After the complexities of adding CDs, constructing a jukebox database, and designing the jukebox server, it comes as a pleasant surprise to learn that the remote control is actually extremely simple. All that's needed is an ordinary web browser with wireless access.

I find that the most convenient size for a remote control is bigger than a PDA and smaller than a laptop. The ideal screen size is about 8 inches (20 cm). There are a limited number of devices, designed for use as super-PDAs, that feature 8-inch touch screens. Unfortunately they're not cheap. I'm hoping that technological progress will result in more such devices becoming available at lower prices.

The two devices we've used are the Mobinote (also known as the EZ-PC) (below, left) and the Psion Netbook Pro (below, right).

Either of these units makes a satisfactory remote control. The Psion is undoubtedly better designed and constructed, and has the advantage of a keyboard. But it's a lot more expensive.

With such a big screen it's not surprising that battery life is an issue. Fortunately it's perfectly acceptable here to have the remote control plugged into the power supply most of the time. When away from the power supply, we prefer not to switch the device off, because when you switch it back on, although the screen comes on instantly, the WiFi link takes a few seconds to re-establish itself. Also it's not a good idea to let the battery run down completely because the unit then loses its settings and has to be reconfigured.

Despite the battery issue, in normal use everyone seems to be happy with the remote control. The advantages of being able to browse the music collection instead of rummaging through stacks of CDs far outweigh the minor inconveniences of a short battery life.

No special software is required in the remote control. Both the devices described above have Microsoft Internet Explorer, versions 5.5 (Mobinote) and 6.0 (Psion), which have support for the Cascading Style Sheets and Javascript used by jukebox pages.

Internet Explorer is configured so that it starts up at the jukebox start page, http://jukebox/. With that done, the functionality of the remote control is all down to the jukebox database and the associated CGI programs.

Like many web sites, the jukebox remote control starts with a Home page. Links on the home page and other pages are identifiable as blue underlined text. Each link causes new information to be displayed. There are also grey buttons that operate the player. Links and buttons can be operated with the stylus, or failing that, with a carefully-aimed fingernail.

For hands-on experience of the remote control try the simulator.