HTPC Remote Possibilities

19. VL System M·Play 202: Full Functionality Only For MCE 2005

M·Play 202 Retail box

Now that we've had this product in-house for several months, we remain convinced that the M·Play 202 isn't just a good add-on for Windows MCE installations - it's for normal XP versions as well. Nevertheless, you'll still be able to make best use of this product if you do run Windows MCE.

The M·Play 202 hooks up to your PC quite simply through an unused USB port; the software that's bundled with the product takes care of everything else. By adding plug-ins, which you can download easily from the Internet, you can add a never-ending set of new display and remote control functions to your setup. The remote control looks oversized, but fits nicely in the hand, and the button layout is well-designed and easy to use. Various function buttons are grouped together intelligently to prevent users from having to jump about all over the remote when entering key sequences. Unless you start operating the remote with both hands, button organization doesn't have much impact otherwise.

With a multi-function remote control

What's inside the box