Controlling Laptop/HTPC remotely

Genoma

Genoma

Genoma

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Shropshire
I've been looking for options to control the laptop when used as a media player. Interested in finding out what you guys recommend

I started with a simple wireless mouse. The MS Wireless 4000 works well on all sorts of surfaces (inc. sofa!).

The best option so far for me is the Mobile Mouse for the iPad. Not professing to buy an iPad for this but if you have one give it a go. Works on the iPhone too.

http://mobilemouse.com/

What hardware/software are have you guys using?
 
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If using XBMC there is already an app for android (and iphone i think) for remotely controlling over a network.
 
oh I didn't know that, that sounds interesting, but utimately something that also allows full PC control would be better for browsing etc.
 
I've a Logitech DiNovo Mini waiting to use it though on the new build, I think quite a good option as I think it uses Bluetooth rather than infra red. There's a few apps on Android Market too, I dare say similar in Apple world but I don't subscribe to the latter.
 
welshdragon said:
Which is the best ios app for controlling xbmc? Are they easy to use?
Click to expand...

No experience of the iOS apps tbh (android phone) but I believe there are apps out there that offer the same experience as the official one for android. Found a guide to one here that looks similar to the android one (although obviously I can't comment on the value for money):

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/40951/control-xbmc-from-your-iphone-or-ipod-touch/

Personally I think the android app is great, full responsive remote control along with direct access to the library (i.e. you can set a video or music going without seeing the screen) and its only in beta.
 
thenewoc said:
I've a Logitech DiNovo Mini waiting to use it though on the new build, I think quite a good option as I think it uses Bluetooth rather than infra red. There's a few apps on Android Market too, I dare say similar in Apple world but I don't subscribe to the latter.
Click to expand...

Just checked and it does indeed look like it's bluetooth, which would be good news as my lappy does have bluetooth and wouldn't require another wireless dongle.
 
My Son uses the XBMC commander for controlling his HTPC via his iPhone.

I already have an MCE remote so I did not bother with the Android equivalent, apart from trying it out and it seems to work fine.

I also have a Wireless keyboard. So between the MCE remote and the keyboard (rarely used) I have it covered when controlling my XBMC HTPC.
 
I just use a Xenta wireless keyboard with an in-built touchpad bought from a competitor. The ones on OCUK are pretty expensive and as they have been sat on, slept on etc I didn't want to spend too much.
 
It's turning on the HTPC that's the issue for me. I can use WOL with an iPad app, but that means leaving the PC in hibernate... which I don't really like as it seems to cause bluescreens (firmware issue with an SSD I believe)

I would love to be able to turn on the HTPC with the harmony remote. Any clever cats aware of how to do this?
 
After a lot of faffing about, my main PC does WOL from sleep, have you tried that?

My WOL issues were all router related, when I thought it a motherboard problem with the inbuilt LAN. After I sorted the router everything was perfect!
 
Genoma said:
After a lot of faffing about, my main PC does WOL from sleep, have you tried that?

My WOL issues were all router related, when I thought it a motherboard problem with the inbuilt LAN. After I sorted the router everything was perfect!
Click to expand...

WOL doesn't work when it's fully off. I'd also prefer not to have the iPad handy to turn it on. It defeats the purpose if it's in another room or the car and I'm on the couch. I'd be quicker getting up and pushing the button than I would walking to find the iPad and faffing on that.
 
IR remote that comes with the N******h Vision Media Centre Case. Actually works really well with Windows 7 and xbmc for such a cheap remote. Does everything other than wake the htpc up. Then use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard with touchpad for browsing on web etc. Nice and cheap and works fine.
 
I actually used the goldworm app on my Samsung Galaxy Ace to control my PC. Works as a touch pad/keyboard and can also open programs and shutdown the PC at the touch of a button.
 
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