I'd been thinking about a ProntoPro but looking here has made me realise that I could save serious money and get a PDA to boot!

My situation is:
- 10' max distance from kit to sitting area.
- Panasonic PL10 TV & HSB825 VCR, Sky Digibox (Panasonic), Teac Legacy 800 AMP & DVD.
- I'd like colour.
- Touchscreen with finger (pref no stylus)
- Prefer to use PC edit software and download to PDA.
- Use inbuilt IR rather than add-on (if possible)
- I'm in UK so prefer UK supplier of goods :)

Sorry to ask questions that may well have (probably) been answered before but:

What's the best price performance PDA? Any recommendations?

What sort of range can I expect?

What are the software options (OmniRemote, ProntoLite, Sony....)?

Are these things as good as they make themselves out to be?

Is there a dedicated site to PDA remotes?

THANKS in advance, Adam

depends o your equipment, but without a booster, around 6-7 feet, you might get 10,but it might be a bit eratic


go to pdawin


this site

Anyone got any more advise?

Anthony's pretty much right on. All the info you need can be found right here on this site.

1. My personal recommendation would be the iPaq 3635. Good color screen, proven capabilities as a remote (with PDAWin) and I believe you can pick one up on ebay for around $200 USD.

2. I've read that people say you can get 6-8 feet of range without an IR booster. I personally have not experienced this. Without my add-on CF card, I can get about 2 feet, and it is very directional. So, if you plan to use the built in irDA, I think you're dreaming. If it's the extra bulk of a CF sleeve that bothers you, you could go with one of George Mosquera's 'Silver Slider' options. The CF sleeves that he sells are quite stylish and add very little bulk to the iPaq.

3. Software Options. For me, there was only one option. I insist that the software support CCF files, and as far as I know, TV Remote Controller (PDAWin) is the only one.

4. Are they as good as they make themselves out to be? Well, I think that depends on your configuration. It does take some time and effort to customize the set up to your liking, but I think it's worth it. I guess the answer is, 'They are as good as YOU make them out to be.'

5. As Anthony stated. RemoteCentral is your best bet for info on PDA based remotes.

Regards, and good luck. Jay

I have just bought the Sony Clie PEG-T675C to replace my PalmVx. Both of these work perfectly as remotes. The palm had a range of about 10 ft and was very directional but perfectly usable. The Sony seems to have a much wider ir beam and works up to 20 feet. I use omniremote on both machines, but the sony comes with its own preprogrammed remote which works the more popular brands. (I still prefer to use omniremote because I can program it)
I use my palm every day at work to control TV, DVD players and dimmable lights. (HiFi shop)

Have a look at the Sony

You might want to check out NetRemote at http://www.netremote.org/ There are links to threads at AVSForum and the NetRemote forum.

It uses CCF's to accomplish the GUI interface build, TCP/IP to communitcate with a HTPC, can run MediaJukebox directly on the HTPC, has drivers for Girder, and support for SLinke to do IR pass through.

There are some cons, but you can get wireless (WiFi) remote control that will do almost anything.

HTH-Carl