Remote Power On for Macbook (or Mini)?

[Sesshi]

I'm trying to figure out a way to power on/off a Mac Mini or a Macbook via (IR) remote control. Possible?

 

[dansgil]

No, this is not possible, however you can put the Mac to sleep (hold down play button) and wake it up with the remote.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sesshi]

Huh. You learn something new every day. More or less exactly what I wanted - thanks very much! 😀

(and I cannot quite believe that I never discovered this myself, the number of times I've used the remote... 😱 )

 

[poppe]

I just wish we could get the Apple comps to not us IR and more radio signals, like some remotes or garage doors or something... just personal pref..

 

[Sesshi]

I prefer IR. Means I can integrate Front Row usage into a learning remote.

 

[poppe]

I prefer IR. Means I can integrate Front Row usage into a learning remote.

Oh very true...

The problem for me is IR just never works properly unless directly putting at the IR reciever. I would like to be able to have in my bed and just click putting at the wall, the cieling, or what ever.

 

[dansgil]

Oh very true...

The problem for me is IR just never works properly unless directly putting at the IR reciever. I would like to be able to have in my bed and just click putting at the wall, the cieling, or what ever.

I think the reason Apple chose to use IR, as opposed to bluetooth, or some other kind of RF is to save battery life of the remote, and the computer (obviously not a concern for the mini or iMac). I'm glad Apple chose IR.

 

[Killyp]

The IR signals bounce round my room no problems. I can point the remote anywhere and my MBP will almost always pick up the signals...

 

[drummerbooker14]

shouldn't you be able to write a UNIX command to do that

 

[poppe]

shouldn't you be able to write a UNIX command to do that

For it to bounce around the room or for it to pick up Radio signals like a garage door?

 

[CoMpX]

For it to bounce around the room or for it to pick up Radio signals like a garage door?

I think drummerbooker14 meant to power the computer on or off.

 

[launter]

Just as an update to this thread (even though its years old) because I was thinking about it for quite a while and couldnt find the information on google. It is possible. I've recently done it. Just so I can save getting up from the couch !!

Basically I downloaded Smart sleep and set the Mac mini to hibernate when being put to sleep. Then I set the Mac to reboot on power loss. I also attached the Mac mini to an infrared plug power down.

I use the harmony remote which first puts the mac to hibernate, then turns off the plug socket. When I want to power back on I just turn the socket on and it reboots.

Power on and off without risk of data loss