I've spent quite the amount of time looking for a way to remote control a Chromebook and have yet to find one (I'm also a Pixel + Chromebook user). What I do with my stationary bike / trainer is put the laptop on a stand (basically one of these - though they make many different heights/shapes/sizes to different use cases - https://www.amazon.com/SHW-Height-Adjustable-Mobile-Rolling/dp/B09JQ6J4L7) That way the laptop sits right by the bike while I work out, within easy reach.

The other thing you could do is look into a small 2.4ghz or Bluetooth air mouse or even a keyboard w/ trackpad combo (very inexpensive) and use it to control the Chromebook over a distance (I've used this with a Chromebook - it just uses a small USB-A dongle - and it's very easy to use over a distance - https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-PC-connected/dp/B014EUQOGK).

Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard

I have this keyboard. It is pretty decent. I don't use it for my iPad anymore. I got the Logitech Combo Touch, which I really like.

And this is my go to mouse for mobile use.

logitech - MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Laser Mouse

It would work just fine. I just bought this keyboard linked below and it works great. Having the trackpad really helps too.

Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Living-room Keyboard with Touchpad for Home Theatre PC Connected to TV, Customizable Multi-Media Keys, Windows, Android, Laptop/Tablet - Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B014EUQOGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QMPJSWQG3TSYP50QWQQT

I have a Logitech K400 for the family room and a K830 for my bedroom.

Everyone in my house loves the K400 and it handles being treated like a remote (tossed on the couch, falling on the rug etc) very well.

Only thing is this: I personally turn off tap to click, tap to drag and a bunch of other stuff to keep me from accidentally clicking and dragging and zooming whenever I touch the touchpad. But the K400's software (SetPoint) doesn't retain its settings very well and I find myself doing all that crap anyway and having to re-apply my settings quite often.

So if you're considering the K400, I suggest focusing on the K400 Plus which is basically the same thing but uses newer software that actually retains whatever settings you want.

The K830 is very nice but it's pricey and was a bit of a splurge. The backlight is great, the software (Logitech Options) retains its settings and it has a premium feel to it. Honestly though, its a very close experience to the K400/K400 plus so I wouldn't spring for anything besides a 50 dollar refurbished one.

Just for reference, I've also used a Lenovo N5902. Although backlit, the sensor thingy was pretty awkward to use so I upgraded to this Iogear Multimedia Keyboard. It was comfortable to use but the trackball didn't survive long being used my my gf's kids. The keycaps would pop off as well. I've also used just a wireless keyboard and mouse which was a pain.

So, first off, welcome! I'm a fairly novice user but have recently been venturing into playing with the gpio.

I use this keyboard/mouse combo and I love it. I've also used it fixing other computers and with game consoles. Nice and versatile plus it's cheep:

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Plus, Touchpad Keyboard for Internet-Connected TVs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EUQOGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_M0lTybHV1A5KN

More full-featured, less cramping: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014EUQOGK/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you guys don't care for the backlight, this one is $18.99.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-Internet-Connected/dp/B014EUQOGK/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41xJvvYB3NL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=TCPZKT0VZXJ0FF3PVXJ5

Ah, OK, you'll want one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Control-Touchpad/dp/B014EUQOGK/ or if you're willing to spend a little more: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Illuminated-Living-Room-Keyboard-Touchpad/dp/B00ZOPVSKW