Apex Controller

I've been thinking of getting an Apex Jr, but my tank is downstairs and my computer is upstairs , I don't own a laptop or iPad. It seems from what little I know about an Apex if its not hooked up to your computer you're missing out on most of what a controller can do. I'm I right or not and can I somehow work around not having a computer anywhere near my tank? To be honest I find the Apex to be rather intimidating