FAVI Entertainment Mini Wireless Keyboard with Mouse Touchpad (FE01-GR)

I received the device last week and on day one, I loved it. It exceeded my expectations. Typing on it was a little better than what I do on my Blackberry Storm and the scrolling (while not perfect) was quite good. The back light was a terrific addition as I bought this to use in my theater room where often it is difficult to see much (other than the screen) which is why the back light was great in lighting up the keys.

Right out of the box, I tried using it on my office computer worked like a champ. When I got home, I tried using it on my laptop which was connected to my home theater projector again, worked like a champ. Then came the problem... the next day the unit became completely unresponsive. I tried all the trouble shooting that I could think of and read on the manufacturer's website but nothing fixed the issue. I even tried using it in different locations on several different computers and still no fix. What I find odd is that the back light is no longer working either. I know it's not a battery issue as this has been charged fully twice in an effort to troubleshoot and fix the problem. I also tried changing the rf but again, that didn't help.

Something that I found disappointing was the lack of support. If you go to the manufacturer's web site, you will understand precisely what I mean. This is the first thing that I can think of that the support was so lousy not even a phone number to call!

I am going to try using another I asked for a replacement because when this unit was working, I loved it (I was even thinking about ordering another one for work/office use). I will report back later as to what I find with the second device.

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Revision: July 30, 2010

I received the replacement and wanted to wait a week before posting a follow-up to my review. The replacement keyboard is working like a charm! It works just like it should. I have tried using it in many different settings and on several computers. No matter where it is used, it picks up the signal very quickly and does what it is advertised. For my use, this is a fantastic keyboard. I use it in my theater room where I don't want a cumbersome full sized keyboard. Instead, I just take this out of the coffee table drawer and use.

I am rating this keyboard 5 stars because it does everything that was advertised and better than I expected (i.e. typing is really good on such a small device). I don't believe I should give it less than 5 stars just because I received a defective unit as that can happen with any product. While the support of the company is still not the best, the place that I bought it from was excellent! They shipped me the replacement immediately and even refunded my return shipping costs.

I recently purchased this little gizmo for use with a Ubuntu media center setup using Boxee. I was getting tired of fighting with the outdated wireless keyboard and mouse combo I have and wanted something that would be able to mostly replace both input devices while also having a range well in excess of the 10-12ft I need between my couch and the computer.

First of all, the good. Ubuntu had no problem with the device, it worked the very instant I plugged the wireless USB receiver into the computer. It was already charged when I received it, which was extra nice. It took me a moment to figure out that the receiver fits inside the device itself when you're not using it, which is a pretty clever design if you're planning on using it at different computers. Range is good; I'd say it's 95% reliable within 30ft, but drops off pretty rapidly around 35-40ft from the receiver.

The available keys are good and make sense. The volume and playlist control buttons were especially nice, since they fit my media center setup perfectly. The backlight toggle is great. They also did a good job of including keys that don't get much use by regular users but still come up enough to be annoying if they were left out.

Now for the bad stuff, which really isn't very much. The trackpad is decent, but is also sometimes a bit annoying. It's not quite as precise as what I'd expect from a laptop trackpad, but it's not really bad for the price. It also doesn't register taps very well, which would be a bigger issue if not for the nicely-positioned left and right mouse buttons. Incomplete function key selection could be an issue for some users. My hands are quite large so I didn't find it difficult to type with both thumbs despite the trackpad being in the way, but if you have smaller hands you might not be quite so lucky.

There is one flaw that I think is worth mentioning separately, though, since it wasn't something that occurred to me while looking at the device, even though you can clearly see it in pictures. The keys are arranged in a regular grid, as opposed to the standard offset you get on a keyboard. This definitely takes some getting used to, and can throw you for a loop at first if you're accustomed to touch typing. If there's one thing that could be changed to massively improve the device, it's this. I understand why it's designed like this, but in my opinion it's the only stand-out flaw.

Despite this, and the handful of other minor flaws, I think this is a really great little device to replace a keyboard/mouse for basic tasks, especially presentations or media control. It's compact, useful, and the price is great for what you're getting.

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I learned about this keyboard several months ago when it was announced on Engadget, but at that time it was $90+ and only available from some shady mailorder sites.

This is a TV remote control sized full keyboard with a touchpad.

I finally ordered one from Amazon last week for $60. I got it very promptly about 5 days.

It looks exactly like the one in the photos. It's very thin and contains a rechargeable lithium battery. It has a mini USB receiver that hides in a compartment in the keyboard. The keyboard itself also has a micro USB jack for recharging either from a PC's USB jack or a USB charger (the keyboard itself didn't come with a charger).

The touchpad works extremely well (better than your average laptop touchpad) and you also have keyboard arrows under the touchpad. There are HTPC controls along the top and just about any function a regular keyboard can do it can do via a function key even CTRL-ALT-DEL. It's even got a back light.

Overall a VERY cool HTPC remote and I would also highly recommend it for presentations. It even has a laser pointer built in although it's not the brightest one I've seen.

I'm using it with a Windows 7 Media Center PC (I also have a Media Center remote but the keyboard is useful for web browsing and accessing the desktop for maintenance). I am thinking of ordering another pair for my other two HTPCs.

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This is a really good device.

However, I got the "Rii Mini" which is the "North American" version of the same device. There is no difference between the "ProMini" and "Rii Mini" except the Rii has English packaging and instructions.

The trackpad seems smooth. the arrow keys seem intuitive for navigating media center.

the back-light is bright and makes the keys easy to read in the dark.

One thing I really love about this device is how good the keys feel. Their quality is far superior to anything else. I find myself often picking it up just to type even when the computer is off because they have a nice little clicking feel that is easy to push, yet stiff enough to not accidentally push by mistake.

the only downside is having the trackpad on the side. it gets in the way at times.

This item is perfect if you want a good HTPC keyboard/mouse. But not good if you need to do more work than entertainment.

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I am an on the go supergeek and computer networking instructor. As such I love useful tech, and versatility. This gizmo does EVERYTHING, so I LOVE it! I use it in class with the laser point and mouse, as well as nearly full QWERTY keyboard. (It is missing the F8 to F12 buttons) but I rarely find that annoying. Hands down more versatile than the blue tooth version, so don't buy that one!

Pros: works with ANYTHING that can use a standard QWERTY keyboard via USB (tested on laptops, desktops, Wii, Playstations, Xboxes). Gets about 20+ feet range, so long as there isn't a wireless G/N (2.4GHz) transmitter nearby. The backlit keys are a MAJOR bonus, as sitting in bed at night this is THE keyboard to have. Great for those of us who have really adopted the thumbpad typing style from cell phone use! Better than the blue tooth version, due to compatibility issues.

Cons: Not AES encrypted, so don't use it for banking! Your passwords are ALL transmitted in the clear. If you need/want wireless keyboards with security I recommend the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK250 for Business (yes I own one!)