remote control: bluetooth?

[VJ]

Hello,

I'm wondering about some remote control hardware to control htpc applications (movies, dvds, ...). However, I expect to only use it very occasionally.

Now, my PC is equipped with bluetooth, and there is an application for my mobile (bemused) which allows me to remotely control winamp and media player. But it lacks quite some functionality (dvd menus, other applications, ...)
I have been thinking about buying a portable bluetooth keyboard, such as the ThinkOutside Stowaway keyboard ( http://www.thinkoutside.com/stowawaybt_product.html ).
(I could use this in combination with my phone, which would have some benefits for me as well; but also as remote control indoors)

I expect I'd be able to use this with most softwares, as long as hotkeys can be assigned.
Am I right in thinking this, or will I be missing out on quite a lot of functions?
Are there any downsides I might be missing (ok, bulkyness is one I'm aware of)?


Thanks!


Jörg

[Nowhere]

If you have, like my buddy, SE610/630, it's definetely possible with this ...


hint, hint: tell us what phone you have first

[az]

If it doesn't have to be bluetooth, but can also be infrared, there is a shop here that carries a nice-looking IR computer remote that plugs in via USB and can also command the mouse pointer for 10 EUR (no typo).

AZ

[greinedo]

I'm using a Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard+mouse, and it's very convenient.

For watching mutlimedia content, or browsing the net on the TV in the lounge (10 m away from the PC) it's perfect.

The 2nd head of my P750 is connected to the TV with 4x15m of high quality coaxial video cable.

[VJ]

Nowhere: FMA doesn't work with my phone. I have a Nokia 6260 (Symbian Series 60). However, I have a software to remotely control MediaPlayer and WinAmp; and there is a chance of a VNC working (getting ip over bluetooth is the issue here, but I might have found a workaround).

Az: 10 Euro I must admit, I have never seen those things for those prices here.

greinedo: Is it convenient to browse e.g. a dvd menu (without a mouse) ? Does it work with all (most) software?


Jörg

[az]

VJ, this is no ordinary price in germany either; it's from a surplus goods reseller (www.pollin.de)

AZ

[greinedo]

No, the Microsoft bluetooth kit is keyboard+mouse.
In fact 95% you use only the mouse.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=033

The keyboard is used for adjusting sound and shortcuts for programs.

[UtwigMU]

You can make your own IR USB remote sensor:

http://www.ocinside.de/go_e.html?/html/modding/usb_ir_receiver/usb_ir_receiver.html

[Nowhere]

Also worth noting is that serial is much cheaper/easier to do.

[VJ]

Thanks for the tips, but I've already had a number of DIY plans and none of them came through (lack of time)... Of course, that IR thingy seems easy enough... But does it work with all softwares (i.e. zoom player, powerdvd, mediaplayer, ....)?


Jörg