Keyboard and mouse - essential?

[KettyKrueger]

Hi there,

I plan on using my new Mac Mini as a HTPC and for basic photo and video editing. My wife and I both have iPads and iPhones so I was going to download Rowmote or perhaps a few apps to use with the Mac for everyday use.

I don't plan on using a physical keyboard and mouse at all but I understand that you need them for initial installatioon and any subsequent formats and reinstallations.

So, can a Bluetooth keyboard be used for installation or does it have to be a wired, USB k&m?

If Bluetooth is okay, can anyone recommend a decent set, cheap as chips as I don't really plan on using it that much. Ideally, a keyboard with trackpad. I was looking into the Logitech Di Novo mini but some review have stated that it doesn't really play nicely with the Mac Mini.

Thanks in advance.

 

[flatfoot]

BT is ok for initial setup.

I can't suggest any cheap mouse of keyboard, though.

 

[ADent]

If you are using BT KB & Mouse, can you still turn off the BT check at boot?

I have wired Mouse & KB and used those for setup. Now I use screen sharing from another Mac to run any updates and stuff - no mouse & KB installed for months.

I did pick up a mini wireless Lenovo KB/trackball thing (it is not BT, it has a USB plug in dongle, so it looks like a regular KB/mouse to the comptuer) and it apparently works - haven't really used it much.

 

[waynema]

A physical keyboard is essential because every time you power up rowmote with mini, it will ask for a 5 digit key confirmation for security purposes. I am sure you are aware of this by now. Installation will not have rowmote helper preloaded either (Apple BT kb/mouse will work tho), so getting a physical kb is your best bet.

 

[WytRaven]

iPad plus TouchPad...who needs a mouse and keyboard? Or rowmote for that matter...

 

[evands]

A physical keyboard is essential because every time you power up rowmote with mini, it will ask for a 5 digit key confirmation for security purposes. I am sure you are aware of this by now. Installation will not have rowmote helper preloaded either (Apple BT kb/mouse will work tho), so getting a physical kb is your best bet.

This is very delayed (found this thread while looking for something else), but wanted to clarify in case someone else ends up here later:

That's definitely not right. You are prompted for the security PIN to establish a pairing the first time you connect with Rowmote. It is remembered after that and you have no further need of a physical keyboard.

If you're getting it everytime, that's a (new) bug - please email me about it!

(I'm the developer of Rowmote.)