Have you ever used your television as a monitor for your computer?  Have you wondered about the possibilities of connecting your PC to your home theater, for watching movies and surfing the web?  These are examples of the natural progression of entertainment technology.  Over the last decade, computers have become much more than word processors and televisions have evolved to sleek, high-definition devices capable of playing media from almost any device with a cable attached to it.  The two are starting to merge into one device, but we are only beginning to see this in the newest displays.

If you have ventured down the “computer+television” path, or are thinking of doing so, one hurdle quickly prevents itself.  How do you control the computer from the couch?  You need an input device of some sort and a keyboard with a super-long cord is really not an option (safety hazard!)  There have been some great wireless keyboard/mice combos released over the last few years, but they are often costly options and are only useful for that one purpose.  At $100 or more, this is not the kind of cost-effective resolution that most are looking for.  So, why not use a device you already have as the solution?  Your smart phone is just the thing and we have a quick rundown on two applications that can get you up and running today!

There are a wide range of smart phones on the market today, but the two most popular are the iPhone and Android powered devices.  We’ve got a FREE application for each and the instructions you need to get you started:

Logitech TouchMouse

Device: iPhone or iPod Touch
Link: http://www.logitech.com/touchmouse
Review: The remote control/gadget makers at Logitech have hit the nail on the head.  A quick and easy installation can get most anyone up and running in about 5 minutes.  You now have a wireless mouse and keyboard combo capable of most anything their wired counterparts are capable of, for FREE! Click, double-click, drag and scroll in portrait or landscape.
Downfall: The iPhone/iPod has no physical keyboard, so if you are a fan of the tactile interface, you might not like the virtual keyboard for inputting addresses or passwords.
Installation:

1. Install the Logitech TouchMouse app on your iPhone/iPod Touch
2. Install the Logitech TouchMouse Server on your computer (link provided above)
3. Select the computer you want to control
4. Go!

RemoteDroid

Device: Android Powered Device
Link: http://www.remotedroid.net
Review: RemoteDroid turns your phone into a wireless keyboard and mouse with touchpad, using your own wireless network. It’s a free application for phones running Google’s Android operating system, such as the Droid (Verizon Wireless) and the G1 (T-Mobile).  The interface is not as sleek as the Logitech version (for iPhones) but does what it promises and, if you have an Android device like the G1, you have a physical keyboard at your disposal.
Downfall: RemoteDroid doesn’t find your server automatically, so you have to enter the IP manually.
Installation:

1. Install RemoteDroid Server Application on your computer (link provided above)
2. Install the RemoteDroid App on your Android Device (Marketplace)
3. Launch the RemoteDroid Server
4. Type the IP address (provided in RemoteDroid Server) into app on Android Device
5. Go!

Tags: Android, app, cell, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, keyboard, marketplace, mouse, phone, smart phone, wireless

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 10:22 am and is filed under Free Programs, Tips and Tricks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.