Have a PC plugged into your TV? If you’re running media center software like Kodi, then you can probably navigate your music, movies, and other content using a multimedia remote that looks a lot like a TV remote.
But what if you want to surf the web to find YouTube videos, play online games, or browse Wikipedia? Then you might want a keyboard and touchpad. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily need a full-sized keyboard.
For the past few years Lenovo’s been selling a handheld model with a thumb keyboard and mouse functionality. Now the company is introducing a new version called the Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller.
It measures about 5.7″ x 3.4″ x 0.74″ and weighs just about 4.6 ounces when loaded with two AAA batteries.
Plug a USB dongle into your computer and you can use the controller as a keyboard and mouse from up to 20 meters (65 feet) away.
What makes this model particularly interesting is that that the mouse is basically built right into the keyboard. Just slide your fingers over the top of the keys as if you were using a laptop touchpad.
The Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller should be available in March for $55.