[irjustin]

Previously we were giving our old laptops to friends with kids. Now our kids use our old Macbook air to learn to type and other learning programs.

My old MBP runs our 2010 "smart" TV via HDMI. It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works. And man, that thing still heats up like a mofo even when only running a browser, jeez.

[JoshTriplett]

> It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works.

If you're running on a computer rather than a locked-down device, why do you see ads at all?

Also, you've probably already considered this, but a wireless keyboard/mouse would nicely complete a living-room computer.

[jay_kyburz]

I bet if you look in the app store there is something in there that will let you use your phone as a media remote.

[Sindrehan]

I use Unified Remote (https://www.unifiedremote.com/) for this, works great.

[yurishimo]

Glad to see this app is still kicking. I used it a decade ago in college to control my PC while laying in bed and watching movies.

[mdrzn]

I agree with this sentiment, I also purchased the pro version and it's the only app I ever bought.

It just works.

[dublinben]

Treat yourself to a wireless keyboard + mouse. There’s a popular Logitech one for $30. You won’t have to get up to change the movie any more.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-...

[pnutjam]

These are great, but beware if you have little kids. Those keys pull of and get lost very easily.

[oarsinsync]

I used something like this with my computer and xbmc back in the day. I had a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for situations where the remote control was less helpful, but this covered 99% of the requirements quite nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp...