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Mouse/keyboard options for couch potato mode

O

opinio

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 23, 2013
1,171
7
I have a Mac mini (2012) connected to my main TV that I use as a HTPC (mostly iTunes) but also as a Mac for general web browsing etc.

I have an Apple Magic Mouse and BT Keyboard hooked up to it and while they are good when you have the coffee table up next to the couch, they are difficult to use to control the mouse when you are in couch potato mode (crashed out on the couch). I also found the Apple track pad only 'clicks' when it is on a hard surface.

I was looking for a hand held track ball mouse so I could control the mini or something similar while crashing on the lounge. You know when you are watching you tube and just want to click the next vid. I have seen a mouse type gun on ebay as well. Then I though perhaps there is an app for iOS that allows you to move the mouse pointer in OS X? And then I was wondering if there is an all-in-one unit that replaces the mouse and keyboard for super-couch-potato mode.

I know there are media control units for HTPCs out there but I am looking for a hand-held mouse or mouse/keyboard option to control OS X and its apps. Mainly to control the mouse pointer but a keyboard option as well (albeit the keyboard would be small) would be convenient.

Any ideas
 
FreakinEurekan said:
I don't have this product, but it looks pretty nice & would be the first direction I'd look at for your situation:

http://www.bullettrain.com/express.html

Image
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I have been tempted to get this one. Only one problem for me. I use a Mobee charger for the keyboard so I am guessing it will not fit :(

http://www.mobeetechnology.com/the-magic-bar.html

Even if it does fit I will have to do away with the charger because I will have to remove it each time to charge.

I still may end up getting it though (complications aside) as it is pretty cool.

----------
RCAFBrat said:
One possible solution (different problem) has just been discussed in another thread would be remote desktop client:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1614513/

Would probably work best with larger screen size of an iPad I imagine.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I can use screen share with an iPad using the Parallels app. It links directly through either an internal IP or externally through the internet. You can screen share windows (virtual) or the original OS X. The problem with screen share on an iOS device is the point to 'pointing' for the mouse is exceptionally small. Plus you only get click options and not hovering options as is very common in webpages today.

I might have another go at it though. I tried this app a year or so ago and gave up but perhaps now it is better designed for iOS.

In case anyone is wondering about this app, you need Parallels running on the OS (although the VM does not need to be open), and it needs to be logged in under Preferences>Mobile. You can then simply login on the Parallels app on the iOS device and chose which screen to share.
 
opinio said:
Only one problem for me. I use a Mobee charger for the keyboard so I am guessing it will not fit :(
Click to expand...

Energizer Lithium batteries give me at least 6 months in the keyboard, at least that long in the trackpad (though I use the Magic Mouse more than the trackpad so that may affect battery life).
 
Apple wireless keyboard + Apple magic trackpad + MeshWe accessory =

51MTuUYXRvL._SL1000_.jpg
61LX0-5rk-L._SL1000_.jpg


I just moved to a Mac Mini HTPC, and this is what I plan on doing (currently just using screen sharing on my MBA).

EDIT: Also, I suggest disabling click (though it's usable with the aforementioned accessory). Tap-to-click seems more natural to me, faster, and easier on the hardware (plus it's quieter).
 
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FreakinEurekan said:
I don't have this product, but it looks pretty nice & would be the first direction I'd look at for your situation:

http://www.bullettrain.com/express.html

Image
Click to expand...

Does anyone have one of these? I am wondering how the keyboard is secured in? It looks like it will flap about a bit if the holder if held vertical?

EDIT: Don't worry, I found a video on their site which generally explains my questions. Although it still looks strange to me as to what is stopping the keyboard from coming out when it is held vertical. It seems to be simple pressure stopping it from turning outwards.
 
Last edited:
My "couch potato mode" device is an iPad mini. I've tried the "use an HTPC as a general purpose PC" thing lots of times over the years (even with a 120" screen) and it just never worked well for me. Using an iPad or laptop works so much better.
 
When I use my MBP on the sofa, I use my Magic Mouse on the arm if the sofa and the MBP on my lap. Works very well in this config. In your case I would se the mouse in the same way with the keyboard on my lap.
 
opinio said:
Does anyone have one of these? I am wondering how the keyboard is secured in? It looks like it will flap about a bit if the holder if held vertical?

EDIT: Don't worry, I found a video on their site which generally explains my questions. Although it still looks strange to me as to what is stopping the keyboard from coming out when it is held vertical. It seems to be simple pressure stopping it from turning outwards.
Click to expand...

I just bought one. See my recent post. When I get it, I'll post some comments.
 
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