Hi Control device recommendations

[ArtMonkey]

Hello I think I posted this question in the wrong place, so I am trying again here.
Hello, I have a HiMedia Q10 Pro. I have just found out about the HiControl app. Right now I am using a Rii mini i8 which drives me absolutely crazy, especially trying to scroll horizontally which does not work at all. Unfortuantely all of my devices are Apple and as I understand it, the HiControl app does not work with with Mac ios. So, I am looking for a cheap android device to be able to control my box. Can anyone recommend the best and hopefully cheapest android device to use for HiControl? I will only be using it for this one app.
Thank you.

[Mount81]

Cheap Android smartphone (some Chinese i.e.), for the remote functions, if you want "more" than get a bigger screen tablet.

I have a Lenovo Tab3 A7-10F Tablet, it works well with HiControll, but I've found the device itself too big and too heavy for everyday use.  Maybe a smaller smartphone will do better, but I rather use an airmouse in general. It's also a  bit confusing to operate and watch 2 screens with identical content at the same time. IMO.

[maelor]

I have a history with these devices!!

Firstly I had an Rii mini i8 but, like you, I found it impossible to use  . I confined it to a cupboard.
So I bought an Rii i6 which was not much better! I soon abandoned that one also.
Then I bought an Rii MX3, but the corners dig into you palm so it's painful to use  !. Another one abandoned.

I now have an Rii mini i25 airmouse. It's not 100% perfect but it's the best so far. It has rounded corners  .

I agree with Mount81. Apps on phones or tablets are not the best way to control any media box!

[ArtMonkey]

Thank you for youor responses. One more question - does the android device need bluetooth or does the HiControl use wifi?

[Mount81]

It uses the Wi-Fi.

[Phil181]

another option for full app control (that is not handled well by the standard remote) is to simply use a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard.
The Logitech models with built-in touchpads (K400 and K830) work well and could be a better input solution for you.

[maelor]

another option for full app control (that is not handled well by the standard remote) is to simply use a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard.
The Logitech models with built-in touchpads (K400 and K830) work well and could be a better input solution for you.

I forgot to mention that, as well as all of those remotes I mentioned above, I also bought a Logitech K400 plus. It's far too big to use if you are just sitting on the couch to watch a movie!

[Mount81]

Agree, for everyday and mostly Home Theater purposes it's not comfortable (I have a Microsoft All-in-one). Rather an airmouse as advised before.  But for net browsing, managing and controlling other Android apps beside a mini keyboard with touchpad such as that can be also handy. Best to have both of them for different purposes. But for simply controlling the HiMedia Player, i guess a smart phone with HiControl can be also comfy enough.  KODI and it's library is another case, I have found it the mostly controllable with the Airmouse's basic buttons (no need for the extra mouse function in this case). 

[ArtMonkey]

[Mount81]

For scrolling in a browser, the directional buttons of the keyboard or any other remote, airmouse will work. For Android apps "sliding" an airmouse will do better job, than the touchpad.

[ArtMonkey]

[Mount81]

iweipoo Gt01 -> All buttons are IR programmable, backlight, microphone. Works in both 2.4Ghz  and IR only mode. Rather a bit small keyboard buttons.
MX 3 -> 5 buttons are IR programmable, has a backlight version
Melee F10 Deluxe-> Couple of IR programmable buttons (there's a profil switch that multiplies them to x3), rechargeable built-in battery. (Avoid the blue-circled F10 Pro, it has issues on various systems).
Rii i25 mini-> the orange buttons are IR programmable, rechargeable built-in battery

The usability and the precision of the airmouse (pointer) function may vary.  Have only experience with the Gt01, for me it's good enough.

[maelor]

iweipoo Gt01 -> All buttons are IR programmable, backlight, microphone. Works in both 2.4Ghz  and IR only mode. Rather a bit small keyboard buttons.
MX 3 -> 5 buttons are IR programmable, has a backlight version
Melee F10 Deluxe-> Couple of IR programmable buttons (there's a profil switch that multiplies them to x3), rechargeable built-in battery. (Avoid the blue-circled F10 Pro, it has issues on various systems).
Rii i25 mini-> the orange buttons are IR programmable, rechargeable built-in battery

You've given the specs but you haven't mentioned how comfortable the device is not use. For me that's important!
As I've said above I've tried several of the Rii devices and the ONLY one which is comfortable is the Rii i25. It's light and comfortable, it has curved corners which don't dig into you hands and it's rechargeable. But I've just checked on Amazon and the English language QWERTY version is "Currently unavailable"  !

[Mount81]

Comfortability is another -subjectively varying- question. I have bigger hands so the Gt01 is fine for me, tho' it may seem the least ergonomic, it fits and works well enough. The i25 looks and may feel even better, but it has far less more programmable buttons, which is the most prior to me.

[ArtMonkey]

Thank you, once again, for all of your help.
I am now looking into those devices, and will let you know how it goes.