Laplink: "Get Your PDA on the Big Screen. Popcorn Not Included."

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.laplink.com/products/controller/overview.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.laplink.com/products/con...er/overview.asp</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Controller gives you the power to view and control your PDA on your desktop or notebook. Easily enter data into your PDA using your keyboard and mouse on your computer. View your PDAs software by projecting your PDA device onto a monitor. Controller is a must have application for all Palm and Pocket PC PDA users."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20041217-LaplinkController.jpg" /><br /><br />While you can control your desktop or notebook from your PDA, you too can control your PDA from your desktop or notebook. Laplink have just unveiled <a href="http://www.laplink.com/products/controller/overview.asp">Laplink Controller</a>, which apart from being able to control your device remotely, also allows you to print PDA screens, synchronise clipboards, and create video recordings, among other things. Compatible with both Pocket PC and Palm devices, Laplink Controller is selling for $29.95, but a trial version is also available if you would like to test the waters first. Either way, if you purchase it or sign up for a free trial before January 21, 2005, you are automatically entered into a competition to win 1 of 21 free round-trip airfares in the USA. Of course, this competition only applies to residents in the USA - lucky folk! ;-)

[carphead]

This is basically Pocket Controller by SOTI. Yet again Laplink badge a product from another companies product. I just wish they'd sten when I ask to be taken off theit email list.

[jickbahtech]

Just because I've never used anything else, how does this differ from ActiveSync Remote Display?

[Darius Wey]

Just because I've never used anything else, how does this differ from ActiveSync Remote Display?

In a nutshell, it basically allows for greater customisation in remote control plus the added feature of clipboard synchronisation, PDA screen printing, etc. But as carphead has said, there are other solutions out there. I haven't touched Remote Display in a long time, but it's basic to say the least.

[jickbahtech]

Agreed, very basic.
I've just never needed anything else.
Do al lot of people make use of this kind of set up, or are we talking developers only?

[carphead]

This sort of product comes in handy when you have a lot of text entry or need to show somebody something remotely. Or it's also good if you want to do a presentation on how to use a PDA to a group of people.

The clipboard and dos prompt comes in handy.

[Darius Wey]

Agreed, very basic.
I've just never needed anything else.
Do al lot of people make use of this kind of set up, or are we talking developers only?

It depends on your needs. Some people do a lot of work on their PDA and may be after a quick solution to display the contents of their PDA on the big screen, rather than transfer contents from the PDA to PC. carphead raises some extra scenarios where it would be handy.

Personally, I'd be after something where I could control my PC from my PDA, not the other way around... Mainly due to the fact that I have to make presentations from my PC and would like to be able to control my PC remotely from my PDA. Something like PPC Tablet is great for those cases.

Back on topic though, if you're interested in Laplink Controller, there's a trial version you can sample to see what it's like.