While the iPad has long been a device that can operate almost completely on its own if you have the right apps downloaded for it, there are uses for a laptop or desktop computer that the iPad simply cannot do. One of the main deficiencies of the iPad is that there is no flash support, nor does it appear that Apple has any real desire to add that kind of support any time soon. Because of this there have been quite a few attempts to get around this by putting out browsers that can work around Apple’s feud with Adobe but there may not be a better work around than the Splashtop Remote Desktop app.
With the Splashtop you can literally link to any computer that has the Splashtop software downloaded as long as that computer is outfitted with the software and is on the same Wi-Fi network. By linking up the two devices you can surf the exact same browser as you would on the PC and this provides the perfect workout for browsing to sites such as Hulu where you can watch the videos that would be impossible using just the iPad.
When you first set up the Splashtop, you will need to find your computer on the network and once it is found; you will have to enter a password that you designated on your PC or laptop’s version of the software. There are known to be a few glitches with this and it might take a few tries once in a while, but once you have the connection there is little lag. The picture and colors on the iPad using the Splashtop can be set to be as limited as you want, or they can be as rich and detailed as the iPad allows. There can be some problems however if you don’t just allow the app to “go native” and select the resolution that works best for it.
Perhaps the neatest thing about this particular link up is that you do not lose control of the PC when you are using Splashtop. You can still work on the PC if you want, though if someone gets a hold of the iPad at the same time, you will be superseded in the control. Of course, if there is a drawback to the Splashtop app, it is that the iPad and the computers must be on the same Wi-Fi network in order to work. This means that while you can access the computer from the iPad around the house, accessing from the office still isn’t a choice. Though it does appear that Splashtop is working on adding the ability to connect through the internet as they have begun working with Gmail in order to set up some sort of connection.
The Splashtop is certainly not going to be perfect for business users who want to access their computer with their iPad from long distances, but on the other hand, while most of the other apps like this are costing somewhere in the $20 range, Splashtop costs just $2.99 making this easily the most affordable of the bunch.
App Store: $2.99
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