iPad 2 > Splashtop > Mac Mini

Question

iPad 2 > Splashtop > Mac Mini

I have a Mac Mini (new, aluminum) with no monitor, that is being used mostly for an iTunes library connected to a high-end DAC/amp/headphone rig.

I also have a new iPad 2, and I'm using the Remote app to run iTunes on the Mini. Works great.

I've also been looking for a good VNC/screen sharing app for the iPad, and I thought I'd found the best one with Splashtop. It works with all my other Macs, connecting perfectly, and even adjusting the screen resolution to the iPad's native 1024x768.

One problem; it won't connect with the Mini unless I have a monitor attached. Splashtop must have to detect a video signal in order to work. I really like this app, but if it won't work with a headless mini I'll have to try something else.

Does anyone know of a way to get a remote connection without a monitor attached, possibly a way to fool the mini into thinking there's a screen plugged in? Or, does anyone have any suggestions for a different/better VNC or screen sharing app for the iPad?

Mac Pro 2.66/12GB/ATI3870/Sonnet E4P/30"+23"ACDs, Mac OS X (10.6.6), 2 Sonnet Fusion 500Ps/14 WDRE2 500GB/Matrox MXO

Posted on Mar 18, 2011 2:21 PM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,547 points

Mar 18, 2011 3:41 PM in response to Red Jacket Mike

Air Display may meet your needs.

http://avatron.com/

The current hiccups are those that involve using a touch screen device in place of another computer. For example there is no provision for an onscreen keyboard, but you can perhaps overcome that issue with an Apple BT keyboard for your iPad.

Good luck.

Dah•veed

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Answer 2

Mar 19, 2011 4:31 AM in response to Dah•veed

Thanks for the reply. I checked out Air Display, and may try it. I've tried various VNC apps for the ipad, and although Splashtop is not VNC, I like it a lot, for use with my other macs even though it won't work with the headless mini. The great attraction for Splashtop is that it can automatically resize the screen resolution of every Mac I connect with to the iPad's native 1024x768. No dragging or zooming necessary, and then your finger simply becomes the mouse for clicking, dragging and pointing.

I also now have VNC viewer, which is VNC, and not quite as responsive as Splashtop, but it does work with the mini and all my other computers; so far it's the best choice that does everything I want.

Air Display seems like it's more for use as a 2nd, extended display, but possibly there's an option to just mirror the display of the mac I'm connecting to on the ipad's screen. For $10.00, I'll take a chance.

I've also tried a an app called Screens, which gets great reviews, but doesn't work at all for me.

Thanks again for the suggestion; I'd appreciate suggestions from others who have tried similar apps I may not know about.

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Answer 3

Kaldison

Level 1

0 points

Mar 21, 2011 3:50 AM in response to Red Jacket Mike

Email the developers of Splashtop - I had exactly the same problem with a similar App called Remote HD where it wouldn't work without a monitor connected, they sorted it in an update and works great now!

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Answer 4

May 14, 2011 5:36 PM in response to Red Jacket Mike

I just set up a new Mini for the same purpose. Splashtop works excellently as long as I have a monitor connected to the Mini. With no monitor, can't establish a connection. I've put in a support ticket with the Splashtop folks and will post back here when I get a response. Please do the same if you find a way to get around the problem.

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Answer 5

pkurt

Level 1

4 points

Aug 29, 2011 4:50 PM in response to Red Jacket Mike

Try Jump Desktop. I set the Mac Mini up with a monitor connected, then restarted and connected the iPad2 via VNC, without the monitor attached to the Mac Mini. Works.

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