Best way to Configure a Mini for HTPC

[dmblue]

Hey guys,

Can you guys share some of your best tricks and tweaks to configure a Mac Mini for a HTPC.

I have mine setup, but usually I will get System Update popups, and more stuff that interupts the HTPC software (XBMC). I thought that XBMC would prevent anything from popping up while I am watching a movie, but most of the times it doesnt.

Also I dont have a KB or Mouse hooked up so it makes it a real P.I.T.A when I have to do this.

Any tips?

 

[waw74]

Remote buddy. Will let you custom map the apple remote to any program. You can also use a wii-mote. With the wii-mote and a couple of IR light sources. You can use it as a mouse

Teleport - lets you shift your mouse/keyboard to a second Mac. So you're sitting on your couch on the laptop, you slide the mouse off the right side of the screen, and you're then controlling your mini. Works like a dual monitor setup, but with 2 separate computers.

Also the built in OS X screen sharing, will let you git rid of the pop-ups without having to plug stuff into the mini.

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Sorry, I normally would give links, but I'm on my iPad at work right now. A google search for the programs should sort you out.

 

[marzer]

Hey guys,

Can you guys share some of your best tricks and tweaks to configure a Mac Mini for a HTPC.

I have mine setup, but usually I will get System Update popups, and more stuff that interupts the HTPC software (XBMC). I thought that XBMC would prevent anything from popping up while I am watching a movie, but most of the times it doesnt.

Also I dont have a KB or Mouse hooked up so it makes it a real P.I.T.A when I have to do this.

Any tips?

Remote HD will give you a virtual keyboard and trackpad on an iPad or iPhone. And i'm pretty sure you can set system updates to not check automatically.

 

[tbobmccoy]

I really like Rowmote Pro. It's a 5 buck universal app for the iPad/iPhone I've used to turn my MBA into a great HTPC when I'm at home. Full functionality of a normal touchpad, with multitouch etc. as well as drop down windows for your dock, settings, etc. It's a great app; highly recommended for an HTPC setup.

 

[Supra Mac]

I really like Rowmote Pro. It's a 5 buck universal app for the iPad/iPhone I've used to turn my MBA into a great HTPC when I'm at home. Full functionality of a normal touchpad, with multitouch etc. as well as drop down windows for your dock, settings, etc. It's a great app; highly recommended for an HTPC setup.

After reading your recommendation I figured I would give this a shot. Glad I did as I have a Mac Mini as a HTPC. This app delivers, also can sleep/wake. Thanks for posting.

 

[tbobmccoy]

After reading your recommendation I figured I would give this a shot. Glad I did as I have a Mac Mini as a HTPC. This app delivers, also can sleep/wake. Thanks for posting.

I really like it a lot; glad it helped! I didn't know about the sleep/wake feature though... That'll be really useful when I get a dedicated Mac mini for my own set-up. Just have to save up a few hundred bucks... 🙂