Dedicated remotes should be thing of the past. I agree with the below article although it's aimed at the iTouch/iPhone.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817...079TX1K0000585

But how far are we from replacing the universal remote with our tablets? For controlling network enabled devices, it's possible, Sonata, Maestro Mini and others.

What's missing for the tablets to replace all current remotes are two things, a reasonably priced IR blaster than can be controlled via the network and of course the remote application and remote code database for the tablets.

Last I looked for a network controlled IR blaster, it was between 100 and 200 dollars. Anybody know of something under $100?

Remote codes are widely available http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin...nto&db=devices so that's a matter of translating an existing format into something the tablet understands.

Some universal remotes sell for a price similar to the tablets. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmo...5469936&sr=8-9

Am I missing any pieces to make this a reality? A universal remote that also happens to browse the web, check your email and chat?

Frank