"TouchPad" Application for iPAD & iPHONE: Use your device as a wireless trackpad for your desktop or laptop computer. The most useful app I've purchased so far!

Like many Americans, I spend a decent amount of time in front of my computer browsing the web, typing emails, and executing a variety of tasks for work.  After spending a great deal of time on my laptop & desktop, I've found that using my laptop's "trackpad" (that flat square area at the bottom of most keyboards) to navigate versus using a standard mouse.

"TouchPad" by Edovia, Inc is a multi-function application for the iPad & iPhone (meaning, it's compatible with both - so if your an owner of multiple devices, it should work on all of them) that transforms them into a trackpad, keyboard, and remote control for Apple Mac, Windows based, and Linux based computers.

Here's a few screen shots from my iPAD:

Track Pad

Keyboard

Command Pad

Remote Control For Media

In terms of using it with different operating systems:

• osX - No additional software required, operates through screen-sharing.
• Windows - Requires VNC server applications so it can talk over the wifi network.
• Linux - Works with most major distributions with remote desktop enabled.

AS FAR AS USABILITY, IT'S AWESOME!  My major concern about paying $4.99 for the application without a demo was that there would be a delay (lag time) while using it as a mouse curser because it functions through the wifi network.   Well, there is ZERO lag time - it feels perfectly integrated.

A rundown of the features:

• Primarily, functions as a trackpad (to replace your mouse)
• Includes a virtual keyboard which you can turn off & on.
• Includes a remote control for multi-media functions (such as controlling iTunes, or Front Row)
• In addition to the keyboard, it also includes a command pad with the following commands:
• Minimize
• Close
• Quit
• Copy
• Paste
• Cut
• Undo
• Redo
• Find
• Home
• End
• Select All
• Page Up
• Page Down
• Return

One useful feature is that, the track pad consumes the whole iPad screen with a menu bar along the top.  To access the keyboard, control pad, or remote pad, there are "off/on" buttons on the menu.  The selected options appear at the bottom of the screen, while the top of the screen still serves as a trackpad.

I love this application for sitting back in my computer chair, with my feet on my desk, and holding my iPad in my lap.

For $4.99 it definitely increased the functionality of my iPad & iPhone and is definitely one of my most favored applications.

RemotePC Lite: FREE iPAD Application, access your desktop from your iPAD over your local network/WiFi

Screen Shot From my iPad

Just a few moments ago, I wrote about an application called "RemotePc Remote Access", this is about a sister application called "RemotePc Lite".

The main difference between these two applications is that the "Remote Access" version allows you to access your desktop from a distance, whereas the "Lite" version only allows you to access your desktop over your local network/wifi (so, that means, within your own home or office).  The "Lite" version is also free.

What I really like about this application, is that there are many moments that I am sitting at my kitchen table drinking coffee, sitting outside with a friend, or lounging in front of the tv - and I'd like to use my desktop, but I really don't feel like getting up and walking into my office.

"RemotePC Lite" is a FREE service & application for the iPAD that allows you to view & control your desktop-computer (or notebook) while on your iPAD, on your home network.  It works with both Mac & PC platforms.  I would like to see it work from a distance (away from home), however, it's free - I love it, and I'll take what I can get.

This is how it works:

1. Download the application for your iPad and install.
2. Download the application for your MAC OSX or Windows machine, and install.
3. Create an account (very simple).
4. Make sure that RemotePC is activated on your home or desktop computer.
5. Load the application on your iPAD and use your computer as if you were sitting at your desk!

Not only is this program simple and effective, the company also has great customer support.  I was able to contact them immediately through their web-based chat client.

In addition to accessing your desktop, you can also use an iPad-oriented browser to choose videos, pictures, and music on your PC and play them on your iPAD.

If you're simply looking to access your files without using a remote desktop, and you'd like a service that will allow you to do so away from home, you may want to check out my blog about ZUMOCAST.

iPad App Allows you To Remotely Access Your Pc: "RemotePC Remote Access" Released September 28, 2010

iPad App Allows you To Remotely Access Your Pc:  "RemotePC Remote Access" Released September 28, 2010

Free application, service by subscription (yearly or monthly)

Manufacture's website:  http://www.remotepc.com

The same company also makes a program for the iPAD called "Remote Access Lite" which is compatible with both Windows & MAC machines which is FREE.  I'll be writing about that next, however, do remember that this a very ADVANCED service which offers suits professional needs and multiple computers.

When I first started using my iPad, I was a little nervous about useable applications because they mostly appeared to cost more than applications for the iPhone.  I don't mind spending $1 or $2, however, when it's between $5 & $20, I have a hard time committing to a purchase of an application which may be a complete dud.  For that reason alone, I usually try to stick with free applications and, if there is a "paid version" which offers more features, I will usually upgrade if I find it useable.

Today, I'd like to make a mention about "RemotePC Remote Access for the iPAD.  This application allows you to use your iPAD to access your Windows-PC through the internet so you can access files (or whatever you may need) from a distance.  Additionally, it allows you to access multiple computers, which could be critical if you work from a variety of offices, or need administrative access from reasons pertaining to your style of business.

In order to access files on your PC, you simply install the "sister application" on your computer at home.  Both your iPAD and your computer somehow connect to RemotePC's servers so they can locate each other, and it becomes very easy to locate information on your computer at home if the need should present itself.

Remote PC actually allows you to view your computer's screen on your iPad, the connection is 128-bit encrypted, does not require a static-IP address, allows you to transfer information between two distant computers (home vs office, for example), print remotely, and add multiple computers to your account.

This is a great application for people that work from many computers, and utilize an iPAD as a mobile device.  It's an excellent method of bringing computers together without having to invest in fancy networks.  

It should be mentioned that this is a very advanced service!

Droid 2: Barnacle Wifi Tether for Rooted Android Cellular Phones

There is a huge difference between the applications available for the iPhone in Apple's App Store, versus Android's Market.  The Android "MARKET" appears to be a universal destination for downloading most available applications for the droid, whereas applications available through Apple's "App Store" appear to be filtered through criteria as defined by Apple.  By "jailbreaking" your iPhone, you are able to access a variety of applications that may not have met the standards which are set forth in Apple's "App Store".

Most applications available for the Android platform appear to be available through Google's "Market", however, you'll find many references for applications requiring "root access".  Rooting your Android is very similar to jail-breaking your iPhone, as it allows certain permissions which were initially banned (banned for a variety of reasons).

A word of caution!  Jail-breaking or rooting your phone may present some serious consequences, and you could find your mobile device malfunctioning in ways never expected.

Regardless, there are programs available in Google's "Market" which are only functional on "rooted" phones.  BARNACLE is an application that tethers your internet via wifi.  In plain English, this means, that you can connect to your phone (while using Barnacle) as you would if you were connecting to a wireless router.

Long story short, Barnacle is a free application and it works.  You simply load the program, adjust your settings (such as a password to access the wifi network which Barnacle will host from your phone), and access from other electronic devices!  It works like a charm!

There's a similar application called PDAnet, however, it tether's through bluetooth & USB versus Wifi.  For many individuals, PDAnet will work just fine.  The exception is the iPAD, since, the iPAD is not designed to receive internet connections via a USB connection or bluetooth.  PDAnet is a great option if you wish not to root your phone, and if you are tethering to a desktop, laptop, or another device which can receive a data connection via USB or bluetooth.

In theory, if you have a rooted Android phone with Barnacle, it could be of extreme value (for example) if your internet service at home failed and you had one (or many) computers that are compatible with wireless internet.

With that being said, Barnacle (or the process of rooting your phone) may not be compliant with the service contracts and/or warranties as set forth by your phone's manufacturer or your cellular provider's service plans.

In my opinion, I think Barnacle is an awesome program.

"Index Card" for iPad: The best productivity tool for tracking multiple projects.

Screen Shot

I originally purchased the iPad for the purpose of utilizing it as a portfolio for my photography (www.photostudiosonline.com) and graphic design.  If I were contending with paper portfolios, I would need a separate book for each project.  I later realized that my iPad could almost become my electronic briefcase (which, a camera would be nice to capture documents).  I've had the iPad for approximately a month, and I have been searching for ways to integrate the device into my life.  When I purchase a new "smart device" I am always hesitant to spend money on applications that I may never use.  With my iPhone, I'm not concerned about spending money on applications because they typically only cost $1 or $2 and the device is always in my pocket (as are the applications!).

To date, my favorite iPad application is "Index Card" by DenVog.  Imagine keeping multiple index card boxes for different topics, projects, and subjects.  While index cards are awesome, having multiple boxes would be preferred for organizing & separating your content, however, it would become cumbersome as it would require a plethora of storage space in your living and/or work area.  To make matters worse, multiple index-card boxes aren't exactly portable!

"Index Card" by DenVog provides the organizational freedom of multiple index card files, while maintaining the portability of an iPad.

Here's a brief description of it's useable features:

1. Multiple batches of index card files are listed as "projects", so you only see the "project" that you have selected.
2. Different colors can be used for individual index card entries, which I find useful for prioritizing, and critical for "flagging" entries as I would within email.
3. The iPad's screen displays all of your index cards for the "project" that you have open on your choice of:

• A cork-board or solid black background
• List-style view, which is useful for multiple entries.

Additionally, for those who have "DropBox" accounts, Index Card Version 1.2 (release Sept. 24, 2010) also allows you to export your projects to your DropBox folder.

Truly an awesome application!

ZumoCast for iPad & iPhone: A FREE service to play your media library & access files which are stored on your computer while away from home.

From time to time, I'll stumble upon applications that I wish I had known about as soon as they hit the market.  ZumoCast, is one of these!

ZumoCast is a FREE application/service that allows you to access documents from your computer while using your iPhone or iPad from a distance, just so long as you have an internet connection.

This is largely for accessing your music & video library, however, it will also allow you to view documents of other types (pdf files, etc..).

This is not only convenient, however, it also saves space on your mobile device.  

Setup is extremely easy.  First, you download the application to your iPhone or iPad.  Then, you create an account by entering your email address and your desired password.  Finally, you download the software onto your desktop (or laptop) computer as well. 

Once those steps are completed and you are "signed in" to both programs, you open the application and select the file you wish to view (or listen to).  

That simple!

The application is FREE.