Best way to control HTPC mini from laptop?

[macdot]

I have a Mac mini setup with my HDTV and I primarily use a laptop. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to control the mini from the laptop with/without the TV on?

I am using Teleport right now, but that requires that the HDTV be on so that I can see what's happening with the screen.

Is there a Teleport-like device that will allow me to see the screen on the laptop? This sounds like VNC, but I know so little about that, I'm not sure. If it is VNC, what's the absolute simplest (and free) VNC setup?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[rgarjr]

depends on what type of laptop you have, is it an Apple? You can use Screen Sharing to see your mini.

Or if you have a Windows lappie, you can use VNC.

 

[macdot]

depends on what type of laptop you have, is it an Apple? You can use Screen Sharing to see your mini.

Or if you have a Windows lappie, you can use VNC.

My laptop is a Mac. Doesn't screen sharing require the target computer to accept the session though?

 

[rgarjr]

It will take you thru just fine. That's how I access my mini.

 

[macdot]

Awesome--that's different than the last time I tried using it a while ago.

Related question: Can I setup the mini (connected to the TV) as remote speakers for iTunes based off my laptop? I know I can use screen sharing to play iTunes on the mini, but it would be much less of a headache to just use iTunes on the laptop and have it stream to the mini's speakers like AirTunes.