Apple heeds my advice…
Just kidding, but check out this MacNN article about an interesting patent application from March 2006 for a multifunction device that does everything you could want from a handheld by switching virtual UIs.
Early this year I wrote a piece that talked about the iPod as a total entertainment convergence device that operates even as a remote control for larger, stationary media system.
This patent shows Apple is clearly headed in that direction.
This powerful patent covers the following topics: Touch Screen, Touch Sensitive Housing, Display Actuator, Multi-Functionality, Form Factor, One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Operation, Footprint/Size, Full Screen Display, Limited Number of Mechanical Actuators, Adaptability, GUI Based on Functionality, Switching Between Devices (GUI), Operating at Least Two Functionalities Simultaneously, Configurable GUI (User Preferences), Input Devices, Pressure or Force Sensing Devices, Force Sensitive Housing, Motion Actuated Input Device, Mechanical Actuators, Microphone, Image Sensor, Touch Gestures, 3-D Spatial Gestures, Perform Action Based on Multiple Inputs, Differentiating Between Light and Hard Touches, Example of a New Touch Vocabulary, Speaker, Audio/Tactile Feedback Devices, Communication Devices (wired & wireless) and Change UI Based on Received Communication Signals.
I don’t see remote control explicitly defined there, but it is definitely covered.