Tablet PC/ UMPC as a remote?

[mikeaitch]

Does anybody know of a way to use a tablet pc as a remote control?

I'm thinking of getting a Samsung Q1 Ultra to replace my Simpad which was accidentally broken

I need it to replace the Simpad which was working as a universal remote, and via wifi, to control my Vista Media Centre using My movies.

Trouble is- It has bluetooth and Wifi, but no IR port .Does anybody know if I can add something to an expansion slot or whatever to give me IR out so I can use it as a remote?

Any suggestions welcome- even if the IR sender is not attached to the Samsung, it would work for my setup as long as the touchscreen controlled it
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[tobs]

Hi
If you have a usb port on your tablet you might try this http://www.usbuirt.com/
But to get it to work you realy need the 'Girder' software.I use this combination (on a desktop) to provide a very flexible IR remote ie it can learn a (virtually) unlimited number of codes and send them on keystokes or other events eg you can translate an input signal from any remote into any output IR command you fancy.

[mikeaitch]

That looks exactly the type of thing thanks!!

Don't know much about Girder though- seen a lot of questions on forums about its use though- is it easy enough to use?

[tobs]

It depends what you are trying to do.If you just want to send particular IR commands when you tap particular keys on your tablet its fairly easy:-
Girder has a learn function so you can point a remote at the Uirt and learn the remote's commands one at a time.You then set up what you want to trigger the Uirt to send each command eg hit 'Up arrow' to send next radio chanel on your tuner etc.Of course there are a number of 'Standard templates' available for common combinations.
If you want to do something a bit more fancy eg "When I hit Tv then yellow on my sky remote I want you send the command to turn the lounge lights on, but only if Iv'e already sent the command to close the lounge curtains" Then you need to do a bit of programming using the 'LUA scripting language' which can get a bit tricky.(The Girder forum needs you to know a bit about automation techniqes before its very useful)
Good Luck

[mikeaitch]

Thanks again- I'm torn now between buying a Paceblade P8 http://www.ultramobilelife.com/index...tte-Finish.htm with a slower processor but built in IR sender,

Or a Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium http://www.umpcportal.com/products/product.php?id=151 with the latest processor but no IR sender, linked to my PC and a Usbuirt to send all my commands since I do use an ir distribution system so can set the sender up to point at the IR receiver

Decisions, decisions... but at least I now have the choice...

[tobs]

Just be tad carefull over the samsung.It says 'XP tablet edition'.I've no idea how this differs from proper XP but check with the uirt+ girder suppliers before going down this route.

[MAW]

You'll have no probs with tablet edition (I have a Q1) but why use IR, why not just remote desktop?

[mikeaitch]

Originally Posted by MAW

You'll have no probs with tablet edition (I have a Q1) but why use IR, why not just remote desktop?

I need it to control the other bits of kit as well as the HTPC...

[hornydragon]

http://www.irtrans.de/en/ may help