If you decide to buy it please try also the features that are disabled in the trial version and report. Thanks.
Hi Alex,
Exactly what features would you like to know more about? The trial version is fully functional (apart from a splash screen) and the only feature that is disabled is the "desktop cloning (or mirror)". All the other features are enabled for you to test. That one is a VNC-like feature over the LAN, but you can have an idea of how it works just by trying the desktop extension feature that is enabled in the trial.
Yesterday I tried MaxiVista with MC. I detached the display in the main monitor to full display and moved all the GUI of Media Center standard view to the laptop display (secondary monitor). It worked flawlessly with some nice surprises. I'm using the "PM Lyrics 4" Track Info display that features links to last.fm and AMG (you probably know that one) for the artist, albums etc. Well, all the links opened on the laptop display, leaving the display of the main monitor (32" LCD) permanently unobstructed... very nice indeed! I was also able to browse the library, adding songs to Playing Now, rearrange the order, changing tags, pause/stop playback, adjust volume, etc. without disturbing the main display that was playing music video clips and audio music tracks. Just what I wanted!
I even moved around the apartment to other rooms (switched to wi-fi) without losing any control... something you can't do with a dual-monitor setup.
There's another feature disabled in the trial version of MaxiVista. Only one extended screen is supported (The premium versions support up to 3 monitors or 3 secondary PCs, which means 4 displays in total). Unfortunately I will not be able to try that for you, since I don't have any additional spare monitors or laptops. I will probably buy the Standard Version ($29.95).
I'm wondering whether those using a PDA with Girder to remotely control MC could also use MaxiVista over a wi-fi LAN. Not my case, anyway, so not sure if it would be easier to operate than a PDA+Girder.
Thank you.