When you consider the plethora of remote desktop apps available, it becomes evident that the iPad can serve as a powerful business and productivity tool. However, these apps are only truly useful if they meet the performance needs of most users.
Amongst the numerous remote desktop apps available, Splashtop Remote Desktop is one that stands out because of its reasonable introductory price ($6.99) and claims to be the first to provide full video and audio support. Additionally, if you’re not finding the iWork suite or comparable iPad office suites sufficient, Splashtop will allow you to fully utilize your Microsoft Office suite applications remotely while taking advantage of the iPad’s 1024 x 768 native resolution.
Already own a word processing suite? This could save you from an iWork purchase.
If you’re addicted to Flash-based games like Bejeweled and Farmville, Splashtop allows you to access them on your iPad. This app is also wonderful because it allows for access to all of your media stored on your PC (using Windows XP, Vista or 7--although it is important to note that there are some multimedia limitations if you’re using XP) while on the go, so you can get the perks of the desktop world while enjoying the compact nature of the iPad.
For the less technically savvy, Splashtop is also a strong solution because it does not require the technical knowledge necessary to run many similar VNC apps. All you need to do is download the desktop app on your home PC and be within range of a WiFi network on your iPad and you’re ready to go!
Running more complex, native PC software is now doable on the iPad.
So how does it measure up to its claims? Fairly well. Although performance is limited by the iPad’s processing power, it is decent and matches up against more expensive competitor apps. We were pleased with the performance while using it to run and edit documents in Microsoft Office Suite. Flash media played at a decent rate and the app allowed us to control the sharpness and clarity of the content. The app lagged as one would expect when attempting to run programs requiring tremendous processing power--such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator--but that’s to be expected.
While the gestures are useful and there’s support for the iPad keyboard, there are a few flaws in the navigation aspect of the app. For example, you cannot switch between various computers without completely quitting and restarting the app to log into a new machine, nor can you access the gestures screen without exiting and restarting the app. This creates a bit of a learning curve, but nothing significant enough to discourage use of the app.
Furthermore, you may find it frustrating that there’s no support for keyboard shortcuts like you’d expect to be able to use while accessing a PC. And unfortunately for OS X users, this app is not a solution since OS X support is not provided.
While unworthy of a stellar 4-star rating, this app gets 3 stars because of its functionality and tested stability, despite a few setbacks as mentioned above. For those of you looking for a remote desktop app that’s friendly to use and affordable and are willing to accept the minor interface flaws, Splashtop Remote Desktop is one that’s likely to satisfy you. We also believe that with a bit of fine-tuning, this app can go from good to stellar with future revisions.
4 Comments
I hardly ever boot to Windows 7 since I switched to Mac this year...actually I can't stand even using the slow buggy crappy Windows OSs anymore.
May have bought, but no OSX support is a definite no
Have purchased PC with Windows 7.
What a huge difference after month of suffering with Mac.
Have thrown my MAC computer to garbage and no one even flipped over to have a look.
I purchased Splashtop, and it does work well. BUT it is not a REMOTE desktop since it only works on the same network as your computer. I don't see the point.
Splashtop Remote Desktop is a reasonably priced and easy to use app. One concern is that the remote connection relies on an excellent Internet signal to run, not always available when on the go. However, the fact that Flash games can be played on the iPad with the help of this app will be a draw for many people.
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