC. And yes - I did try it out, the specs say 20 feet or around 7 metres, but I ran out of house at 19 ...
Nope! Doesn't cut it for mine I'm afraid. I don't even need to trial this thing to know it will never be of interest to me. I guess it needs to be said that I personally only use my HTPC as a media centre and I would love to have a keyboard that would have the usability that I would be convinced to make more use of it and less of the remote control but I still haven't seen such a device. To me the only way this is going to happen is if it has some particular features that will make it worthwhile. Just to illustrate that fact let me say why this unit doesn't interest me. (...and yes, I've tried similar ones.)
Firstly I have had all sorts of trouble with RF devices in the home due to mutual interference. This includes wireless networking, cordless phones and the like and tends to be a bit of a dark art. That's not to say it can't be overcome but the problem for the average punter is knowing what will and what won't conflict.
Secondly, a media centre remote control device MUST be backlit to be worthwhile. Without backlighting it is virtually useless. Who wants to turn on the lights just to find the right key? This of course raises the question of keyboard batteries but what's wrong with a Lithium Ion battery and a plug in charger like the Logitech remotes have?
Thirdly, and I know this is personal preference, but why a tochpad. I've always found touchpads to be irritatingly imprecise and awkward to use. To me a quality integrated optical trackball is infinitely more practical and easier to use. Yes I accept that others will not agree but that's my take on it.
Lastly, I believe that a keyboard for MCE must have MCE specific or easily programmable keys for the basic functions. Obvious functions like Channel change, Volume Control, Guide etc as well as the ability to control other componentry will make such a device way more usable.
In summary, for me until such a device is available the keyboard is something to be brought out of the cupboard only in case it is needed to perform major surgery. That being the case, I can't see the point in paying good money for a more expensive cupboard filler or paper weight when in truth a fairly standard keyboard will probably do what I want in most cases. If I really want to spend a bit more for now I can't see any reason to buy anything other than the standard MS MCE Keyboard.
Now if I was using my machine for gaming etc then I guess there are other considerations.
I agree with Phil on some aspects, such as backlighting for any MCE functions being a key component of any keyboard that is being used as part of a media centre. I also think a rechargeable cradle is a must these days.
I personally wouldn't consider this keyboard as a contender for my MCE PC.
I'm suprised not to see this compared to the Shintaro wireless keyboard, as it's a ripping little 2.4Ghz media centre keyboard, with inbuilt trackball, available for a miserly ~$65! How in the world are Adesso justifying their keyboard at almost triple the price?
I use this keyoard, a while expensive, I havn't had any problems with it at all. Battery life is excellent - the originals are still going after nearly 12 months. AAA batteries save some cost.
The keys are a little flimsy, much like a notebook, but no deal breaker. The whole unit is very light however, which is a bonus.
I prefer touchpads, which is why I bought this keyboard in the first place.
I havn't had any problems with cordless phone of wireless network interference.
Ive never used a keyboard for my media centre ever. lol Trusty remote only for me.
Never, ever? How'd you build it? How'd you install the recent guide hotfix?
I guess that's the difference between having a media centre and an HTPC. You can't drive a true HTPC without a keyboard. Well...i'm sure Google will work something out sooner or later, but until then, good luck surfing the web or using DVREdit with that remote of yours...
Ok i seperate my media centre and pc usage, they are infact the one machine, but i use my 360 in extender mode for my media centre, its the only way i use media centre on the tv. When i want to surf the net, install, etc i jump on the pc. But when i use the media centre there is never a need for the keyboard.
This is a very smart & efficient way to "do" a media centre. I love how easy it is to extend media centre functionality onto the xbox360...dare I say it...kudos to Microsoft....well except for the fact they won't play my downloaded divx tv episodes...and no web browsing...i wonder if they'll ever add web browsing to the xbox? Sorry, getting off topic...
Anyway, my point is (do i have a point?), if you use an xbox360 as your primary media centre, you're not exactly in the target market for a wireless keyboard...especially one that costs almost $200!
Anyway, my point is (do i have a point?), if you use an xbox360 as your primary media centre, you're not exactly in the target market for a wireless keyboard...especially one that costs almost $200!
Particularly with the QWERTY coming out in September, Im thinking this may help influence their decision to include a browser in the next dash upgrade
I love the ease of use with 360 as an extender, no messing about for pic quality, overscanning, etc. Even if your not a gamer i think its a great alternative instead of building a second media centre.
It's been 3 years since I built my first Media Center PC and during that time I've used an array of keyboard/mouse combinations, none of which quite made the grade. I for one didn't even know that a wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad was available until 
