VNC will work over any network connection. My Zaurus has the ability to use the USB cable like a network cable. I'm using the realvnc client on the Zaurus, and the server on the computer. I think VNC runs on pretty much every platform but Macs. For example, if you have a pocket pc you can use this.

I'm still investigating the noise issue. My next experiment will be to setup an ad-hoc wireless connection between the Zaurus and the computer. If the USB cable is the source of the problem, then this should fix it.