Controlling PC via Android Tablet OR Surface Pro 3

[klinemj]

Well, it appears Teamviewer fixed their security issues...so well that even after using it just fine yesterday, today it doesn't think I exist.

I am punting on that option...deleted it and Google Chrome Desktop off my tablet and PC. I am not willing to pay the price for Roon vs. just fire up the projector and suck it up or buy a cable and run my spare monitor near my seated position. And, the remote desktops just flat out suck. I would hope the native Windows version is better...but I don't want to shell out $99 to find out it also sucks.

Mark

[charlieeco]

www.pcworld.com/article/260591/how_to_use_your_android_tablet_as_a_secondary_display.html 

[klinemj]

May 2, 2017 21:40:05 GMT -5 charlieeco said:

www.pcworld.com/article/260591/how_to_use_your_android_tablet_as_a_secondary_display.html 

Setting the pc and tablet up is the easy part. Finding a solution that works well and reliably has been the challenge. I have tried "the best" solutions recommended from a variety of sources, short of Windows native approach (which requires me to buy a new version of Windows), and no solution works well and is also reliable.

Mark

[klinemj]

is anyone using MS Windows 10 Pro and controlling that PC remotely? I had to buy a new tablet, so I got a Surface Pro 3. I am seriously thinking of upgrading my HTPC to W10 Pro and using the native remote desktop to use my surface to control the HTPC. Before I spring for Pro, I would love to hear actual experiences.

Mark

[RichGuy]

Here are a couple for you to check out.

This one is an app that will control a computer via phone etc.

www.unifiedremote.com/


This one controls all sorts of home theater components via phone etc. It's very customize-able, you need to buy hardware with this one.

www.blumoo.com/

[socketman]

I run Win 10 on my main computer and my laptop with RDC to control my server which is windows 7 ultimate. I also run Lightsout on my server to wake it from my main computer and to keep it running while streaming and then it shuts down automatically when the streaming server stops running. If your surface has remote desktop on it you should be good to go. You may run into a few security snafu's and password issues but they are easily resolved with a little work.

[klinemj]

May 22, 2017 21:22:17 GMT -5 socketman said:

I run Win 10 on my main computer and my laptop with RDC to control my server which is windows 7 ultimate. I also run Lightsout on my server to wake it from my main computer and to keep it running while streaming and then it shuts down automatically when the streaming server stops running. If your surface has remote desktop on it you should be good to go. You may run into a few security snafu's and password issues but they are easily resolved with a little work.

my Surface has 10 pro. The Desktop I want to control does not...it just has 10 Home. so, my understanding is that the one I want to control has to have 10 Pro to use the native Windows Remote Desktop. are you using the native windows tool and controlling the 7 Ultimate server?

Per this thread, I tried a couple Android apps and they both sucked

Mark

[klinemj]

May 22, 2017 21:10:21 GMT -5 RichGuy said:

Here are a couple for you to check out.

This one is an app that will control a computer via phone etc.

www.unifiedremote.com/


This one controls all sorts of home theater components via phone etc. It's very customize-able, you need to buy hardware with this one.

www.blumoo.com/

I am no longer going to be using a phone/standard tablet...going to use a Surface and planning to use Windows 10's built in Remote Desktop Controller. any experience with it?

Mark

[socketman]

Just using Remote Desktop Connection baked into windows 10 and windows 7. See if this helps you at all

ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-rdpwrapper-win10-home

[klinemj]

May 23, 2017 19:49:46 GMT -5 socketman said:

Just using Remote Desktop Connection baked into windows 10 and windows 7. See if this helps you at all

ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-rdpwrapper-win10-home

well now...that is interesting...

Mark

[socketman]

I have a hard time explaining how i get things done but when im in windows i move around and do things a certain way. I really find with windows 10 you really need to dig deep to get to the tools that were readily available in previous versions. If you right click "This PC" and choose properties and then on the left of the pane choose remote setting this is where i do all my setup for remote desktop and also create my homegroup settings.

[klinemj]

Looks like I have a mission for the long weekend...

mark

[klinemj]

After some time away from this problem due to dealing with other things, I came back to it. I tested out Windows' native Remote Desktop from my Surface to another machine that I had that has W10-Pro and it worked so well I decided to try that for the HTPC and more.

Given I added a headphone station in my loft area of my home, I had a new problem - I had no PC to feed it. I could use my Sonos but no MQA. I built a Pi, but found no easy way to plug Tidal into it that didn't have issues. I bought an NUC, but it turned out it...well, keeping language nice...it..."underperformed".

So, I started searching for a cheap PC with Win10 Pro...and found a Dell Optiplex 3010 refurbished by a certified MS refurb company. I got it for $130 delivered, and it is fast enough to run Tidal and JRiver, and with Windows native Remote Desktop. So I can control it from my MS Surface sitting away from it as I relax and listen to my headphones. So, it's PC USB out to DC-1 to BasX A100 to my Senn's. And, as soon as I plugged in my DC-1, it figured out what it was and linked it to the right driver. I call it my "HPPC" (headphone PC).

It is great. I will likely upgrade my other PC that feeds my main system to W10 Pro and use the same approach to control that PC.

And, once I do - there will be a Sonos Connect and a Sonos Connect Amp for sale on the emporium!

Mark

[Gary Cook]

Simple, get an iPad and a Mac, problem solved.

Cheers
Gary

[klinemj]

Mar 1, 2018 14:49:41 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Simple, get an iPad and a Mac, problem solved.

Cheers
Gary

My problem was solved really cheaply and works great. Why would an iPad/Mac be superior?

Mark

[Gary Cook]

Mar 1, 2018 16:29:09 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Mar 1, 2018 14:49:41 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Simple, get an iPad and a Mac, problem solved.

My problem was solved really cheaply and works great. Why would an iPad/Mac be superior?
Mark

Because you would never have to worry about it ever again, it would just work with every hardware and software update/upgrade.

Cheers
Gary

[klinemj]

Mar 1, 2018 17:09:08 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Mar 1, 2018 16:29:09 GMT -5 klinemj said:

My problem was solved really cheaply and works great. Why would an iPad/Mac be superior?
Mark

Because you would never have to worry about it ever again, it would just work with every hardware and software update/upgrade.

Cheers
Gary

I don't have to really worry about my Windows gear either. For most I have purchased in the past several years, I buy them, plug them in, turn them on, and they work. The only exception is a generic Windows-based NUC machine (which I suspect either had a manufacturing defect or a design flaw unrelated to Windows).

Other than the NUC - the only issue I had is that one machine I had was a budget item (with entry level Windows version...a cheapo) without a critical feature for more that most would not need. I tried to patch the problem with aftermarket solutions which were not good.
And, that PC cost me about $200 and for $99 I can add that 1 missing feature (and more) without drama or challenge. I've just been avoiding the $99, and meanwhile - ran into a need for a 2nd similar device...which I now have for just $130. At this point, I plan to spend the $99 for the other machine, and all-in...I have 2 machines that work great and cost me less than $450.

And, frankly, I see many people asking how to get Apple gear to talk with each other and with other gear...the Apple stuff doesn't seem totally free of technical challenges (which Apple fans seem to think are exclusive to Windows users). Net, I don't see what's different from Windows vs. Apple gear (other than iPads costing far more - $400 to $1000; $1000 to $2400 for a laptop; or $1000 to $5000 for a desktop). Maybe you could help me see the benefit of the added costs.

Mark

[Gary Cook]

Mar 1, 2018 18:17:06 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Mar 1, 2018 17:09:08 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Because you would never have to worry about it ever again, it would just work with every hardware and software update/upgrade.

I don't have to really worry about my Windows gear either. For most I have purchased in the past several years, I buy them, plug them in, turn them on, and they work. The only exception is a generic Windows-based NUC machine (which I suspect either had a manufacturing defect or a design flaw unrelated to Windows).
Other than the NUC - the only issue I had is that one machine I had was a budget item (with entry level Windows version...a cheapo) without a critical feature for more that most would not need. I tried to patch the problem with aftermarket solutions which were not good.
And, that PC cost me about $200 and for $99 I can add that 1 missing feature (and more) without drama or challenge. I've just been avoiding the $99, and meanwhile - ran into a need for a 2nd similar device...which I now have for just $130. At this point, I plan to spend the $99 for the other machine, and all-in...I have 2 machines that work great and cost me less than $450.
And, frankly, I see many people asking how to get Apple gear to talk with each other and with other gear...the Apple stuff doesn't seem totally free of technical challenges (which Apple fans seem to think are exclusive to Windows users). Net, I don't see what's different from Windows vs. Apple gear (other than iPads costing far more - $400 to $1000; $1000 to $2400 for a laptop; or $1000 to $5000 for a desktop). Maybe you could help me see the benefit of the added costs.
Mark

An Apple versus PC discussion, maybe we could make an add campaign out of it

If I were to add up the "how do I make this work" threads on this forum I bet the vast majority of them aren't in the Apple universe. Which is my experience at work compared to my experience at home. We update one thing (hardware, software, BIOS, etc) at work and it takes hours, days, weeks for the experts to fix the problems it causes. There's often a patch on the patch with a band aid over it. It just doesn't happen with my Apple gear, the hardware doesn't fight with the firmware and the software because they are made to work together by the same people. Of course operating system and software upgrades are free. For sure I pay extra for all of that up front, but on a time / value basis I'm miles in front. It's not just a work versus home thing either, my son is a photographer and in his business they all use Mac's with the same experience. For the race team work I have to use PC's to accommodate all of the software, engine control units, data logging etc. I move between the PC and Apple universes daily, often several times day, and I see no reason to change my home environment. It just works and I have no examples of buying something that hasn't.

Everyone is different, has difference skills and preferences, I just share what works for me, which may or may not work for others.

Cheers
Gary

[klinemj]

Mar 1, 2018 19:24:04 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Mar 1, 2018 18:17:06 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I don't have to really worry about my Windows gear either. For most I have purchased in the past several years, I buy them, plug them in, turn them on, and they work. The only exception is a generic Windows-based NUC machine (which I suspect either had a manufacturing defect or a design flaw unrelated to Windows).
Other than the NUC - the only issue I had is that one machine I had was a budget item (with entry level Windows version...a cheapo) without a critical feature for more that most would not need. I tried to patch the problem with aftermarket solutions which were not good.
And, that PC cost me about $200 and for $99 I can add that 1 missing feature (and more) without drama or challenge. I've just been avoiding the $99, and meanwhile - ran into a need for a 2nd similar device...which I now have for just $130. At this point, I plan to spend the $99 for the other machine, and all-in...I have 2 machines that work great and cost me less than $450.
And, frankly, I see many people asking how to get Apple gear to talk with each other and with other gear...the Apple stuff doesn't seem totally free of technical challenges (which Apple fans seem to think are exclusive to Windows users). Net, I don't see what's different from Windows vs. Apple gear (other than iPads costing far more - $400 to $1000; $1000 to $2400 for a laptop; or $1000 to $5000 for a desktop). Maybe you could help me see the benefit of the added costs.
Mark

An Apple versus PC discussion, maybe we could make an add campaign out of it

If I were to add up the "how do I make this work" threads on this forum I bet the vast majority of them aren't in the Apple universe. Which is my experience at work compared to my experience at home. We update one thing (hardware, software, BIOS, etc) at work and it takes hours, days, weeks for the experts to fix the problems it causes. There's often a patch on the patch with a band aid over it. It just doesn't happen with my Apple gear, the hardware doesn't fight with the firmware and the software because they are made to work together by the same people. Of course operating system and software upgrades are free. For sure I pay extra for all of that up front, but on a time / value basis I'm miles in front. It's not just a work versus home thing either, my son is a photographer and in his business they all use Mac's with the same experience. For the race team work I have to use PC's to accommodate all of the software, engine control units, data logging etc. I move between the PC and Apple universes daily, often several times day, and I see no reason to change my home environment. It just works and I have no examples of buying something that hasn't.

Everyone is different, has difference skills and preferences, I just share what works for me, which may or may not work for others.

Cheers
Gary

The biggest issues I ever had with Windows is with the system I had at work, in which my company required changes to Windows to meet their "requirements". This messed things up. Other than that, "it just works" at home.

My home stuff? It just works. Does it start up fine? Yes. Do updates get sent out and installed with minimum intrusion? Yes. Do they work? Yes. Do they offer different levels of cost/performance to keep costs low? Yes! Are the software and hardware variants mostly independent to allow a total low cost system? Yes.

Still not seeing any benefit to an Apple system that justifies the cost. Got a suggestion that works well without tradeoffs for less then $200?

Mark

[Gary Cook]

Mar 1, 2018 19:53:06 GMT -5 klinemj said:

The biggest issues I ever had with Windows is with the system I had at work, in which my company required changes to Windows to meet their "requirements". This messed things up. Other than that, "it just works" at home.
My home stuff? It just works. Does it start up fine? Yes. Do updates get sent out and installed with minimum intrusion? Yes. Do they work? Yes. Do they offer different levels of cost/performance to keep costs low? Yes! Are the software and hardware variants mostly independent to allow a total low cost system? Yes.
Still not seeing any benefit to an Apple system that justifies the cost. Got a suggestion that works well without tradeoffs for less then $200?
Mark

I'm not going to try and change your mind Mark, you're happy, so stick with it. My change was prompted back in 2012 when I had both home PC's die during a heatwave while I was away for a week at the tennis, so I had the opportunity to do full swap to the Apple ecosystem. The reason I changed was because I was sick and tired of fixing stuff that worked yesterday and didn't work today, for any number of obscure reasons. To fix it Microsoft wanted to change me for a Windows update, or the virus protection software needed a new level, or the new modem that I was recommended didn't work with the router, or I had to spend time on the net searching for someone who had had the same problem to find a fix. An hour here, an hour there, sometimes a whole day. My time is worth too much to waste it, I don't have enough time to do all the things that I want to do, let alone spend time on fixing stuff, over and over. In the 6 years since I honestly haven't spent a single minute fixing and that has saved me $thousands of my time.

Cheers
Gary