FAQ / Summary of best bets for Input (In this Thread)

[Fred]

Hi all,

in my opinion this device is the best input option for in-car use:

http://contourdesign.com/shuttlepro/...ombo_image.htm

You can program nearly any action on the buttons and the jogwheel and use it blind (which may not be the optimal way to drive a car, however ).

[Grayscale]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fred

Hi all,

in my opinion this device is the best input option for in-car use:

http://contourdesign.com/shuttlepro/...ombo_image.htm

You can program nearly any action on the buttons and the jogwheel and use it blind (which may not be the optimal way to drive a car, however ).

very cool!


I use a usb gamepad, hacked apart, and wired up buttons that are molded into my console, and my custome software controls everything based on the gamepad buttons being pushed I'll post pix sometime soon

[patdpolishpower]

This is more than perfect, but pricey... you might want to check Ebay.

http://www.fingerworks.com/mini_product.html

It's both, a touchpad, and a touch one-handed keyboard.

[bcw55]

A company called NoviiRemote offers quite inexpensive software that allows you to turn any old Palm or WinCE device into a highly customizable universal remote control.

You can customize the user interface for each virtual remote control.

It can also be run from an SD expansion card or a Memory Stick - works on PalmOS and WinCE/PocketPC.

(http://www.noviiremote.com)

[ezstrobe]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fred

Hi all,

in my opinion this device is the best input option for in-car use:

http://contourdesign.com/shuttlepro/...ombo_image.htm

You can program nearly any action on the buttons and the jogwheel and use it blind (which may not be the optimal way to drive a car, however ).

That device has some interesting features, but I have three worries that you might answer:

1) How big is this? Does it fit on a standard sized ashtray? I think I looke at the specs of this before and it seemed quite big.

2) Can the buttons fully emulate a keyboard press? I mean not just the Key-Down Messages, but also the repeat messages, and most importantly, the key release messages. This is essential for applications that perform different functions depending on whether a button is held down long vs short.

3) You actually have to connect this thing with a cord, don't you?

What is wrong with using a steering wheel IR remote (e.g., pioneer or blaupunkt) and an ir receiver or WinLirc? I use a Pioneer that gives me 11 buttons. And keep a small usb keyboard with integrated trackball for the cases where I have to type stuff.

[evil dave]

im confused

[tokki g]

ezstrobe: The dimensions are 4.3 x 7.7 x 0.9" (11 x 19.5 x 2.25 cm)

[intuitionsys]

Using an X10 Lola remote with a Linux-based PC. Works great especially with some of the buttons being color-coded but it's a tad large. Currently working on hacking apart a Saitek P2500 gamepad to custom mount in the dash.

[Vagabond]

does anyone know of a wireless finger mouse/trackball. i only see usb and ps/2.
I'm anti wire. I dont like wires! they are my enemy.

[TheLandYacht]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vagabond

does anyone know of a wireless finger mouse/trackball. i only see usb and ps/2.
I'm anti wire. I dont like wires! they are my enemy.

IOGear Phaser trackmouse...even has a red-laser pointer on it.

Here's the Phaser

[01black_ac]

Quote: Originally Posted by bcw55

A company called NoviiRemote offers quite inexpensive software that allows you to turn any old Palm or WinCE device into a highly customizable universal remote control.

You can customize the user interface for each virtual remote control.

It can also be run from an SD expansion card or a Memory Stick - works on PalmOS and WinCE/PocketPC.

(http://www.noviiremote.com)

I'm not sure about all the features that the NoviiRemote software offers, but how about the OmniRemote software for palm http://www.pacificneotek.com/download.htm? It's free, and can learn just about any remote codes... Granted, it's more for a home-theater kind of use, but some might find it useful...

There's also an app out there for palmOS called IRMonitor (free), that scans for IR signals in the area, which might be very useful for testing if whatever transmitter you're testing/working with, is actually working... It's available here: http://www.pamupamu.com/soft/irmoni/irm.htm

[01black_ac]

There's also this 6.5" x 3" exposed keyboard (it apparently comes without any housing, just the keys and PCB, for custom mounts): http://keyboardspecials.com/mini.htm. It's the 3rd image down. I sent them an email asking for more info but it bounced, so I'm going to try to call them on Monday.

[ptk]

just bought 1. fantastic except for no support for F11 and F12

[lostreception]

usb BT? link?

[ptk]

Bluetooth. tested with windowx xp.
link: http://www.freedominput.com/products.htm