Using a PDA as remote

[ADELBURN]

I currently have around 4 remotes lying around as was either looking at getting a top end remote to control all devices or even better(as my phone contract runs out next month) getting a PDA to control all devices.

Form factor is a major factor with the PDA, as ill be using it as a phone aswell. What are the best PDA'a available now for my needs?

[Pincho Paxton]

I have a PDA, but most remotes I have seen have a 3ft maximum range. I have a PALM Tungsten E. Not much use.

[tobyfield]

I used some remote software on a Palm once and the range of the IR transmitter was quite limiting. You may as well spend £45 and buy a Harmony remote.

[JimBobVFR400]

Some PDA's are better than others IR range wise but the main downside I see is if its your phone as well what happens when you are out? fine if you live on your own I guess.

also if you get a call how do you mute or pause? I'd recommend a dedicated device. My old Sony Palm Clie PDA had excellent IR range but I never saw it as more than a novelty or standby.

Having said that I did consider a cheap 2nd hand PDA at one point to use as a dedicated remote. My plan was to be able to use the browser and WiFi to control SlimServer on my PC as well using the web interface. this would have allowed music selection, playlists and album art without firing up the plasma but compared to my pronto the IR control software was limited at best so the idea was shelved