We recently tested a really cool app that let’s you remote desktop into your computer from iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android devices. It is called Splashtop. We’ve tried other remote iPad apps in the past but they were either too slow or the graphics weren’t up to par. That’s not the case with Splashtop. We were able to easily connect and access Newsbin Pro 6 from an original iPad. Here’s a look at Newsbin on the iPad.
The screenshot doesn’t quite give justice to the Splashtop app. As Newsbin Pro looks great on the iPad’s 9.7 inch LED display. What you see above is the image taken directly from our iPad during testing. The remote touchpad controls take a little getting use to but we were able to remotely connect, search and download Usenet content using Newsbin through the Splashtop app.
We bought the Splastop app from the iTunes store for $1.99. It looked like they had a free version as well. Not sure of the limitations for the free app but the $1.99 price is well worth it to get the premium Splashtop remote desktop client. Here are some specs for those comparing Splashtop to other apps.
Splashtop information:
- Remote desktop app for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android and Palm Pre
- Splashtop supports 30 FPS (frames per second)
- Latency is around 174 ms. Which is about .2 seconds.
- Splashtop for iPad: $1.99 – iTunes product page
- Splashtop for iPhone / iPod Touch: $0.99 – iTunes product page
- Splashtop for Android devices: $2.99 – Android product page
- Spashtop HD for Android devices: $6.99 – Android product page
- Splashdot remote desktop for Palm Pre: $4.99 – Palm product page
Those new to Newsbin Pro can download a 10 day free trial. The Newsbin team recently released version 6.0 of the popular Usenet client. If you haven’t had a chance to upgrade or try the v6 newsreader definitely give it a try. You’ll be impressed with the new user interface. Prices have changed as well. With the client being sold for $20 (including free lifetime updates). Those interested in the Newsbin Internet (Usenet) search can purchase a year of access along with the newsreader for a total of $30. A great value for the combo.
