remotes

While Apple includes a screen-sharing service in OS X to provide a remote desktop option, there are several other options available for implementing this in OS X, including TeamViewer, Timbuktu Pro, and chat programs like iChat and Skype. While these tools should allow you to control a Mac remotely, some may interfere with various system settings and prevent you from customizing aspects of your Mac.

Recently MacFixIt reader "Ed" wrote in asking us about a problem with using Timbuktu Pro to access a remote Mac, in which the system would revert any changed screensaver timing settings:

Well, yesterday was a bit of a disaster, no? After Amazon ran through its stock of Patriot X-Porter flash drives, the listing quietly changed to a third-party seller, the rebate offer disappeared, and shipping charges were tacked on. My sincere apologies if you ended up buying the drive at that point. I updated my post as quickly as I could, but I fear many people bought the drive thinking the rebate was still valid. I feel terrible!

Well, onward and upward. Regular Cheapskate readers know of my fondness for Logitech's Harmony series of universal remotes. One of the better … Read more

It didn't take long for the iPad to find a home in business. Road warriors love being able to access their PC back in the office. The best way to sign into your office PC remotely is via a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Apple explains how to set up a VPN on an iOS device; note that you'll likely need some information from your organization's IT department to complete the process.

You can also use a service such as GoToMyPC or LogMeIn: the former gives away its iPad app and charges from $10 a month or $… Read more

Text entry using a regular TV remote is, more often than not, an agonizing experience. And with Internet use on televisions becoming increasingly popular, this is a teething issue most HDTV makers will have to resolve. An alternative is to provide a free app with QWERTY keyboard support, though this is currently available primarily for iOS and Android devices. Samsung is working around this bottleneck by following in Vizio's footsteps and launching a QWERTY flip remote endowed with a complete set of number and character keys for its new Smart TVs.

Other notable features for the remote include a directional pad, teletext keys, and a monochrome LCD display on an angled brushed-metal shell. The opposite side of this clicker also provides familiar conventional controls such as volume and channel rockers, as well as video playback and recording buttons. The QWERTY TV Remote is included with every premium model, including the LED D8000 and D7000 Series and Plasma D8000 Series. It is compatible with LED series D6300 and up (sold separately for a hefty $99.99 starting next month).

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer e-mailed questions from our readers. This week we have questions on remote access to a Windows PC using an iPad, whether to migrate data or start fresh on a new hard drive, addressing a MacBook that will not start up, whether AutoCAD will work in Parallels, and maintenance program recommendations. We continually answer e-mail questions, and though we present a few answers here, we certainly welcome alternative approaches and views from readers and encourage you to post your suggestions in the comments.

Question: Remote desktop with an iPad

MacFixIt reader "… Read more

Last month, Ford unveiled it's electric Focus. This month, we've had the pleasure of tooling around with an all electric Mustang and, well, it's small. Actually, it's 1/10th scale small, because the electric car in question is the HPI Racing E10 RTR remote control car.

Okay, so it's a toy, but it's a pretty serious one. The $250-299 cost of entry will be prohibitive to many casual users.

The E10 RTR kit is the preassembled version of HPI's E10 R/C car chassis and accessories--RTR standing for "ready to run"--but there are quite a few user servicable parts. The simplicity of on out-of-the-box kit makes it easy for novices to setup and use. However, the wide array of upgrades and swappable parts makes it a great next step for users who want to get dig into the world of custom R/C.

Power flows from the removable, rechargeable 7.2V 1500mAh NiCd battery pack. THe E10 kit ships with an AC charger that recharges the battery pack in about 6 hours. However, we were only able to get about 30-45 minutes of play from a full charge, so we'd recommend that your first upgrade be either a second battery pack (about $15-20 at online retailers) or a step up to the GT 7.2v 3300mAh NiMH battery ($40 direct from HPI) for double the play time per charge.… Read more

Torrents are source of much legal controversy, which is a shame because the format is a great way to distribute all kinds of content. BitTorrent is working on raising awareness of torrents that share content legally with its Vodo network, and the company has now provided an Android companion app.

uTorrent Remote works with the next generation of the uTorrent client to find and manage torrents on your computer from your phone or tablet. The killer feature? uTorrent Remote's playback. Watch this episode of Tap That App to see what it can do.

You're stuck in a cross-town taxi. An important meeting is just getting under way at the office. What do you do? What do you do?

You can dial in, of course, but then you'll be missing out on all the visuals: slide decks, spreadsheets, and so on.

Solution: fire up Join.me, a universal application that lets you connect to remote meetings or screen-sharing sessions. It's free, and nothing short of fabulous.

In case you're not familiar with it, the Join.me service offers fast, hassle-free Web conferencing. Whoever is hosting the meeting merely downloads and … Read more

I've been a user of Logitech's Harmony remotes for as long as I can remember. At the risk of gushing, I can't imagine using anything else to control my home theater.

Alas, they've always been on the pricey side--even the lower-end models. But today there's a deal to be had: Logitech has the refurbished Harmony 610 remote for $39.99, plus around $6 for shipping. That's after applying coupon code logi_h610_2811 at checkout.

(Tip: if you order two, your cart total will exceed $75, and you'll qualify for free shipping.)

The Harmony 610 … Read more