It was suggested to me on a previous thread that an iPaq 3635 running PDAwin's Remote Control Software would be a good choice, for a PDA that is exclusively used for a remote.
I'm hoping some of you reading this are running this setup and can give me some feedback on it.
I'm aware of the need for the cf sleeve/ir extender.
Any experiences would be appreciated, some things I'd like to know in particular:

-When you power it up is your remote control page showing or do you have to go to the start bar every time and select the program?

-Does the iPaq have a sleep mode? In other words will it fire up automatically when I try to surf channels during commercials...or will I have to power it up every time?

Thanks

1. The last program you were running (ie TVR) stays on top, unless you shut it down. So, if you power off your PDA (or it automatically shuts down) with TVR running, then TVR will be showing when you power back up. There is a setting that you must 'uncheck' to keep it from reverting back to the 'Today' screen, however.

2. Yes, the iPaq does go to sleep. You can configure how long before it will go to sleep, or you can shut off this feature all together. I wouldn't recommend shutting it completely off, because instead of going to sleep, your iPaq will just 'die' when it runs out of battery power. :) When it does go to sleep, the power button, the record button, or one of the four hardware buttons on the front (not the action pad) will wake it up.

Hope that helps. Jay.

Thanks Jay it really helped, that's EXACTLY what I wanted to know.

Brad

I will let you know, i just got my cf rf module and
downloaded the pdawin remote 5.2. have to wait on my cf sleeve but that gives me time to work on the ccf file. My pronto 2000 just died last month and i am going to try this path. I also want to use a wireless
card and interface it with a pc to control the home automation.
Robert

Thanks Robert, look forward to it.
So I take it the range without the ir extender wasn't sufficient?

Brad

My range without the IR extender was about 2 feet and very directional.

With the PDA-ir, I get 30ft + and no directivity problems. (The range is probably further, but my room only allows me to get about 30 feet away).

I also plan on purchasing a Ipaq 3635 to use exclusively as a remote. Is there anything I need to pay attention to when shopping on Ebay? ie. I see some include an H in the part number: H3635

If all you're looking for is a PocketPC for a remote use, I'd go with the Dell Axim Basic, as it has longer battery life and no need to purchase an additional sleeve to acommodate the compactflash Ir extender card.

Le$$, too.

-Steve