Brando offers up wireless HTPC keyboard with multitouch trackpad

Brando may be best known for some of its slightly off the wall products, but it also carries plenty of less fanciful gadgets, like this HTPC-minded keyboard with a still relatively uncommon built-in multitouch trackpad. As you can sorta see above, that also doubles as the numeric keypad, and you can switch between the two functions at the press of a button, but not a swipe, apparently. Otherwise, you'll get a 2.4GHz RF USB transmitter that can be tucked into the keyboard itself if you don't feel like actually using it, along with 18 presumably customizable hotkeys, and support for Windows XP and Vista, but not Macs. $69 and it's yours.

[Lare2 @ Jun 9th 2009 4:51PM]

This one looks good indeed

[coffee @ Jun 9th 2009 5:03PM]

There aren't very many good HTPC keyboards out there with decent range and/or price. At least this one has a chance. Will prob give it a try. still using Logitech's wireless ps3 keyboard for mine.

[Casper42 @ Jun 9th 2009 6:25PM]

Why is it that every company with a wireless keyboard or mouse these days feels its imperative to use their own crappy RF Dongle?

Come on people, its called BlueTooth, the basic range is 30 feet without obstructions and some BT Adapters will go even further.

[Ridgecity @ Jun 9th 2009 7:14PM]

last I remember, bluetooth doesn't work during bios. That's why I never bought the mac keyboard.

[Reader @ Jun 9th 2009 10:28PM]

Neutral
Ridgecity @ Jun 9th 2009 7:14PM
last I remember, bluetooth doesn't work during bios. That's why I never bought the mac keyboard.

BT works at a firmware level on macs so as long as the keyboard and mouse are paired, they will be recognized for startup commands. :-)

[Wwhat @ Jun 10th 2009 8:25AM]

Looks nice to me too, odd how subtle effects can speak to a person.

[mikeg @ Jun 10th 2009 6:31PM]

@Ridgecity

Funny,
I use my logitech MX5000 Bluetooth keyboards and mice on three different computers at the bios level......

maybe you're just wrong.

[Monkey with glasses @ Jun 9th 2009 4:51PM]

Useless.

[msalivar @ Jun 9th 2009 5:33PM]

Thank you for your synopsis, all mighty center of the universe.

[Don @ Jun 9th 2009 6:10PM]

Hehe, must be a Mac user. EAT THAT, APPLE!

[ProfessorDex @ Jun 10th 2009 10:05AM]

No, he's just as his comment says.......Useless.

[Phoenix @ Jun 9th 2009 4:51PM]

actually looks pretty decent.

[rsm @ Jun 9th 2009 4:53PM]

What no Mac love!?

[General_Trelane, (retired) @ Jun 9th 2009 4:56PM]

They mentioned Multi-Touch did they not?

[d889 @ Jun 9th 2009 5:19PM]

yeah, both htpc mac users must be in an uproar :)

[jeremy @ Jun 9th 2009 4:55PM]

Linux?

[Taylor. Yes, Taylor. @ Jun 9th 2009 5:35PM]

Ham Sandwich?

But seriously, anyone know about linux support?

Not that I expect anyone to be familiar with a brand new random brando product, but still...
-Taylor

[reisa @ Jun 9th 2009 11:39PM]

It's bound to. Unless the specialty keys are VERY special. Looks like this one is just using the basic Windows multimedia stuff. I'd guess the touchpad/keypad is probably a hardware switch on the board, rather than a software solution.

[bjsguess @ Jun 9th 2009 4:55PM]

Nice - the lack of good HTPC keyboards under $100 is shocking. Looks like a good candidate to replace my Gyration set-up that is dying.

[Verythrax @ Jun 9th 2009 4:56PM]

Loved the concept, hated the price. Next.

[Kinger @ Jun 9th 2009 4:57PM]

I don't give a http://www.bytelove.com/stuff/office-warfare/flying-fuck/prod_247.html

[loopyoyo @ Jun 9th 2009 4:59PM]

ty engadget for posting something non-mac releated...best post all week long

[Phoenix @ Jun 9th 2009 5:09PM]

nah, I preferred the pre ones.

[Frankenstein Black @ Jun 9th 2009 5:01PM]

Sold!

[Evangelion @ Jun 9th 2009 5:01PM]

Brawndo? Isn't that like shaving your chest hair with a lawn mower?

[Verythrax @ Jun 9th 2009 5:03PM]

Review it, please. I would really love to change my mind on that.

I really want a wireless kb and the options are lacking.

[dagwud @ Jun 9th 2009 5:39PM]

Ditto on the review request.

[Odious Emu @ Jun 9th 2009 8:05PM]

Ditto ditto

[kal326 @ Jun 9th 2009 8:47PM]

ditto^3

This might actually make for a decent HTPC kb assuming the touch/num pad works decently. I would be willing to give up a num pad for a good touchpad, but if the 10 key works good-SOLD!

[sgallagan @ Jun 9th 2009 5:08PM]

It's got electrolytes.

[Phoenix @ Jun 9th 2009 5:13PM]

Powerlytes, turbolytes, more lytes than YOUR BODY HAS ROOM FOR!

[Mark @ Jun 9th 2009 5:17PM]

Big ass taco!

[vman81 @ Jun 9th 2009 5:50PM]

But WHY does it have electrolytes?

[reisa @ Jun 9th 2009 11:42PM]

.... Because Brawndo's got electrolytes.

[Brando @ Jun 9th 2009 5:18PM]

Are you sure you want to post this since it is not Mac compatible?

This looks great. It's definitely going on my wish list for my home theater. My stupid mouse only has a range of about 5 feet and I hate trying to navigate on the pillows.

[Shenanigans @ Jun 9th 2009 5:20PM]

Sounds decent.

I've used the Logitech diNovo EDGE (XP/ Vista version) on my Mac for a year and a half now. I am getting tired of that small trackpad. Only the custom XP/ Vista buttons do not work in OSX. Everything else works fine or I customized through system preferences and keyboard shortcuts.

$70 is very reasonable. I think the diNovo Edge for either Mac or Win is $130 and it does not support the customization or multi-touch/ numeric keypad. I think my gf paid $200 when it came out (Mac version wasn't available at the time.)

When my diNovo Edge dies, I think I found something to upgrade to.

[James Albert @ Jun 9th 2009 5:21PM]

Thank the gods... finally a htpc keyboard that doesn't use a separate gyro pointer.. or a crappy nubbin(MICROSOFT!!).. or a badly made trackball... I wondered why it was so hard to build a keybord with a freaking trackpad... the fact its multitouch is just gravy... Oh wow.. its not 100 bucks + ( LOGITECH!!!) kepping my message short.. gonna order right now!!

[Todd @ Jun 9th 2009 5:34PM]

How about 5$ and it's yours...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj1Hh_2jKW0

Why someone with an iphone or ipod touch would want this I fail to see, especially as it is being touted as a HTPC keyboard.

[coffee @ Jun 9th 2009 5:46PM]

most likely because it has a full size physical keyboard.

remote controls of any type are great for selecting and playing media, but surfing the web, email, doing actual work, etc with your HTPC is no fun without a full keyboard.

with your logic, why would anyone bother having a computer when they can surf the net on their iPhone?

There are probably a lot of things you fail to see, and the main one is that people use computers differently than you do.

[Todd @ Jun 9th 2009 5:55PM]

I *have* two HTPC's, one upstairs in the bedroom and one in the entertainment room both of which I use airmouse to control. It has a software keyboard in it that types plenty fast for any conceivable HTPC use, assuming you are not playing video games or composing long e-mails on your HTPC... thats what your normal PC is for. I use it to search movies on hulu/netflix all the time and never think: "If only I had a physical keyboard!"

The beauty is that with that software I have one device to control any PC on my network, full keyboard, volume/media controls, easy to use.

Seriously, why would you need a physical hardware keyboard on an HTPC?

[Brian @ Jun 9th 2009 6:23PM]

Why would you need a full keyboard

It's easier to type
It doesn't kill batttery quick
It's easier to use the trackpad
It doesn't get smudgy
It doesn't ring when you're watching a movie.

[james @ Aug 14th 2009 9:14AM]

air mouse does not work in bios and does not work in log in screen - I really like airmouse but find these to major flaws

[duckdive1 @ Jun 9th 2009 5:42PM]

Does "2.4GHz RF USB transmitter" mean no bluetooth? If so I'd still pick Logitech. For my usage the DiNovo mini has been amazing, great for a laptop HTPC keyboard.

[msalivar @ Jun 9th 2009 5:45PM]

I'm still waiting for one of these in wireless form:

http://bit.ly/eUCnr (Lenovo)

[coffee @ Jun 9th 2009 5:47PM]

if you look around brando's site, they have a wireless keyboard just like that.

I have no idea how brando's quality is, though, going to look for some reviews before risking it.

[msalivar @ Jun 9th 2009 6:08PM]

Nice find, but there's no trackpoint, and it probably doesn't have the same quality keystroke feeling.

[docprego @ Jun 9th 2009 5:50PM]

Looks nice, I wonder if t will work with the PS3? The basic keyboard and trackpad probably will, but it would be nice if the multitouch gestures did too.

[Oli D @ Jun 9th 2009 5:58PM]

"SPEED"
Speed typing
Speed scrolling
Speed surfing
Speed paging
Speed wasd'ing

[Mviars @ Jun 9th 2009 6:44PM]

I have had my HTPC for about 3 years now and started with the old microsoft bluetooth keyboard and mouse but I was geting back aches from being slumped over the coffee table for long periods of time so I searched for keyboard that would fit my needs. Lets start with the first problem I see with the one above. I notice that the touchpad and mouse buttons are on the same side of the keyboard so if your trying to use the touchpad you would have to lay down the keyboard. thats a pain. I finally found a keyboard I like and have been using one for over 2 years now and havent found anything better for my needs yet. It has a trackball in the top right corner a a single right click mouse button under the top edge and on the left top side it has left and right mouse button with a scroll wheel under that top edge which clicks in for a third or middle mouse button. The range is good as I can go to my kitchen table and still use it. This product also comes with a remote with trackball as well. it works pretty good but I really just dont need to use it. My 3 year old daughter even has no problem using it to play her learning games.

I usually do not make comments about stuff but I love this thing so much that I felt I had to. Also I a home theater installer and have used this keyboard for many customers who also love it.

Here check it out for yourself.

http://www.nmediapc.com/RFKB3.htm

[mikeg @ Jun 10th 2009 6:36PM]

hmmmm

well since its a multi touch capable keyboard, all you need is some software or an OS that supports multitouch and you dont even need buttons.