Replace Keyboard With Blackberry-Like Device For HTPCs

If you've got a home theater PC, a PC that's basically in your living room, then you probably have some kind of big keyboard that just clutters up your den. We like to keep things small and uncluttered, which is why we really like this keyboard that looks like a Blackberry.

This little thing isn't just a neat little keyboard, it's actually also got a touchpad that integrated into the "screen". This means that it can double as your mouse as well. It's a lot of features in a small format, and it's pretty convenient, since it will replace your keyboard and your mouse. On top of that, you'll have a lot less wires and clutter thanks to this sleek keyboard. Any of you Crackberry addicts will be able to type away lightning fast using this device.

It's also backlit, so you can easily operate it in the dark. It functions via radio frequency, so you don't have to point it at any receiver. We really like this keyboard combo. It's one of the smallest that we've seen and it's got a bunch of different uses. It comes in two different colors and it's available from Brando for $61. See it in operation in the included video.

[via DVice, photos by Brando]

Comments (9)

doesn't look like there's mac compatibility yet. too bad.. that would really hit home with all the mac mini HTPC hype lately.

posted by adamyonk on November 24th 2009 at 10:27pm
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I've been happy to control my mini with my iPhone and the Snatch Server app.

posted by maloneyleonard on November 24th 2009 at 11:06pm
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I use Gmote on my G1 to control the HTPC , keyboard and touchpad, brilliant!

posted by kabir on November 25th 2009 at 12:08am
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I use my laptop. It's going to be in the living room anyway, and it has a keyboard and a mouse. I just use VPN to connect from my laptop (running Windows) to my mac mini HTPC. This also lets me read any really small print that shows up from my laptop monitor without squinting at the TV.

posted by Adlitha on November 25th 2009 at 2:02am
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I like this idea! I use a wireless keyboard with a mouse toggle on it but it is big and clumsy. I will still need a keyboard and mouse to play games but that doesn't happen often anymore for me. This would be perfect for my HTPC!!!

posted by msjessiemeghan on November 25th 2009 at 11:28am
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You can get a Logitech Harmony 550 remote for about the same price now. The Logitech is both sleeker and more functional. I have it controlling my Mac Mini HTPC running Plex and I honestly do not ever need a keyboard -- and that's the way I prefer it. In a pinch, I'll use my iPhone with Airmouse (if I need to connect to the network drive, for example), but that's a rarity.

posted by owlicks on November 25th 2009 at 1:35pm
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Wow, pretty affordable too. I love using my iPhone to do this, but my roommate and most others using our TV don't have iPhones/iPod Touches, so this is a nice replacement. I bought the Logitech DiNovo Mini, which is a little cumbersome to use and costs twice as much as this.

I have the iPhone mouse/keyboard software, but not everyone who uses the TV will have an iPhone/iPod Touch. I've considered buying an older generation Touch though just to use as a remote. Again, not cheap.

This might just fit the bill.

posted by marcelebrate on November 25th 2009 at 2:17pm
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I've been using my actual blackberry. I run xbmc on my HTPC...just enable its web interface and use the BB browser. Works great for audio and video alike.

posted by Oneisco on November 25th 2009 at 2:48pm
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I use Boxee-it's a great interface, and they have an iPhone app that lets you control the whole system, and gives you a keyboard when necessary. I can also control it with the Apple remote. Boxee is cross platform-Mac, Windows and Linux, and will run on the Apple TV.

posted by davisphotos on December 1st 2009 at 9:17pm
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