Remote Desktop Apps

Remote Desktop Apps

The following apps will allow you to access your computer remotely. If you need a file or forgot to hit send on an email, these apps will solve that. They vary in price and functionality, but all accomplish the same task of teleporting your computer screen directly to your iPhone. All the apps work whether you are on wi-fi or 3G. Some use VNC servers so if you don’t have a Mac you will need to download a VNC server, such as TightVNC.

Screens

By Edovia Inc.

Screens is by the far the best implementation of a remote desktop app. Configuring this app is as simple as naming your computer and downloading a plug-in from http://edovia.com/screens if you want to remote in when you are not on your local network . The app’s price, functionality, and ease of setup make it the best choice. Screens takes remote desk-toping to a new level with a beautiful user interface, quick shortcut keys to spotlight, function keys, astonishingly fast performance on local networks, as well as 3G, tap to click, and a plethora of other features. This is a must have for anyone looking for a remote desktop solution.

Price: $19.99

iTeleport: Jaadu VNC for iPhone / iPad

By iTeleport LLC

This is another great solution for a remote desktop client. However, I would recommend Screens for anyone with a Mac. iTeleport is great for Windows users, even though it does use VNC, so if you are a Windows user you will need to download a VNC Server. There are a bunch of different free options out there. TightVNC is what I use, but any VNC server will work. iTeleport is really easy to set up and utilizes your GMail account for your authentication credentials (if you don’t have a GMail account you will need one, just go to gmail.com to sign up for free). The app’s performance, functionality and interface are top notch, including features such as touchscreen mode (tap to click) and rotation lock. Both this app and Screens handle high resolution screens very well. I tested on a 27” iMac at 2560×1440 with no issues. A solid purchase, but in the end if you have a Mac I would recommend purchasing Screens and using the extra $5 you would save to buy a Tall Caramel Frap from Starbucks!

Price: $24.99

Mocha VNC

By MochaSoft

This is a great application for a network savvy guy/gal on a budget. It comes in a lite version if you want to try it out first. It has all the basic remote desktop tools, but nothing fancy. It is a $4.99 Remote Desktop App and you get what you pay for. If you just want something for your local network this might be the way to go, but if you want to use it on 3G or an outside wi-fi network you will need to know how to access the settings on your router and enable port-forwarding, which is a laborious task if you don’t know what you are doing. Also, this runs off a VNC server, so if you have a Windows box you will need a VNC server installed, such as TightVNC or the like.

Price: $29.99

iTap RDP (Remote Desktop for Windows)

By HLW

I am not a huge fan of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) because of the fact that only one user can be controlling the computer. So, you can’t help someone fix a problem by logging in remotely because they won’t be able to see what you are doing. With that being said, any Windows users not wanting to install a VNC server on their computer can use this. It has the basic functionalities of a remote desktop client, but I would recommend installing a VNC server and ditching RDP all together. Still, this is a decent solution, and at $12 you aren’t breaking the bank if you hate it.

Price: $11.99

WinAdmin, Remote Desktop

By Carter Harrison, LLC

Another decent alternative for RDP. Nothing to really write home about, you can do basic functionality and log in into computers and servers. Nothing else is too ground-breaking about this app other than the fact that it is only $7.99. Again, if you have the ability, I would highly suggest installing a VNC server and using Screens or iTeleport.

Price: $7.99