Headless mac mini control options

It will be a disaster and totally against the ethos of what the streaming solution is all about, convenience and ease of use. Trying to finger around on an ipad surface a screen share to another mac to pick music will just ache of teribblness.

If armarra is unable to be used properly as part of the control option then it should be discarded. I think there is another option that will switch output for the mac automatically for like 4 quid.

Hi Gary

It might be my mistake, because I've just had a quick play with it for a few minutes while wolfing down my lunch. The Remote App on my ipad was really good and I can use Amarra to play back by this means but I can't get it ( Amarra ) to work independently of iTunes.  I suppose if all else fails I could just play Amarra controlled by iTunes via Remote but I thought there might be a better solution.

I do like the ipad and am quite happy to use it but the limitation I mentioned above gave me pause for thought. The Splashtop seems quite good and it wasn't really the experience of the interface that put me off, it but the Soundflower thing that worried me a bit.

Willie

That all sounds rather complicated, I guess the question is what are you trying to achieve?

How is the mac outputting the audio for instance?

I think its 'bitperfect' available on the mac store that does what amarra does. The only useful thing that amarra can do is change digital output for you on the mac, bitperfect does this.

Everything else is just EQ settings. If you want EQ settings itunes has that anyhow.

I believe but could be wrong that bitperfect just kind of works in the background so you could use the apple remote app.

If you get on alright with screen sharing then its very easy to do. In the apple preference under remote managment turn it on and selecting computer options and turn on VNC and give it a password if you want.

Your VNC programme will then be able to control the mac screen, however it my experience on a ipad its not a very pleasant experience. 

I agree with Gary   I use itunes and bit perfect and control the mac mini with remote on my iPad and iphone and with screenshare on my macbook pro.  I have the screens VNC and occasionally use it to control my mac mini and Gary is right.  It becomes so complicated to do the littlest thing.  Trying to pick songs via this method will drive you mad.  If you really want to use Amarra if you have a mac laptop I think you are better off controlling the mini with the laptop using screenshare.

I have controlled the mini from my macbookpro using screen share up until recently. TBH I haven't found the Remote thing bad and I can let iTunes manage the library remotely with Amarra handling the playing quite successfully. It's not bad. The only thing I'd like to be able to do is have the option to control Amarra without itunes being involved. I don't suppose this is absolutely essential and for the times I'd use it I could just as easily use the laptop as you suggest.

Maybe that's the answer.

BTW I'm at home again using my "proper" ID so it is still me

Willie

Why do you need two ids?

Question:

Why does anyone run a Mac Mini as headless?

You can get a good monitor for £100 and the wireless keyboard and mouse work very nicely ...

Surely having an iPad on the table is no nicer to look at than a screen, keyboard and mouse near the Mac. And a darned sight less easy to use for those who hate touch-screens, which are far more expensive, and just a toy really if you have a proper Mac running ...

This is how I run, and there are no problems at all.

I like the idea of KISS, and the arrangement allows me to occasionally watch a DVD as well.

Simples.

ATB from George

I don't actually want two but I was at work and couldn't remember how to log on with password so I made another. Now whenever I log on from work it automatically uses that ID

Willie

Should you be loging on at work?

Does your employer know?

Would she/he be impressed?

ATB from George

Barring the difference in appearance of a monitor compared to Mac iPad, you could not imagine a less demonstrative wireless keyboard and [in my case track-pad] mouse than the efforts from MAC. 

It might be worth your while trading the iPad for a monitor that at least you can watch without propping it up and getting the very fine looking keyboard and mouse from MAC. My very small living room is not spoiled by these. Far less than would be if I had a large TV screen for example.

ATB from George

George

I think there are many situations (such as mine) where you can tuck the mini on a rack or whatever and the little 6x6x3 cube fits quite well.....where as having a screen then hooked to it would be a major aesthetic challenge.  Just depends on your setup, room, rack etc.  Also you can control the mini headlessly from anywhere.  Across the room, in another room, from the jacuzzi if you had one.

*Legal disclaimer:  I use the above for illustrative purposes only.  I do not advocate using electrical devices in jacuzzis or other bodies of water

... from the jacuzzi if you had one.

I don't!

But I do have another room, or two or three. but only kitchen, bedroom and bathroom!

The music seems to work in each unless I am in the shower ...

Best wishes from George

Hi George. I have 5 mac computers in the house. I also have an iPhone, and an iPad . I use them for work and for my own leisure too. I have keyboards, mice and a trackpad. I'm not stuck for choice and I know these aren't ugly compared with most computer gear but nonetheless I'd prefer the iPad for invisibility ( only produced when needed otherwise stuck on the shelf of the coffee table ) and convenience of slobbing as I mentioned. Everyone has a different view, but this works for me. I've rapidly found there are so many options with this technology now it's mind-boggling

For more complex tasks I can just whip out a laptop and use it to control the mini completely.

I have just heard a whisper that Amarra are bringing out a remote app in the near future so that should make it easier.

Willie

One reason is that my Mini is on the other side of the room with my HiFi gear. I find it much more convenient to use a wireless device to control it.

You are correct on all these....

VNC is fine on a laptop, though.