So, here's the situation: I'm likely going to be building a HTPC soon (depending upon how my latest round of eBay auctions goes). I'll probably also want to use it for some light gaming. However, because it'll be hooked up to my home-theater setup in the TV room, I won't be at a desk, which sort of rules out the usual kb/mouse.

What would be the optimal solution as a replacement or alternative to a keyboard and mouse that would work on a couch? I could just buy a 360 controller receiver, but gamepad support on most PC games is... kind of sketchy.

Also, as an aside question, I'd appreciate it if someone could recommend a case that's both quiet enough for a HTPC setup and won't break the bank. Looks aren't that important to me as much as price at the moment.

This may be stupid, but what an HTPC?

Home Theater PC, otherwise known as a media center PC. Basically a quiet-running PC that you use as a media hub, and for playing and streaming music and movies.

Okay, thanks for that

I'm sorry I don't know enough about PC gaming to help you with your problem, but if you did want to use a k+m, surely you could get some sort of tray to play on, it is not ideal, but is is an idea

Well, for media center purposes, it may be better to pick up a specifically designed 'mote like http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-All-URC-9040-Universal/dp/B000H9HY26/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1225558829&sr=8-5

For gaming, I really would recommend getting an adapter for your 360 controller. Lots of new games come with support out-of-the-box for it, it's of a high build quality, and you already know how to hold it, and where all the buttons lie. They're also a damn sight more comfortable than most other gaming pads.

I was going to recommend a Lian Li HTPC case until you said won't break the bank.

I don't know if you meant cheap case, or just not excessively expensive.

If it's the latter, go on NewEgg and take a look at some of their horizontally oriented cases.

Also look into getting a Shuttle bare configured PC. They're aimed at the LAN market, but the form factor is small enough that they're good for HTPC as well. They come with a PSU and Mobo pre-installed. Just add memory, CPU and VGA card for the models that don't have integrated graphics.

A good mobo to use for HTPC is the Asus P5Q-EM. Look up the specs. Only drawback is that it's a little pricey for a micro-ATX board (because of the integrated graphics chipset), but it's pretty feature rich for its class. It's also pretty good for overclocking if you want to use it for gaming when paired with a discrete VGA card.

Create two box things for each hand that sits on the sofa. One for the mouse and the other for a keyboard.

Xbox 360 controller? Anyway if you want a standard/quiet case the Antec p182 looks nice and refined and you can get it for $150 incl 500w PSU on Newegg.

they make remote controls for PCs. You just need to buy the sensor and install it. I have one built into my Alienware laptop. Quite nice to when watching a movie on it and you want to lay in bed with it on your desk next to you.

Gyration. They make a motion enabled mouse/remote control combo. They also make rf wireless keyboards. I have just the motion control mouse/kbd combo that I got from woot for about $50. I got a remote from Newegg for cheap.

The case that I'm using for my HTPC is an NZXT that I got from Newegg for about $40.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146034

It was on sale for ages before I bought it. It's not on sale now...

It's a little on the large size, but it allows for larger (i.e. quieter) fans.