By Chris Scott Barr

Having an HTPC can be a useful thing, what with all of the greatness of a computer hooked up to your big-ass TV. The biggest issue with using them is, well, using them. Sure, if you’re using something simple like Windows Media Center then a remote should do the trick. If you’re trying to do anything that requires typing or mousing, then you’ve got to have the necessary tools. Traditional keyboards and mice are large and clunky, things that should not be found in your living room. That’s why companies like Lenovo are creating hybrid devices that provide similar functionality while still looking like something you’d want sitting on your coffee table.

The latest offering from Lenovo is this Multimedia Remote with Keyboard. Meant to be held like a traditional remote, it offers a trackball at the bottom for your mousing needs. When it comes time for typing, you’ll use the keyboard just as you would with most QWERTY phones. A tiny USB dongle is all that’s require to connect it to your computer. At $60, this should be a welcome accessory to any living room with an HTPC.

[ Lenovo ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Chris Scott Barr

HTPCs have been around for a while now, but the way we control them hasn’t changed much. You’ll generally either use a standard remote, or some sort of in-air mouse and a keyboard. Neither of these is the ideal solution. GlideTV seems to think that they’ve built a device that will be exactly what HTPC users need.

The GlideTV Navigator is handheld device that is supposed to combine “the functionality of a keyboard, mouse and AV remote.” I don’t know that I’d agree with the keyboard part, but it is more or less a combination mouse/remote. You can however download an on-screen keyboard for input. The device works with Windows, OSX, PS3 and any other device that accepts mouse and keyboard HID devices. Some of the other noteable features include:

• Clickable touchpad mapped to your TV screen — precise cursor control, one-thumb scrolling, single and double-click selection.
• Backlit AV buttons to control volume and playback.
• Directional buttons for easy two-axis navigation.
• Dedicated Esc, Enter, Back, and Function keys to control applications.
• On-screen keyboard — requires download, Windows only.
• Integrated search menu with links to Google, Amazon Video on Demand, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube and more — requires download, Windows only.
• Rechargeable battery.

Provided you aren’t doing much typing, this device really looks like it could be a useful alternative to a standard remote or mouse. $150 is a bit pricey, but the stylish little control unit might be worth it, provided it’s as easy to use as they boast.

[ GlideTV ] VIA [ Ecoustics ]

By Shane McGlaun

I used to have a HTPC system in my entertainment center, but it kept overheating thanks to low airflow inside the cabinet. The big issues with a HTPC are getting a keyboard and a mouse that work easily with the system. The keyboard isn’t that hard, but finding a mouse that can work while you sit on the couch can be a pain.

If you have a PC in your living room Hillcrest Labs has announced that its Loop pointer is now available on Amazon.com and directly from its website. The pointer looks like a bracelet from the 80’s but it is a full mouse that works in the air and needs no surface.

The device is silver and black with four mouse buttons and a scroll wheel. The mouse connects to Mac and PC systems via a USB transceiver. The Loop was originally a concept device to show off the Freespace mousing technology but can now be purchased for $99.99.

Hillcrest Labs ]