I've been looking around for a universal remote to control my Pace 2000 NTL digital box. I really like the Pronto but....

Will this software give me pronto-like functions (tough screen, custom layouts etc) and allow me to control the NTL digital box?

At the moment I've got a battered Psion Revo (8Mb) but I could justify the change to a newer PDA if it had dual functions as a PDA and universal remote.
If so what's a good PDA?

Currently,tvPDA will control TVs and set-top boxes only as it is designed for TV viewing. There are plans to expand it to include control of other devices (see other post) and that may include custom layouts ala Pronto. I can't say when that will happen, though, although control of VCR may come realtively soon.

OmniRemote has custom layouts and works in a similar way to the Pronto. If your NTL box is of the 'IrDA' variety, then neither OmniRemote or a Pronto will work with it at the time of writing. There are other posts in the Pronto section that talk about this and will enable you to identify what variant of box you have (search for Pace and IrDA). tvPDA, however, does work with the IrDA variant as well as the 'traditional' CE IR version. tvPDA comes with a set of preset codes for major television brands and in addition, it is capable of learning the codes from an exiting remote (although it isn't compatible with all IR standards - just most of them).

If you are purchasing a PalmOS device specifically as a universal remote then bear in mind possible restrictions - namely range, IR beam 'angle', IR window location, fewer hard buttons and screen. The Pronto's screen is higher resolution and has a special coating designed for finger operation. Palm devices aren't specifically designed for finger operation which means they can get a bit grubby if you use them with your fingers all the time. tvPDA has hard key overrides for navigation and switching channel (+ volume and power).

Of the models available, the new Palm devices (mXXX series)and the new T models of the Sony Clie appear to have strong IR. We haven't conclusively tested individual models, though, so this is based on experience and feedback. The Handspring Prism and Visor also have excellent range although the IR window is on the side so you have to 'flip' the screen using FlipHack (freeware). Personally, I would buy the colour T clie as soon as it becomes available (don't get the older models because they are reported as having weaker IR). Failing that, the Palm m505 looks very nice and is reported as having good IR.

Hope this helps...
- John