Remote desktop from iPad to MacBook Pro

Question

Level 1

14 points

Remote desktop from iPad to MacBook Pro

I am looking for a good way to remote my MacBook Pro from my iPad. I would like a easy interface I could leave up all the time on the Mac. I would also like to be able to transfer files.

I was looking at VPN client since I have used that in the past from a technician standpoint. Otherwise I was also looking at apples remote desktop 3 (I think it's called) but I don't think it supports iPad.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi

Posted on Jul 31, 2012 6:16 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Menneisyys

Level 4

1,300 points

Jul 31, 2012 6:20 AM in response to FFPenguin

1. There are quite a few VNC clients. I personally use iTeleport, but iTap VNC and VNC Viewer are good too. (So may be the other alternatives).

2. no file transfer in any of these, I'm afraid. iOS is very restricted and, therefore, few third-party remote desktop app developers bother with implementing file transfer, unlike on other, much more open mobile platforms (Symbian, Windows Mobile, Android). (Albeit, with "Open In", they could indeed be used - to a certain degree.) However, with some clients, copy/paste may work.

Reply

Answer 2

FFPenguin Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 31, 2012 6:22 AM in response to FFPenguin

So all of that said which VNC connection works best and is most secure to leave up when I'm away from home?

Reply

Answer 3

Menneisyys

Level 4

1,300 points

Jul 31, 2012 6:28 AM in response to FFPenguin

1. Have you configured your home router to re-route incoming VNC requests and do you have a direct IP - that is, are you already able to access the computer from outside? If you aren't, I think they're the same. (When I have some time, I will check out these more and report back.)

2. without a direct connection, you may prefer LogMeIn or other HTTP-tunneled protocols / apps.

3. Apple's Remote Desktop is strictly for OS X only, not for iOS.

Reply

Answer 4

FFPenguin Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 31, 2012 6:30 AM in response to FFPenguin

Couple more questions...

Does remote desktop 3 from apple have iPad capabilities to connect from iPad to Mac?

Also does OS x lion have any remote features?

Thanks

Reply

Answer 5

Menneisyys

Level 4

1,300 points

Jul 31, 2012 6:38 AM in response to FFPenguin

1, all OS X versions have VNC server built-in - that is, you don't (strictly) need to purchase the very expensive Remote Desktop 3. The latter is more of an enterprise tool. (I too use it when teaching iOS programming BTW to quickly mirror the client's Mac on the projector. In that regard, it's vastly superior to VNC.)

See http://www.dssw.co.uk/blog/2011/08/03/setting-up-the-vnc-server-in-mac-os-x-10-7 -aka-lion/ for a tutorial on enabling the server.

2, RD3 has no iOS client.

Reply