I’m currently building an HTPC (home theater PC for those of you who are wondering what it means). I think it will be more convenient to play the video files that I have collected over the years over my home theater setup because more people can watch the videos as opposed to just playing the files on my computer, where not a lot of people will have the room to watch it with me.

Controlling an HTPC is always one of the sources of difficulties when building an HTPC because the traditional keyboard and mouse combo may work but can be quite cumbersome since you’re going to use two controller while navigating through the files. If your coffeetable is small (assuming you actually have some kind of table where you’ve put the home theater) then it becomes a space problem.

A good solution is to get a device like what the guys at CompuExpert have made. The Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting. This is a wireless keyboard that has been made with home theaters in mind. Of course, you can already guess how convenient it will be to use a wireless keyboard to control your HTPC. But more than the wireless function, the Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting also has other attractive features. For example, this keyboard was made with online chatting and video calling in mind (hence the “Chatting” in its name). It has built in earphone and microphone jacks so you won’t have to shout across the room just to be heard. Also, this keyboard has removed trackpads as a way of controlling the cursor. Instead, it uses 3D motion controls – think Wiimote or the Playstation Move. If you want to control the cursor just wave the keyboard about. It may take some getting used to, and the whole usability may be debatable, but as a piece of tech, I think you’ll want to use the gesture controls instead of a mouse.

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