Remote options

[jtwrace]

I tried to revive one of the older threads but it doesn't seem to work. Sorry for another remote topic..

**I used the search function**

 

I've seen that one can use a Palm, itouch, iphone & laptop. What else can one use?

 

I'm leaning towards the itouch but want to be sure that it's nice to use. Can you search itunes, control the computer (mini for me) and do those basic functions? Is it easy on the eyes or is everything so small it's hard to see?

 

What are you guys using?

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I use a MacBook Air 99% of the time. The iPod Touch is really nice but does have some limitations. You can't functionally control the computer because the screen is really small. There are remote control apps like VNC for iPod Touch but I won't use it because it's a pain. You can search your library. You won't want to use the volume function without hardware that supports software control of hardware volume implementations. The Wavelength Proton and Sonic Studio Amarra solutions have this.

 

[Abstraction]

Chris--

I am using Macs for the first time since the early 90s. It's interesting how the assumptions are just different enough to make me uncertain about everything.

 

Could you tell me in detail how you setup the Macbook Air as a remote?

 

Thanks, Don

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Don - This should help http://www.computeraudiophile.com/How-To-Remote-Control-A-Mac-Music-Server

 

[tino]

Interested in knowing a bit more about this ?? I'm guessing it might be a little fiddly on the ipod touch, but could be useful..............

 

What program is it, or are there lots ??

What app is need for the ipod touch ??

 

Thanks

Martin

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Martin - Here is the one I am familiar with http://mochasoft.dk/iphone_vnc.htm

 

[tino]

Thanks Chris.

 

Had a quick look at that and looks like XP professional only. I need one that'll work with the standard XP, home edition i think they call it ! ?

 

Martin

 

[BobH]

Had a quick ask around the 'geeks' at work - they suggested TightVNC. I've never used any such software myself but it should work with XP Home, I've been assured! And it's free.

 

http://www.tightvnc.com/index.html

 

 

 

 

[JohnB]

I use an Apple's Remote app on an iPod Touch when listening to music, I think it works amazingly for that. While it might not let you do everything it let's me do the basics for music listening, things like picking songs, albums, artist, shuffle, etc...

 

Now if I need to actually do anything on the computer I do use a VNC program on my Mac (JollyVNC) or Windows PC (TightVNC) - now I don't do an awful lot on the computer since it is only used for music so I don't switch over to VNC that frequently. I've found this combo approach to be very convenient.

 

One reason why I don't use a VNC program full time is I often listen with the lights off/low and I find having a computer on for control the music to be distracting.

 

John

 

[tino]

Looks like TightVNC could be the one to try! I'm liking the fact it's free too!

 

What an amazing toy the ipod touch is .....................

 

I think Beemb could be out buying himself one as we speak !!!

 

Martin

 

[tino]

I've had a quick look at the tightVNC site. I assume the download to PC part is pretty simple, but does anyone know what / if specific software is needed on the ipod touch too ??

 

Perhaps your friends (or "geeks" as you put it!!) might be able to help me again, Bob ! : )

Martin

 

[BobH]

That bit is the software Chris mentioned just up the page - Mocha VNC.

 

It all looks really interesting, I'm getting the gen here as well! Anything that gives me a good reason to buy an iTouch!

 

disclaimer* - No geeks were harmed during the making if this thread. Only insulted a little by the use of the word 'geek'. But they're used to it! They like it, really.

 

[tino]

Ah i see now!! Will give it all a try tonight.............

 

Yeah, I've not had the iTouch long, but I'm amazed at what it can do and all the applications you can get for it! As a remote it is superb when used as John mentions up above, but I'd like to use it for others things as well.

 

I have iMonkey on it, but unfortunately it doesn't allow you to browse your whole library like you can when controlling itunes (you can only browse your playlists) - i'm wondering whether VNC will make the control of MM more flexible.

 

Go and treat yourself to an iTouch Bob!!

Martin

 

[BobH]

LOL

 

And being married I am, of course, perfectly used to doing exactly as I'm told, when I'm told! On my way......

 

No, dear. Yes, dear. ..........but it's my wallet.......

 

[Mister Wednesday]

Chris,

 

You've piqued my interest yet once again!

 

I read this thread a while back and, now that I've been working with my own MacBook Pro/Drobo/Airport Extreme-Express/iTunes system for a few weeks since then, I do now understand why you're using a MacBook Air as your own remote controller. The ability to see the entire iTunes screen when doing such mundane tasks as editing track info notes would be a great advantage of working this way.

 

I do have a question about the MacBook Air specs that would be required for such a set-up. I'm using an n only wireless set-up so I presume that the MacBook Air would have to have n network capability (which I think it does as standard anyways). But other than that what would be the minimum technical specs that a MacBook Air would have to have to work in such a set-up? Would a minimally spec'd out MacBook Air be suitable for such a set-up (I'm thinking that one way to approach this would be to buy a refurbished MacBook Air to save a few dollars)?

 

Regards,

 

Mr. Wednesday

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Mr.W - You got it! I use an 802.11n 5.8 GHz only network with my Air. I have one of the first models released and it works flawlessly.

 

There really is no comparison for remote control.

 

[Mister Wednesday]

Chris,

 

Thanks once again for so quickly confirming what I needed to know!

 

Regards,

 

Mr. Wednesday

 

[jtwrace]

I just got an itouch today...downloaded "remote" and it works very well.

 

What other apps are you guys using?

 

[wgb113]

My only disappointment, and it's somewhat minor, with the Remote App for the Touch is the lack of a CoverFlow view. Otherwise it functions very well. I wonder if Apple will, at some point, put out a cheaper, $100 device that's simply a programmable universal remote.

 

Bill

 

[jtwrace]

Yes, and I would love if you could view horizontally. It still beats getting up for a Cd change though. We really are lazy...

 

[Innertuber]

I use iPhone which is like iTouch I believe. Works fine and both wife and I sit on the porch drinking to excess taking turns playing our fav songs. It's a battle of the fingers as I mash Queensryche, Jeff Beck, Primus and she mashes Coldplay, Josh Grobin, Yanni!

 

Since it's also a phone and email for me it avoids having another remote. Even if there was one with more features it would just be another remote in the pile I fear.

 

[jtwrace]

Is there a way to queue up the next song in itunes from the itouch? I don't want to make a playlist I would just like to select a song and it play next....

 

[Mister Wednesday]

I'd like to ask the same question about how you woud do individual song queuing within the iTunes pane (not using an iTouch - just using your main computer/laptop).

 

Regards,

 

Mr. wednesday

 

[Audio_ELF]

If you right click on a track with iTunes 8.1 then you can add it to the iTunes DJ list. Can do the same with the iTouch. If you don't specifically add songs to the iTunes DJ list it chooses a random selection ... I guess if you want to start out with it empty then tell it to choose songs from an empty playlist might work - but I've not tried that.

 

Eloise

 

[Mister Wednesday]

Eloise,

 

Thanks for your tip on song queuing. I'm still new to this Apple computer/iTunes thing (just over a month in so far) so I appreciate all the help I can get.

 

Regards,

 

Mr. Wednesday