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.
The only thing that would make this better is if the keyboard slid/swiveled underneath the mouse when not in use, like modern messaging phones. Pretty slick-looking, though.
$60 isn't bad at all. I like the look of it. It seems that you could possibly get away with using both hands.
The only thing that would make this better is if the keyboard slid/swiveled underneath the mouse when not in use, like modern messaging phones. Pretty slick-looking, though.
$60 isn't bad at all. I like the look of it. It seems that you could possibly get away with using both hands.