Boxee for Windows just came out of private alpha and they released a new version with a ton of new updates. I just installed the new update on my HTPC running Windows 7. For those who may not be familiar with the app, Boxee allows you to watch and organize your music and videos as well as stream content off the web for free all in a slick interface. Boxee works on a Mac, Apple TV, Windows and Linux so there is really no reason not to try it out.

I have been using Boxee for about a year now and love it! Just be warned, Boxee is still in alpha so it tends to crash from time to time.

For more info check out: http://www.boxee.tv

Last week I was looking for something to give me better mouse control on my HTPC than the (french language) Windows MCE keyboard that I bought 3 years ago. I was pretty set on purchasing the Logitech MX Air, but leave it to Amazon’s amazing recommendation engine to show me an awesome alternative. I ended up purchasing the Logitech diNovo Mini. Amazon had the mini on sale for $100, which was $50 cheaper than Newegg and ZipZoomFly! The Mini connects to your computer through an included USB Bluetooth stick or you can just use your computers’ built-in Bluetooth adapter if you prefer. When not in use, the included Bluetooth stick fits snugly underneath the battery cover for easy portability.

After a week of use, here are my initial impressions:

Mouse Functionality
The Mini uses a touchpad which is located in the top right-hand corner of the device for mouse functions. It is similar to what you have on most laptops. The touchpad response settings can be adjusted in the included software. For a left mouse click you can either press down on the touchpad or click the mouse button on the far left-hand corner. I found the mouse button on the left side to work better because it is easy to accidentally move the mouse when you try to click the touchpad. To right click the mouse, you have to hold down the function key (located on either side of the spacebar) and click the mouse button. This was a little awkward at first but I was able to get used to it after a while. I would prefer to have a dedicated right mouse button next to the left mouse button similar to the Windows MCE keyboard.

Keyboard Functionality
The Mini’s keyboard is quite nice, albeit a bit too large. Its keys are slightly bubbled so you can distinguish between them easily. However, I found the keyboard a bit large to type on. I had to really stretch my thumbs to reach the keys in the center. The touchpad doubles as the arrows to navigate through your media on Windows MCE. There is a small and difficult to slide switch at the top of the keyboard to switch between mouse and directional arrows. I have had quite a few problems getting the arrow keys to respond all the time. I am not sure if I have a defective unit or if this is typical for this device. I also found it difficult to tell what arrow button my finger was on without looking down because of the smooth surface. I continually find myself pressing the enter key by accident.

Since the Mini is made for Windows MCE it includes:

• the Windows MCE start button
• volume and channel controls
• quick links to your music, favorite web browser and power button (these can be reprogrammed via the included software to launch any program)
• Start, stop, record, pause, fast-forward and rewind

Conclusion
All-in-all this is a nice device and I would recommend it. The $100 – $150 price is a bit steep in my opinion but it is nice to be able to type on the couch without having to rest a keyboard on your knees. Hopefully the next version will fix the arrow issues and add a dedicated right-click button.