When remotes rule the world

Maybe we're crazy for asking this this, but does anyone really need a remote for a portable music device? That seems about as necessary as a separate handset for a mobile phone.

Apparently somebody thinks it's a good idea, such as the people at Advanced Technetix who are marketing their "Visual Remote" with a backlit screen that controls your iPod "without removing it from your bag or pocket," according to Krunker.com. We're going to wait for the remote for this remote.

(Photo: Krunker.com)

[Mark Everitt]

I think it's a good idea!

Back when I had a sony walkman I used to enjoy the remote with display. In fact
this is the one annoyance with my 3G iPod. I've been crying out for this for ages!
Funnily enough for exactly the reason this company gives. I don't want to take
my iPod out of my bag, and I don't want to wear it on my hip. I can attach this
remote to the tassle on my rucksack and toggle it from there. Brilliant.

[min.darren]

This IS handy!

I personally would love to put my *expensive* music device AWAY and still be able to control it AND enjoy the benefits of the display. Items like these may seem "silly" at first, but which would you rather handle if the weather is bad or if you cary your music player inside those little pouches that are in bookbags these days for your cd player? I'd rather have a remote and leave the device secured and put away.