Re: MCE 2005 Accessories

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I confused them because not even 48 hours ago Microsoft had an ad directly
from the XP Media Center page that showed the fingerprint reading keyboard
and mentioned specific support for MCE V 2005 in that ad. That ad has now
been removed as it rightly should have been it was confusing and left a lot
of things danglling.

I was admittedly confused while posing the questions that someone
knowledgeable with first hand experience might have spoken too well. In fact
it was Seth who first cleared that up, relating his personal experience with
that fingerprint keyboard and the afct that he needed a remote. Breat post.

I think you are confused regarding my confusion. I posted the microsoft ad
with image and reference to MCE V 2005 as well as others that would have
helped someone sortr it out yet every response here seemed confuse as if that
ad had not beenconsidered. I showed it to 5 sane engineers who raised their
eyebrows and suspected as I had. Thus everything I posted to try to pose
quiestions and find someone with first-hand knowlege (maybe a grandmother in
Topeka or something) to help clear that up.

I know how that confusion occurred, it was understandable and NOBODY had
info that could have intantlycleared it up in an instant like like model #
and detailed specs.

Going forward (please boys), we see a model at Best Buy that touts more
complete support that would suggest that this keyboard can supplant an
existing remote but it might not have a receiver. You indicate that it would
not work with an extender.

So now questions..and please indicate (if you know) any model numbers that
someone searching for these things retail might use to find them. You have to
realize that it is hard on consumers (do you buy retail or get freebies?) to
link what manufacturer and retailer are saying in order to determine whether
products are the same. Much of my confusion is due to this and compunded by
the fact that specs are often incomplete.

1. what is Microsoft model for this keyboard (I provided best buy link) that
touts MCE 2005 support?
2. does it provide receiver?
3. can I find standalone receiver anywhere?
4. Which model remotes will work with current extenders?

Thanks if you can provide this info. First hand accounts and model numbers
are appreciated as are reerences (as opposed to unreferenced citations).




2.



"Gary Tsang" wrote:

> My brother has that keyboard (Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media
> Center Edition... as labelled on the keyboard) and I've used it myself.
>
> It won't work with MCE2004 (tried it here). Presumably it won't work with
> MCE2002 either. This is probably due to the update that you need to
> download which requires MCE2005. Not sure if you can hack out the drivers
> from the qfe, I didn't bother trying as that would not result in a supported
> configuration (who'd want to use older versions of MCE anyways)..
>
> It will work with MCE2005 (post update), but only if you have the receiver -
> if you have a receiver, you probably already have the remote anyways unless
> you know of a way to get a receiver without a remote.
>
> On the box, it also says it won't work with Extender devices (Xbox or
> Standalone Extenders).
>
> If you have any other questions, just ask and I'm sure someone will answer.
>
> Looking back on the thread, I think you've thoroughly confused which
> keyboards you are talking about (whether it's this media center specific
> ones, or other standard microsoft keyboard offerings). Rather than provide
> web links to third party sites, you should list the product name in
> question, or provide a direct link to Microsoft's website, so that any
> confusion can be minimized. All the keyboards are listed there at
> http://www.microsoft.com/hardware
>
> --
> Gary Tsang
> Microsoft MVP - Windows XP Shell/User
> http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
>
>
> "PatP" <PatP@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:ED44279B-5A36-434A-87C7-A3E064B1A411@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Hi,
> >
> > I found one for $99.00 that indisputably indicates (i.e. cut and pasted
> > from
> > following URL):
> >
> > Compatible with a Media Center PC that runs Microsoft Windows XP Media
> > Center Edition 2005 or later and has a Windows Media Center receiver
> >
> > Heres the URL:
> >
> > http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7225852&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01060&id=1114639632946
> >
> > So there is at least one that claims to do all MCE 2005 (not MCE, not MCE
> > 2004, but MCE 2005!!!!) functions.
> >
> > I am not expecting you Microsoft MVP guys to be Gods or anything. ANy
> > information is appreciated but nothing beats someone who has actually used
> > a
> > product vs. someone who has not and who either speculates or reads skimpy
> > or
> > incomplete specs.
> >
> > It's always appreciated when someone shares a source or that they HAVE or
> > HAvE NOT actually taken product for the proverbial "spin around the
> > block".
> >
> >
> > "PatP" wrote:
> >
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> I am building my own based upon Intel Entertainment PC Barebones and am
> >> having problems finding some required accessories that can be assured to
> >> work
> >> with MCE2005:
> >>
> >> 1. IR Blaster (I have Satellite and must have one). Which are available
> >> for
> >> use with MCE2005?
> >> 2. Keyboard - I see one from Microsoft becoming available in 09/05 and
> >> see
> >> one retail that looks the same but company offers no information as to
> >> whether it is the one for MCE2005. I have pre-sales questions outstanding
> >> but
> >> no answers yet. Here is URL :
> >> http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=3402376&affid=10000483
> >>
> >> There is sort of a catch-22 involved with the roll-your-own movement.
> >> Lack
> >> of momentum cannot be cited as reason for lack of information if lack of
> >> information is cause of lack of momentum.
> >>
> >> Same with Intel Entertainment PC (Barebones). It is being sold retail but
> >> without adequate specs. It has been like pulling teeth for me to find out
> >> whether the chassis will support a second HD.
> >>
> >> Can you help me with my questions above? These are valid questions even
> >> for
> >> purchasers of OEM systems who must look fro replacement parts at some
> >> point.
> >>
> >> I would have expected to be able to at least get this info from
> >> Microsoft.
> >>
> >> - Pat Pattillo
>
>
>
.

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