Media junkie
If we hear one more tech pundit go off about the "convergence" future, we may just eat our all-in-one remote. Your TV and your computer met a long time ago. They might not be best friends, but they are well-acquainted enough so that things such as mice with media buttons should no longer surprise anyone. From multipurpose remotes to keyboards bristling with hot keys, the devices listed below prove that convergence is no longer the buzzword of some seamless digital entertainment future. It's a working experiment that you can learn to master right now. |
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| BenQ X710 Wireless Desktop Companion Pro |
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Designed by BMW's DesignUSA studio, the BenQ X710's keyboard comes mounted on a smart adjustable cradle/wrist rest, which lets you slide it easily to your angle of preference. The optical mouse feels a little insubstantial, but the keyboard media hot keys work, even with Winamp, and the left-side keyboard scrollwheel gives you flexibility for configuring the extra buttons in conjunction with the mouse for maximum efficiency.
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| Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 700 |
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The Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 700's RF wireless mouse and keyboard free your desktop from clutter, and you'll need to worry about only two AA batteries for the keyboard, as the mouse is also rechargeable. This desktop set remarkably versatile, with a full set of media-play controls, including burning and record buttons, plus Logitech's MediaLife media-management software, and zoom controls (among others) on both the keyboard and the mouse.
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| Logitech MediaPlay Cordless Mouse |
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If you're still on the fence about using a remote control with your PC, Logitech's MediaPlay mouse may be the ideal solution. The RF wireless MediaPlay mouse features basic media control buttons and a remote-control-like sculpted design. The included Logitech MediaLife media-management software takes inspiration from Microsoft's Media Center OS, making this mouse a strong option for bridging the gap between PC and home-entertainment center.
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| Logitech Harmony 680 Remote |
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The Harmony 680 Remote is the first in a series designed specifically with Windows Media Center in mind. With buttons linking to all of the My Whatever folders, you can to turn your PC on and start from those folders automatically. Retaining the same Web programming functionality of others in the line, the Harmony 680 lets you control not only your Media Center PC, but all of your other A/V hardware, too.
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| SnapStream Firefly PC Remote |
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Although SnapStream's Firefly PC Remote works with the Windows Media Center OS, you can also use it to control an exhaustive list of PC media applications. Like many PC remotes, it comes with media-management software, hot keys to folders within the included software (Photos, Music, and such), and a mouse mode for when you need cursor control. But more than its core functionality, the sheer breadth of supported apps makes this remote a great option.
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