Scaleo E remote control problem

[Homey]

I just (a couple of days ago) got a Scaleo E and am having a couple of problems with it!

The remote control seems to have a pretty pathetic range - around 6ft at best! I've changed the batteries but it seems to make no difference at all. Is this normal? Can I do anything to improve it and if not, can I get a better remote that works with the Scaleo?

Also, I'm having a curious problem with my monitor and a VGA cable. My monitor uses a 1440 X 900 resolution. This is fine with a normal 1.5m VGA cable but if I use a longer cable, say 3m, then that resolution choice simply dissappears from the monitor resolution list and I have to choose something far lower. I've never seen this before and it happens when my Dell is connected using the same long cable and the same monitor!

Anyone have any ideas?