5 ms·

Previously we were giving our old laptops to friends with kids. Now our kids use our old Macbook air to learn to type and other learning programs. My old MBP r

Previously we were giving our old laptops to friends with kids. Now our kids use our old Macbook air to learn to type and other learning programs. My old MBP runs our 2010 "smart" TV via HDMI. It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works. And man, that thing still heats up like a mofo even when only running a browser, jeez.

JoshTriplett 4y ago
> It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works. If you're running on a computer rather than a locked-down device, why do you see ads at all? Also, you've probably already considered this, but a wireless keyboard/mouse would nicely complete a living-room computer.
- jay_kyburz 4y ago
  I bet if you look in the app store there is something in there that will let you use your phone as a media remote.
  - Sindrehan 4y ago
    I use Unified Remote (https://www.unifiedremote.com/ https://www.unifiedremote.com/) for this, works great.
    - mdrzn 4y ago
      I agree with this sentiment, I also purchased the pro version and it's the only app I ever bought. It just works.
    - yurishimo 4y ago
      Glad to see this app is still kicking. I used it a decade ago in college to control my PC while laying in bed and watching movies.
oarsinsync 4y ago
I used something like this with my computer and xbmc back in the day. I had a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for situations where the remote control was less helpful, but this covered 99% of the requirements quite nicely. https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp/B004PXJGXU https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp...
dublinben 4y ago
Treat yourself to a wireless keyboard + mouse. There’s a popular Logitech one for $30. You won’t have to get up to change the movie any more. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-touchpad-keyboard.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-...
- pnutjam 4y ago
  These are great, but beware if you have little kids. Those keys pull of and get lost very easily.

JoshTriplett 4y ago

> It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works. If you're running on a computer rather than a locked-down device, why do you see ads at all? Also, you've probably already considered this, but a wireless keyboard/mouse would nicely complete a living-room computer.

jay_kyburz 4y ago
I bet if you look in the app store there is something in there that will let you use your phone as a media remote.
- Sindrehan 4y ago
  I use Unified Remote (https://www.unifiedremote.com/ https://www.unifiedremote.com/) for this, works great.
  - mdrzn 4y ago
    I agree with this sentiment, I also purchased the pro version and it's the only app I ever bought. It just works.
  - yurishimo 4y ago
    Glad to see this app is still kicking. I used it a decade ago in college to control my PC while laying in bed and watching movies.

oarsinsync 4y ago

I used something like this with my computer and xbmc back in the day. I had a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for situations where the remote control was less helpful, but this covered 99% of the requirements quite nicely. https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp/B004PXJGXU https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp...

dublinben 4y ago

Treat yourself to a wireless keyboard + mouse. There’s a popular Logitech one for $30. You won’t have to get up to change the movie any more. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-touchpad-keyboard.html https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-...

pnutjam 4y ago
These are great, but beware if you have little kids. Those keys pull of and get lost very easily.