Control Your Phone or PDA From a Laptop or PC

I had reached the point where I had my Vista laptop talking to my Touch phone via WMDC (Windows Mobile Device Center), the new Vista program that replaces ActiveSync on XP. I could browse my device from my Laptop and transfer files back and forth.

My next step was to look for a remote control program that would allow me to use my familiar laptop keyboard with my phone. I found a number of software houses that provide such a program, and tried several of them. In the end, I chose one called My Mobiler because it did everything I needed and worked perfectly right from the getgo. It is also free, but I would have gladly paid for it.

Here's a partial screen capture of what my Vista laptop screen looks like with my Touch phone connected and My Mobiler remote control activated:

This is waay cool, I can use my keyboard laptop and mouse to operate my Touch phone, transfer files, and even copy and paste between my laptop and the Touch!

This is NOT tethering, just remote control of the device to make life easier for me. It is not a violation of the Bell TOS (Terms Of Service).

In fact, you may have noticed the EVDO 'data available' icon has disappeared on the status bar to the right of the start menu on the Touch screen. That's because the Bell version of Windows Mobile disables the internet data capabilities of the phone when the device is connected and ActiveSync (or WMDC) is running. Thus, it's not possible to remote control the Touch with a remote control program like this AND use the phone internet connection at the same time.

Want to surf the net by remote control on the Touch? Forget it, you have to disconnect to surf, so no remote control to do that.

Want to type an email by remote control and send it? Yes, you can, but you have to type it (or copy and paste it), disconnect the USB cable, then send it.

Still, it does allow you to use your laptop keyboard and mouse to compose your prose.

One other note: this can also be done without the USB cable using Bluetooth, but I prefer the cable approach because

• the data link is much faster
• the phone is charged by the USB connection
• Bluetooth is fussy at times, with connection problems
• USB cable is more secure

If you're interested in a commercial remote control application, consider Pocket Controller Pro, a fully featured remote control application for Windows Mobile devices (pictured right).

NEXT: Tethering the Touch phone and using it as a modem for your laptop