Home > Consumer Reviews > Apple Remote Control for iPod (White)

This remote works with any Mac with built in Front Row or with any iPod through use with the accompanying iPod universal dock. I"m surprised by all the nay-sayers because they are docking the remote points for features that it wasn't designed or isn't advertised to do. That doesn't seem fair.

If you're looking for a backup or replacement remote for your Front Row equipped Mac, this remote is the only choice. If you're looking to control the song selection, fast forward or rewind or pause, or change the volume on your iPod, then this remote is for you too. It does not have the ability to change playlists or return to the iPod main menu, but if you're using your iPod from afar and need a remote, it's not like you'd be able to see what your screen says anyway. If you're looking for that added functionality, then there are other more expensive iPod remotes on the market.

I use this remote the time with my video iPod when attached to my TV to play, fast forward, pause and rewind video content. I knew it's limitations when I bought it, and I'm not at all disappointed because it works just as it's supposed to.

Also, keep in mind that Apple can always add additional functionality through a software update to the iPod as they have done many times in the past.

Okay look. Lots of people say "NOO" to this product, but you have to know what it's purpose is! I just recently bought a MacBook, and in the instructions, it always talked about the Apple Remote. I found that this was the remote, and the "For iPod" actually means "for all mac products with an IR port" It DOES work. Maybe not perfectly, because it's an IR (infra-red). but well enough to be able to move through music, video and even powerpoint presentations with ease from across the room! Last I checked, that's what they said it would do. It DOES work with the Universal Dock. And especially well with the MacBook and MacBook pros. If this is what you want from a remote. Buy this one!

This remote, along with the Apple Universal Dock required for my Ipod classic offers very restricted control of the Ipod.

You cannot use it to select any videos, music, photos or any other menu of the Ipod.

You have to use the Ipod click wheel for everything except volume up and down, play or pause, and forward or reverse a pre-selected playlist or video.

I was planning to replace my 300 disc CD player with the Ipod, but not anymore. I have much more remote control of the CD player then the Ipod ever offers, including on / off, select any disc.

I love the Apple remote for the convenience of controlling my Mac's media from afar...but it's outdated and severely overpriced. It's basically your standard IR remote, with 6 buttons, yet it's still 30 bucks, and it's the same Apple remote they've been selling for some time now. I would hope by now they would at least have a Bluetooth remote or something so we don't have to use the IR sensor on the Mac. Get it only if you absolutely need it because you lost your original remote (for Mac users).

I picked one of these remotes on sale at my local Future Shop on spec, since I can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Since I hadn't done any research, I cannot fault Apple for my lack of enthusiasm for this remote.

I do not own an iPod Universal Dock, since I have the Denon Dock with my A/V Receiver, and an older iPod Dock without IR capability already.

My G5 PowerMac doesn't have embedded IR receiving capability that I am aware of either. Why wasn't IR functionalty included with the newer iPods either? Some grand oversights IMO!

Apparently, the big plus that some reviewers are claiming is the ability to interface with Front Row sofware. Wowser, wowser, wowser!!! Well I have a couple of Microsoft USB Media Mice (discontinued I believe, but maybe still avaialable on eBay or elsewhere) which have many buttons that interface with any Mac application by configuring an inexpensive and excellent shareware program, USB Overdrive. I'm sure there are comparable USB mice that can be used for this purpose.

http://www.usboverdrive.com/USBOverdrive/News.html

USB Overdrive is certainly not restricted to Front Row by any means. I can do almost anything remotely, including iTunes and DVD Player operation from 20 feet or so. I've used it to watch DVD movies on my Powerbook, but of course the Apple Remote can do this right?!

The Apple Remote buys me nothing without the Universal Dock, which is overpriced anyway. The whole concept of operating such a small portable device like an iPod is flawed IMO, since one cannot see what one is doing and what is left is to merely skip fwd and rev based on no visible feedback and adjust volume or mute. If you're close enough to see where you are you don't require a remote anyway! To somewhat lesser extent this also applies to a desktop computer, since wireless mice have been available for quite a while now.

However it can be picked up cheaply and looks cool I suppose. I might be taking mine back, even though it could be useful for a future Mac in my life. I wonder why it didn't include some mousing capability? Now THAT would have been novel and sellable!!

MR