To BYODKM, or not to BYODKM

Jonas - Salling Clicker is key. I can't wait to use it... but right now I don't have a device that will run it. Are there any plans to support the Motorola v551 phone? Otherwise, I've been drooling over a Treo 650 and maybe this will be the excuse I need to pony up for one ;) thanks!

To BYODKM, or not to BYODKM I thought it meant BUY YOUR OWN DAM KEYBOARD & MOUSE after so many years of user complaints in this regards, cheap box, etc, etc. Make more sense that BRING YOUR OWN.

>>hold on! i'm not sure i understand: how does that work? i'm clear on the client bit but where do i get the easily configurable server piece FREE from apple?? help!<< Simple! If you have all your software updates you're probably set to go. If not search Apple's site for "Remote Desktop Client Update." It's a bit tricky to understand, because an Apple "Remote Desktop Client" is really a fancy "VNC Server" Anyway once you get it installed click on over to System Preferences and then Sharing. For you LaunchBar addicts that's {Apple}+{Esc} , SHAR , {Enter} The type of sharing you wish to turn on is "Apple Remote Desktop." Click on the access privileges for that (It will be a button in the preference pane) and check the box "VNC viewers may control screen with password."

Anyone have experience using a handheld as a DPS (display-pad-stylus)? I'm mulling a Mac mini for use as a luggable or carputer, with a Palm as a frontend. How easy is it to set up TCP/IP through USB, or should I just go Bluetooth?

"You can use a VNC client with Apple Remote Desktop (the free portion on each system). You need the latest (free) update from Apple. This gets you an easily configurable server pieces." hold on! i'm not sure i understand: how does that work? i'm clear on the client bit but where do i get the easily configurable server piece FREE from apple?? help!

VNC works great on a Mac. I use it to control my headless server and I install it on all my friends/relatives Macs so I can do remote tech support and training. It's a godsend.

You can use a VNC client with Apple Remote Desktop (the free portion on each system). You need the latest (free) update from Apple. This gets you an easily configurable server pieces. Chicken of the VNC (also free) is the best client I have used - and it can be used to connect to any system (Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix) that has a VNC server running on it. Remember to, for $19 Apple sells a DVI to composite video/S-video connecter. Connect to your TV, get the wireless keyboard and mouse, and away you go. ATI also has a wireless radio (not infrared) remote for about $20. You plug a receiver into a USB port, load the software, and you can run your system for anything except keyboard input (move the mouse, program keys to fire up certain apps, like iTunes, etc).

Of the three "remote control" apps suggested in this article, I can say ARD is the best one if you need to admin several machines. What do I mean by that? If you have to install software, copy files, etc. ARD can be setup to repeat tasks. Kinda nice. Its screen sharing is better IMHO than Timbuktu. In fact, I even use ARD to provide support for my folks in another town. However, if all you need to do is just some minimal things on the remote machine like start/stop apps, etc. then put a VNC server on it and install VNCThing client and you're set. But the moment you need to do something more than basic navigation, go invest in ARD... it's worth the $300.00.

For those looking to use the Mac mini as a media box in the living room, and I know there are many of you, here's a shameless plug for our Salling Clicker product. With it, many media features on the Mac (VLC, iTunes, DVD Player, EyeTV, ...) can be remotely controlled (and monitored) from a compatible Bluetooth phone or PDA. Check it out at clicker.salling.com :-)