i have checked this thread for a long time and almost bought a ipronto. But i think i found a much better solution for a lot less cash.i bought a simpad off ebay for $250 and installed the software from wincesoft.de remote control II.
now i have a colour remote with a 8inch screen wifi fully customisable. The remote has all the advantages of the ipronto but very little drawback. What do you think?

I want to say I hate this, having bought an iPronto, but it actually looks good! The only thing I can't see is a Netx type add-on. There may be a way around that, but I'm not sure what. My AV equipment is in a different room to my PC and WAP, and I need a way of controlling the AV equipment from various different rooms. I can't use a standard "Remote Extender" as my plasma screen interferes badly with them. Netx allowed me to do it without going into major hard-wiring projects in my home!

This message was edited by Goshdarnit on 09/29/04 06:42 ET.

Does the Remote Control II software allow you to assign TCP strings to a button or is it limited to CCF hex? IOW, could you control a Global Caché GC-100 with it?

sorry i am not an expert so i cant tell you the answer i just know that it works so well i also have a pronto pro which i never use now. i have a plasma tv which i use the remote on without problem the wake up time is instant and the learning capability is brilliant. if you wanted to go wifi then u can run netremote for $30 which gives you more flexiblity this also runs on a simpad.
best wishes

Frank responded to my email. Remote Control II does not yet support sending TCP strings.

I not impressed with NetRemote (nor with the programming skills of its author) and wouldn't waste even $10 on it.

how many people actually use tcp strings, most i am sure do not but like i say i am not an expert i know it works so well that i was surprised, i also bought another webpad for $300 with windows xp embedded and am running mainlobby with the server this supports Global Caché GC-100 also the user inf=terface is fully customisable but i cant comment long term because i only just used it for one week but seems super nice. thanks for the reply

best wishes

Global Caché uses TCP strings.

wilkscm,
Looks like you may have a winner there. If I can have a full color touch screen remote that can be customized, surf the web wirelessly, all for under $350.00, I think it could work.
Understandably, if i shelled out $1000+ on an iPronto I would be pointing out its superiority, but as you say, for the average person who just wants to play, it looks good.
Also, with the many add-ons available, and its portability, it may have some advantages of its own.
Nice going. I may consider one myself.

wilkscm -- I've been looking at the ipronto for awhile hoping to see the price drop. Doesn't look like it will and I can't see myself spending that much money. Great tip on the Simpad. I work for Siemens and went to their site, but it doesn't look like they sell it anymore. Any, I have one question. The spec sheet says that the IR port works up to .5 meters (about 20"). That won't work for me -- all of my components are IR. Any suggestions for me ?

...Ted

yes you can buy the ultramote extender which gives a distance of 50 feet i have one and you also can bounce the signal if u are not in the line of sight it is $20 the remote control II software supports it. the built in ir port works well for upto 20feet i have had good sucess. you can buy brand new simpad on ebay for $200-300. The screen is awesome and super big.

best wishes

chris i am in no way connected with wincesoft.de i just love their software

[Link: remotecentral.com]

wilkscm...

Thanks for the quick response. My home theater setup has you sitting 12-15' from the equipment line of site so I should be ok w/IR without an extender. I see the simpad on ebay from a seller out of Poland for $309. I'm going to give it a go. Thanks for your help ! and I'll let you know how I make out.

What did you purchase other rhan the software. Is the IRDA range good enough? I just bought off of ebay, and waiting for shipment. Please help me get strated.