I'd like to pick up an older (not ancient) Mac Mini and set it up to connect remotely with the iPad Pro. Basically, I'd like to have it plugged in and hidden away somewhere without a monitor, and then access it remotely from the ipad pro when I need to run occasionally task the iPad Pro isn't equipped for. Is this even possible? If so, has anyone tried something similar (i.e. having a small desktop that you only use remotely through an iPad)?
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Accessing a Mac Mini remotely through iPad Pro
- Thread starter DavidLynch
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Yes. I use "Screens" to remotely control my 27" iMac. I also use Transmit to access my Mac's file system and transfer files (like a personal 'cloud' file server). Both work great.
I have a mini set up as a home server. I access it using an app called TeamViewer from my iPad (and iPhone and Android phone) with no issue.
When I set this up, it was the first app I came across that was free, so I went with it. I'm sure others have different (and probably better) suggestions.
When I set this up, it was the first app I came across that was free, so I went with it. I'm sure others have different (and probably better) suggestions.
I'm doing the same thing! I'm hearing more and more people doing our setup man. iPad pro is my main computing device while I'm gonna pick up a Mac mini I'll remote into when I need a desktop for whatever purpose. Already experimented with this app called "splash top" that works perfectly like this
Essentially, all I need is a file manager and an FTP client that I can access from the iPad Pro. I'd probably use it as an additional backup for my files as well, but it certainly doesn't need to be high end. Basically the least expensive (and preferably small) desktop I can use for this task would be ideal, so it could be Windows instead I guess (again, if this is doable).
I'd definitely rather not, but this is something I'll probably need to access a couple times a month max so I don't need a high level of performance. If I can get an older Mac Mini that would be my first choice.
I use Screens as my primary interface for my Mac Mini, which lives upstairs as my iTunes server.
Can't say that I feel the need to regularly move files around. I primarily use iCloud to share PDFs across multiple devices, but nothing more complex than that.
Can't say that I feel the need to regularly move files around. I primarily use iCloud to share PDFs across multiple devices, but nothing more complex than that.
I was using logmein but dropped them when it became a paid service
I did try teamviewr but it was not as good
checked "screens" but the iOS app is $20
Any good free alternatives ?
I did try teamviewr but it was not as good
checked "screens" but the iOS app is $20
Any good free alternatives ?
Splashtop lets you emulate a mouse somehow -- not sure exactly how, as I don't use it myself, but my partner is constantly on Splashtop, controlling his iMac and Windows machines from his iPad and sometimes even from his iPhone. The iMac screen went bonkers a few months back, so removing through the iPad is the only practical way to do anything on it. I'd never do this myself, but it seems to be working for my partner.
With Screens you just tap on the screen where you want the mouse pointer to go, and hold longer to force a click if necessary. You can also drag.
In terms of a keyboard I'm personally comfortable with the on-screen keyboard from my iPad, so that isn't a factor for me.
I wouldn't want to use my Mac intensively via Screens, but for the usage @DavidLynch is suggesting it is probably sufficient?
I have been using Screens with my iPad Air 2 and it's been working great. I have been wanting to go iPad only for a while now and this has allowed me to handle the 2 tasks I need a computer for, remotely. The iPad Pro has been tempting, but I think I am going to wait for generation 2. I anticipate it being much improved and with better software.
You anticipate iPad Pro 2 being better than 1?!?!?! Shocker.
Here's another shocker: You'll be waiting until 2017 for it.
No reason to wait, iPad Pro has already nailed it.
Maybe you are right. I just don't see a huge need for it right now and figure I might as well wait to see what comes with iOS 10 and iPad Pro 2. I think that could be the point where it is fully realized. I know it has great hardware (and will be updated to iOS 10), but I have just been going back and forth regarding the size of it. I like the portability of the Air 2 and don't see a huge difference between the 2 besides screen size (performance feels the same, don't have a use for keyboard or pencil). Definitely tempting though, glad you like it. Seems like a great product.
I emailed the developers. Screens 4, shipping next month, should take care of that.