GlideTV Navigator gets a thorough hands-on and critiquing

If you're not down with snapping up an HTPC-centric keyboard with an integrated trackpad or trackball, controlling the likes of Hulu, Boxee and ZeeVee's Zinc TV viewer can be a real chore. Dave Zatz was able to wrap his paws around the problem-solving GlideTV Navigator, and while he deemed the actual remote trackpad "the best he'd ever used," he couldn't unequivocally say that this beauty was worth a buck-fifty. He also found that the remote could be used one-handed with a bit of practice, and he expressed understandable concern about this thing's ability to stay functional as the software around it evolves. If you've been waffling on pulling the trigger here, you owe it to yourself to give the read link a look.

[Kurto2021 Posted Oct 26th 2009 12:50PM]

http://forums.techarena.in/portable-devices/1236546.htm

I bought this last week...it works pretty darn good. I hate the location of the arrows but other than that I am happy.

[JCA Posted Oct 26th 2009 1:01PM]

I second Kurt's opinion. I mean unless you are constantly typing stuff out on your couch this EFO wireless keyboard is the shizzle especially considering the low cost. Yes of course button layout could be better, the keyboard takes a little getting used to but all in all it is easy to overlook its minor shortcomings when you consider its form factor, the fact that its backlit the fact that it has an actual keyboard (unlike the glide thingy above) and lets not forget.....its only $40

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 26th 2009 1:08PM]

Oh yes, or an itouch with the "AirMouse" application

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 26th 2009 1:48PM]

What is that front end?

[Chromium Posted Oct 26th 2009 4:18PM]

AirMouse is an iPhone app that brings up a virtual track pad and keyboard on your phone and lets you control any computer over WiFi.

It's pretty slick, the whole screen of your iPhone is a multi-touch track pad with right/left click, scroll etc. You can then shake your phone and half the screen becomes a keyboard.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 26th 2009 2:25PM]

Why not just get a Harmony remote like a normal person? I have a DiNovo Mini that i use maybe once a month when i need a mouse, but other than that my Harmony 880 does everything on my HTPC seamlessly. I can't imagine using a trackpad as my primary HTPC control, would be clumsy and slow compared to a remote.

[neoprimalgmailcom Posted Oct 26th 2009 2:44PM]

How do you type and mouse seamlessly with your remote? I have a Harmony 880 as well and I don't even use it for my system.
Unless you've limited your HTPC to use WMC, Boxee or Media Centers in general only or at least primarily, you'll want something with a half decent keyboard and mouse to use it to it's full potential ie: as a computer/or at LEAST web surfing device as well. Otherwise its really just an expensive popcorn hour or media extender of sorts.

For example, I have Vuze on my system and I need a keyboard to type in the name of whatever I want to download. How would you do that with the Harmony 880? (unless you're talking about cell-like tap typing using the number keys, which I don't think you are because that's not seamless, at all).

I don't know what I'd do without my Mini. I find myself mousing and typing on it almost every time I use my system.

[neoprimalgmailcom Posted Oct 26th 2009 2:46PM]

Well then...It'd have saved $80 or so had I found this before I got my Logitech Dinivo Mini...sigh.

Does it feel solid or plasticy/flimsy? I may get one just to have it...or I could have my wife use this and be greedy with the Mini.

[Modred189 Posted Oct 26th 2009 7:10PM]

See, I love my Mini. As far as I have used it for the last year+, it's been flawless.

[Gabe Posted Oct 26th 2009 3:03PM]

real easy - get an iphone/itouch and vlc - then run Hipporemote - it has functions for media center, hulu, itunes, etc.

best thing ever. love it -

[manekineko2 Posted Oct 26th 2009 4:40PM]

When did a buck fifty become $150?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 26th 2009 6:38PM]

Does anyone know - what is that web browsing front end shown in the picture?

[Valicore Posted Oct 26th 2009 9:22PM]

For Android phones there is also Gmote.... gotta love it.

[gable Posted Oct 27th 2009 10:37PM]

Seems complicated and expensive compared to an in-air pointer like the Loop pointer from Hillcrest or the MX-Air from Logitech.

[genkicp Posted Dec 9th 2009 12:26PM]

Looks like someone over at GlideTV realized their price was a bit on the high side. Saw this floating around on Twitter: @Eye_Masters GlideTV Navigator - HTPC couch mouse $50 off with code expires 12/23/2009 http://bit.ly/6aL2Fn