Splashtop August 17, 2011
Remotely control your PC or MAC with your iPad wirelessly. Rove the classroom during your lesson to control your SMART board from the back of the room. Too good to be true?
Well, yes this App of the Week is true but just for a limited time. Let me clarify, this is the first app I have written about that costs money. The good news is this app is only $4.99, but this price is only for a limited time. I don’t know how long it will be at this reduced cost, so I am posting this after just learning about this app so you don’t miss out. This app is available for iOS, Android and Windows devices.
Who could use Splashtop? Anyone who presents with their MAC or PC through a projector. Anyone who uses an interactive white board (any brand). Anyone who needs to access files and programs on their MAC or PC during a meeting. If you fit into one of these groups read on.
I came across Splashtop Remote Desktop for iPad while reading the EDCompass newsletter from SMART. I read about Glenn Cermark of Central Dauphin SC in PA using Splashtop to connect classroom iPads to his PC which is connected to the SMART board. You can read the entire article here: Edcompass Newsletter
There are two pieces of software involved to make Splashtop work. First, you need the Splashtop App installed on your mobile device(currently $4.99) Second you need the free Splashtop Streamer installed on your desktop. (MAC & PC compatible) You set a password to provide a secure connection and you’re ready to launch the app on your mobile device. NOTE: A wireless network is required so the mobile device can connect to the desktop. There’s an option to connect to your desktop when outside your network using your g-mail account. I have not tested this, and plan to discuss security with our technicians. I will test this later this week and post an update to this article. Update: I tested the connection from home and noticed that this feature is in beta (which means they are testing it, and it is free for only a limited time)
I tested this on a first gen iPad and liked the quality of the image and quick response to my touch. I could still use the iPad pinch controls to zoom in when navigating small detailed features on my desktop. I launched the SMART board software and easily annotated. I believe this creates direct competition for the wireless tablets the white board companies sell. For a price comparable to an iPad a teacher can annotate while moving around the classroom. The benefit is what one sees on the device in his/her hand. (not to mention that the mobile device can do much more) White board wireless tablets don’t display anything. Many teachers are reluctant because they are forced to look at the projected screen for the image while using a stylus on the device in their hand. While using Splashtop on a mobile device the image is displayed on the device, and through the projection.
You don’t have to take my word for it. The Splashtop Remote Desktop for iPad rated #1 iPad app in the US for June 2011. Find out for yourself and learn about other apps Splashtop has to offer. http://www.splashtop.com/
To receive connections using Splashtop Remote Desktop app, your computer needs to have:
• Windows 7, Vista, XP, or Mac OS X 10.6+
• 1 GB of RAM
• 1.6 GHz or faster dual-core CPU
• 1 GB of RAM
• 1.6 GHz or faster dual-core CPU
Splashtop Remote Desktop app works on:
• iPad - all versions
• iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS - with iOS 3.2 or later
• iPod touch - 3rd generation or later with iOS 3.2 or later
• Android phone & tablet - Android 2.2 (Froyo) or later is recommended
• HP Palm Pre 2 & Pre Plus phones – with webOS 2.1
• iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS - with iOS 3.2 or later
• iPod touch - 3rd generation or later with iOS 3.2 or later
• Android phone & tablet - Android 2.2 (Froyo) or later is recommended
• HP Palm Pre 2 & Pre Plus phones – with webOS 2.1
You also need a Wi-Fi connection for your tablet or phone.