Absolutely. My entertainment system is actually run by a Mac Mini on the ground floor. I have an iPod Touch in my upstairs bedroom, and can completely control iTunes via the Remote app. All you need is for the iPod and the computer to be on the same WiFi network.
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Hey Tim C.! how the heck do I change the volume level on my new $4000 iMac while I'm in bed!!!
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Absolutely. My entertainment system is actually run by a Mac Mini on the ground floor. I have an iPod Touch in my upstairs bedroom, and can completely control iTunes via the Remote app. All you need is for the iPod and the computer to be on the same WiFi network.
Yeah, I'll try and remember how great they are when I pull the drive out of one this weekend, because it can't run for more than 10 minutes without shutting off (fifth one in the last 18 months), and the guy using it was too lazy to back it up.
If it was up to me I'd give it to the homeless people milling around.
I hate commodity computers.
This may be of interest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Remote
the MacMini is the only current mac with such capabilities. You'll have to add a hardware dongle of some sort. Or use the keys on your bluetooth keyboard, or something.
I probably should point out that if you ever intend to connect the imac to a decent sound system over spdif, the volume control keys (or a third party remote's controls) won't work (and with good reason).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Remote
the MacMini is the only current mac with such capabilities. You'll have to add a hardware dongle of some sort. Or use the keys on your bluetooth keyboard, or something.
I probably should point out that if you ever intend to connect the imac to a decent sound system over spdif, the volume control keys (or a third party remote's controls) won't work (and with good reason).
I should also add that there are IR sensors that you can buy to use with your Mac and still use your old physical Apple Remote. I got one for my hackintosh and after some fiddling, it works great and just like it did on the old Macs.
http://twistedmelon.com/mira/
I'm in no way involved with TwistedMelon, but I'm very happy with my Manta and the Mira software.
http://twistedmelon.com/mira/
I'm in no way involved with TwistedMelon, but I'm very happy with my Manta and the Mira software.
Not sure that the Apple Remote is really worth supporting, (as opposed to a bluetooth remote or a fancy universal remote) but, hey, whatever floats your boat.
So is anyone using a bluetooth remote? I just need BASIC control of iTunes. The Apple Remote on iPhone sounds usable but I want a TACTILE controller, not something I need to look at to press the right button. And smaller is better than a huge iPhone. Dang Apple quit taking away all the things I pay for and use!
I am looking into that Mira IRC that works with the old, wonderful remote controller. Anyone use it?
I use the Satechi Bluetooth Button Series Media Button with my iPad for this same purpose. When I travel, I will sometimes watch movies on the iPad hooked up to the hotel TV, but don't want to get up to change the volume, etc, so I use the button for that. Looking at the answered questions on Amazon, it looks like it works with Macs as well. Should do exactly what you need, and it's much smaller than an iPhone. If you do get one, I'd suggest attaching the lanyard it comes with. I don't actually use the lanyard to carry it around, but there is no way to tell top from bottom without it as the device is round. Using the lanyard, you'll always know which side it up, so you can use it without looking at it.
Yes! Satechi says this works with native applications on MacOS (I presume that means OSX also). Thanks for the recommendation!
I use it with my 2015 iMac and the Apple legacy remote. Works as if the ir receiver was still built in - in other words the same as before. Two benefits over Bluetooth remotes: first is that it works with apps that continue to support the legacy Apple remote (such as Movist) that will not work with Bluetooth remotes, and second you can change/add functions for the remote via the included system preferences app as well as support for a variety of apps that do not natively support the remote.
Working just fine in the latest version of Sierra by the way.
Funny how people travel from California to my suburb (miramar) in Wellington, New Zealand to work on films for Peter Jackson's studios.
@gnasher729 not sure, my Zimbabwean dollars (several million acquired at the end of a lecture by amnesty int) expired 1st July 2006. I think they use US$ now, but if I had any US$, I'd exchange it for NZ$ as the stability is more long term in favour of NZ.
That's okay. I don't take Mac Minis seriously.
No one takes any Mac seriously, anymore. lol Joking aside, to the OP, just grab a used ipod touch for $20-40 off ebay or craigslist, use the remote app. Or buy any number of cheap bluetooth remotes under $15. I picked up one of those laser pointer/bluetooth keyboard/trackpad combo remotes for $12, and the function keys can control volume/fast forward/etc. I understand your frustration, as I love a physical remote with few buttons too. But the ipod/BT remote solutions aren't too bad.
I can only see the Mac Mini as a baseline Mac. I would never get a Mac desktop that simply on the same (or lower) performance as its laptop counterpart.
I have a suggestion.
Get the Logitech G700s rechargeable gaming mouse.
Looks like this:
http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g700s-rechargeable-wireless-gaming-mouse
See the 3 buttons to the left of the scroll wheel?
They can be set up like this:
a. Volume up.
b. Volume down.
c. Mute
The buttons on the left side can be set up for "track ahead", "track back".
The two buttons behind the scroll wheel could be set to open specific apps (such as iTunes or Safari).
If you have a trackpad near the bed, you can mouse around without getting up.
I've been using a predecessor to this (Logitech MX610) for years, still works fine.
Get the Logitech G700s rechargeable gaming mouse.
Looks like this:
http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g700s-rechargeable-wireless-gaming-mouse
See the 3 buttons to the left of the scroll wheel?
They can be set up like this:
a. Volume up.
b. Volume down.
c. Mute
The buttons on the left side can be set up for "track ahead", "track back".
The two buttons behind the scroll wheel could be set to open specific apps (such as iTunes or Safari).
If you have a trackpad near the bed, you can mouse around without getting up.
I've been using a predecessor to this (Logitech MX610) for years, still works fine.
You just lack imagination.
They're extremely versatile machines that take up less room than a laptop. I carry a quad core Mini render slave, to offload work to, while I model on my MBP. Is it as as fast as my MacPro? No, but I get a lot of work done without dragging a lot of gear with me. Try putting a spare iMac in your Messenger bag.
Sadly, Apple has chosen to neuter the form factor, rather than improve it, but they'll probably do that to the next iMac as well (not that I care). I suspect the next iMac will be another "Dongle" profit center for Apple.
You need to be creative.
Back before we had remotes for everything, I would change the channel, adjust the volume, and turn my television on and off from the comfort of my bed.
How'd I do it? I used a long stick.
Just set your keyboard where you can tap the keys with a stick, and you're good.
Sticks are free. If you need weight on it to tap the keys, tape a small rock on the end of the stick.
It's a simple solution. Even if it isn't pretty.
As for an electronic solution, there is the Apple Remote software for the iPod and iPhone.
I used to use a wifi software on my Windows mobile phone to remotely control my G4 Mac mini.
Lots of options available.
But yes, it would be nice if Apple included the remote.
Honestly, that is crazy. Especially considering the OP seems to be using in place of a CD player.