iPad Pro iOS Limitation - Any way around this?

[waynewayne]

Hi All

My main device is an 11” 2020 iPP with MKB. I’ve been using it almost constantly since April/May 2020. My trusty MBP has recently kicked the bucket after 11 years, so I am down to iPad only.

Part of my workflow needs access to a desktop version of Google Chrome - I need various 3rd party plugins. After extensive poking around - this can’t be done natively on iOS. I was previously using my old MBP for this part.

Is there any way to get around this and access a full desktop from my iPad? I am thinking possible Remote Desktop, headless Mac Mini set up or some sort of virtual desktop in the cloud?

I was thinking of buying an entry level M1 laptop for this, but it feels like there would be massive crossover between the iPad and the MB. Particularly as the MB only supports a single external monitor - it just feels a little close to the iPP.

Thanks

 

[sparksd]

I use Jump Desktop for remote login to my laptop & desktop - works great and no subscription.

 

[waynewayne]

I use Jump Desktop for remote login to my laptop & desktop - works great and no subscription.

Thanks - I presume I would need a physical machine to remote in to? So I would still have to buy a Mac Mini or a MB to remote in to?

I guess I could leave the MB in clam mode and then i get the mobility & form factor of the iPP.

Is the Remote Desktop experience with Jump good? I did remote in to my old MBP but found it really clumsy. Could have been the age of the thing and on an old OS.

 

[sparksd]

You would need a physical machine. I find the experience good. I tried Splashtop and TeamViewer but foun Jump to work the best. Search the forums for Jump Desktop - a lot of positive feedback.

 

[waynewayne]

You would need a physical machine. I find the experience good. I tried Splashtop and TeamViewer but foun Jump to work the best. Search the forums for Jump Desktop - a lot of positive feedback.

Thanks for the quick response. Sounds like I am going to have to replace the MacOS machine either way. Price wise the Mac Mini is a few hundred cheaper than the MB, but the difference isn’t THAT large. Might be as well just spring for the laptop then at least I have the option to use it as intended.

 

[arfung]

Hi,

I have an iMac running at home and run Screens app to do the same thing that several other posters are doing with Jump Desktop.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I use Chrome Remote to access my PC at home from my iPad

 

[LeadingHeat]

Look up Real VNC while you’re at it. I’ve used it for years with no hiccups. They give you 5 free computers for your account. Only caveat is no sound passes through, just video.

But yes you would need another physical machine to remote into.

Do you need Chrome specifically? Or just a desktop class browser? Because on iPads Safari is now running the native desktop version as far as I’m aware.

 

[waynewayne]

Look up Real VNC while you’re at it. I’ve used it for years with no hiccups. They give you 5 free computers for your account. Only caveat is no sound passes through, just video.

But yes you would need another physical machine to remote into.

Do you need Chrome specifically? Or just a desktop class browser? Because on iPads Safari is now running the native desktop version as far as I’m aware.

Unfortunately it is Chrome as there are a few specific plugins I need.

having a quick look Chrome won’t go on to a cheap RaspPi even, so looks like I will either need to buy Windows or Apple hardware.

Cheapest Windows machine still costs a reasonable bit - leaning towards a MacOS device of some kind.

It is a real shame as I had hoped I could rent a Remote Desktop or something similar to keep it all from an iPad!

 

[Zazoh]

Why not a Chromebook? Or, look for change within the workflow? If it’s super specific a $200 Chromebook may work, but only if your file is shared in cloud or online and not on device.

 

[Digitalguy]

Unfortunately it is Chrome as there are a few specific plugins I need.

having a quick look Chrome won’t go on to a cheap RaspPi even, so looks like I will either need to buy Windows or Apple hardware.

Cheapest Windows machine still costs a reasonable bit - leaning towards a MacOS device of some kind.

It is a real shame as I had hoped I could rent a Remote Desktop or something similar to keep it all from an iPad!

if you want to "rent" you can use this https://shadow.tech/
Works well and you don't even need a remote desktop app, even if it's basically remoting into their PCs

 

[AutomaticApple]

if you want to "rent" you can use this https://shadow.tech/
Works well and you don't even need a remote desktop app, even if it's basically remoting into their PCs

That actually looks really cool. I might try out their service.

 

[waynewayne]

if you want to "rent" you can use this https://shadow.tech/
Works well and you don't even need a remote desktop app, even if it's basically remoting into their PCs

Thanks for this - that is very close to what I was hoping for!

Initial thoughts from me are that it is relatively expensive for my light needs presumably as they are geared up for serious gamers - I wonder if they would offer a lower tier package on less powerful devices? That really would be a good solution for me. Something like that built in to Office365 or similar would be awesome.

 

[roxette]

Have you thought about "renting" a virtual PC on a "per use" model? I had some months a small virtual Windows environment run on AWS (costs are approx 20$/months for light usage). Now I switched to Kamatera Cloud Service and this should be even cheaper.