[mdp]

Originally Posted by vdp

Thank you for the detailed instructions on using apktool!

For them to be detailed, you need at least information about re-signing:

apktool d original_app_package.apk
# do your things on code and resources... 
apktool b decoded_apk_directory -o updated_app_package.apk
jarsigner -sigalg SHA1withRSA -digestalg SHA1 -keystore /your/android/apk/keystore/somekey.keystore updated_app_package.apk somealias

The "sigalg" and "digestalg" for the signing command `jarsigner` have recently become mandatory (lacking that notion already may waste a lot of your time).

Originally Posted by vdp

learning about Android's VM will probably require as much or greater time/effort "investment" as figuring out how to compile the app, anyway

But that is knowledge that can be exported to any Android app, and (note) not just those of which you have source code. As mentioned, suppose e.g. - really, just as an example that you could meet in the future - you only wanted to change the hardcoded compression parameters in bVNC... You should have an idea sufficient to orient yourself, a working knowledge. And, it is a backup strategy in case you have difficulties the other, more canonical way.

Originally Posted by vdp

I've been using @hawhill's setup, w/ Xvnc + x2vnc

This is precious, I'll try that. For quick reference, as you know, I have been mostly using x11vnc as a server.

Originally Posted by vdp

lists the interface as 12 megabit per second(if Mb actually means megabit that is)

Interesting, because that is a USB1.1 while I swear that somewhere else the interface of the MaxCarta is listed as a USB2. In that case (USB1.1), that 12 is megabit/s. Note that USB2 would be nominal 480Mbit/s. This would explain a lot. I would say that experiencing interface crashes on the Onyx is still possible at that speed - speed that would probably be enough for good VNC experience btw.

Originally Posted by vdp

Has anyone tried the xrdp server with an onyx device yet

I checked that, though not fully - preliminary investigation showed that it would still use VNC under the hood, though probably not necessarily (see: «Xrdp uses Xvnc or X11rdp to manage the X session» at www.xrdp.org). The advantage of RDP is that (is /when/) it does not just dump "images" (partial screenshots of the updated areas) in the network...

Edit/Addendum:

Originally Posted by vdp

Have you tried to use the WiFi instead- they claim to support 802.11n, so the bandwidth should be much higher than 12Mb/s?

I have not tried - WiFi should use more energy than cable (I do not have the numbers), and battery should be a concern... But your suggestion opens to interesting caveats:
-- 802.11b means ~6 Mbit/s, which is halfish USB1.1 (I read it also conflicts with BlueTooth in the radio ranges, interesting);
-- 802.11g should mean a very variable rate, which can reach 20Mbit/s or 30Mbit/s, and should be good for the purpose (it should be the target, sought of bandwidth);
-- 802.11n: double the above.
You can get either half the USB connection or double or more...