Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Freemote?

A. Freemote, the first ever Remote Control for the PC, is an integrated and packaged duplicate set of controls for an industry-standard computer. It is a sleekly designed slim box with an on/off switch, operating lights, USB ports, mic & headphone jacks and an optical drive across one edge. Once Freemote has been connected to the PC, its controls activate the computer in the same way as the controls on the computer case do.

 

Q. Where is the PC?

A. The PC is hidden inside the dead space of the desk out of sight or in a nearby storage area. Freemote works up to 20m away from the PC, and a single RJ45 cable connects PC and Freemote so it's very simple and attractive to run the PC remotely.

 

Q. What PC can be used?

A. Any modern PC can be used with the Freemote technology. All that the PC needs is a spare PCI slot inside the PC (not PCI Express).

 

Q. Can I use my own PC?

A. Yes, it is possible to use your own PC or source your own PC - all we request is that they have a spare PCI slot and fit in the allocated space inside the desk.

 

Q. How does it work?

A. Freemote allows the PC and all the cables to be hidden up to 20 metres away without compromising PC functionality. The PC is hidden within the void space of a desk or in a nearby storage area, and then is connected by a RJ45 cable to Freemote. Freemote is a slim unit which duplicates all the functions of the PC - on/off switch, operating lights, USB ports, headset and mic ports and CD/DVD drive – and puts them in the worksurface right at the user's fingertips.

 

Q. What does the sound system do?

A. The sound system allows provision of a full multimedia system without having to add cables and boxes in the shape of speakers and a sub-woofer. Sound systems are supplied as standard on home models but are optional extras in the education, business and hotel sectors.

 

Q. Can my product be upgraded?

A. Yes, our products are fully upgradeable. It is a quick and easy process to upgrade the PC - simply remove the PCI card from the old PC and replace it in the new PC and plug the RJ45 cable back in!

 

Q. What can I plug into Freemote?

A. You can plug all the peripherals into Freemote in the same way you would your PC, as long as they would normally plug into a USB port, headphone or mic port or the CD/DVD drive. Printers and other large peripherals can either be plugged into the Freemote or, if preferred, can be plugged into the USB port on the PC.

 

Q. Why is this better than having the PC locked in a cabinet / cupboard?

A. Accessibility of controls. Everyone realises the computer and all its wires are unattractive, and there are a lot of quasi-solutions out there. Locking the PC in a cupboard hides it away in a reasonably small space where it can't be seen, damaged or stolen - but how can you turn it on, or plug in a USB stick or play an optical disk? With no duplicated controls, the PC would need to be continuously accessed. This results in an un-ergonomic solution, involving a lot of bending, reaching and irritating fiddling about. With the Freemote, the controls are at the user's fingertips.

 

Q. Why is this better than having the PC on a sliding bracket under the desk?

A. The wires from the PC still hang out the back and cause problems as the PC needs to be constantly pulled back and forth. Leg space is taken up by the PC and there is a risk of knocking yourself against it, causing injury. The PC is still invading your space, and it can still be damaged and stolen.

 

Q. Why is this better than having an integrated IT desk?

A. Integrated IT desks use proprietary PCs, or components broken apart and spread throughout the desk. This means the computers have to be bought solely through that agent, along with the desk and are difficult to repair, modify and upgrade. Freemote works with industry-standard PCs in their original casing. This means either the desk or the PC can be upgraded, changed or disposed off without affecting the other.