# Can I use my laptop as a remote control? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 22, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349 "2005-06-22T12:55:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ms2001](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ms2001/32/18463_2.png) [@Ms2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms2001)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/1 "2005-06-22T12:55:23Z")
I have a Toshiba Satellite 1805-S274 laptop with an infrared (IrDA) port. I’ve been looking for a way to use it as a remote control for my TV, stereo, etc. but coming up short. Is there any Windows software that fits the bill? Or is this impossible for some reason? ---
**Author:** ![corncobpipe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/65b543/32.png) [@corncobpipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corncobpipe)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/2 "2005-06-22T13:33:29Z")
Googling, I found [this](http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/nov03/totalremote.asp) site for using a pocket pc as a universal remote control. Apparently the problem is range; the software for the pocket pc requires a transmitter as well. The few times I transferred date between computers using the IrDA port, I had to have the ports within a few inches of eachother. ---
**Author:** ![Agenais](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@Agenais](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agenais)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/3 "2005-06-22T20:22:51Z")
My Sony Clie PDA has a remote control program built in, and I used Omniremote for my old Palm m505 PDA. The IR ports had a long range, and that came in great help whenever I couldn’t find the remote for the TV or VCR or was too lazy to look for it. I’d doubt that a similar program would exist for a PC, but I wouldn’t be surprised. But can you imagine picking up your laptop and aiming it at whatever you’re trying to control? What a big pain in the butt. A PDA is fine for that purpose as it’s hand held, but I wouldn’t want to use a laptop as a remote. Unless you’re into working out your arms. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/4 "2005-06-22T23:21:39Z")
you can but as my ir port is in an inconveniant location, I never really use it. ---
**Author:** ![Ms2001](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ms2001/32/18463_2.png) [@Ms2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms2001)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/5 "2005-06-22T23:23:32Z")
My laptop’s IR port is right on the back, so when it’s on my lap, the port is pointing at all the electronics I want to control. The range might be a problem, though. ---
**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-laptop-as-a-remote-control/309349/6 "2005-06-23T02:47:50Z")
> [@corncobpipe](#): > > Googling, I found [this](http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/nov03/totalremote.asp) site for using a pocket pc as a universal remote control. > Apparently the problem is range; the software for the pocket pc requires a transmitter as well. I just downloaded the trial version of this and it’s way cool 🆒 Due to the shape and size of my place, I can’t get much farther than about 20 to 25 feet from my devices but at these distances it works great using the PDA’s IR port. I just may plunk down the $30 and buy it so I can get rid of the six remote controls that live on my coffee table. Oh, I use a Dell Axim X30.