"RDP" client for MBA/MBP -> iMac

[darkewaffle]

My brother has an Apple laptop (can't recall the model exactly, probably MBP from like ~2010ish) and an iMac (not sure about this one, but it's newer iirc). He travels quite a bit and does a lot of video/photo editing but finds that his MBP isn't powerful enough so I'm thinking remote access to his desktop might be a good option.

Features aren't really a priority, basically all he'd want is the ability to see/use his desktop. None of the meeting/transfer/drawing/etc bells and whistles matter. Performance and price are probably the only two meaningful parameters - something that isn't overly sluggish (from, say, CA to PA) and ideally something that's free or can be had with a one-time purchase. I don't think he'd do well with a subscription lol.

Any thoughts on what programs are worth looking at? Appreciate the input.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

From offsite? LogMeIn, probably. I preferred it to TeamViewer, but some people would disagree, of course.

 

[n0x1ous]

Logmein is superior to Teamviewer in every way in my experience, but Logmein is subscription only. Another option would be Apple remote desktop which I believe they sell for like $80 in the Mac app store (would have to open up some firewall ports). Or "back to my mac" icloud features if he uses an airport extreme.

 

[Childs]

You can use the built in VNC client (System Prefs -> Sharing -> Screen Sharing) and initiate screen sharing via Messages.

http://osxdaily.com/2014/11/25/screen-sharing-messages-mac-os-x/

EDIT: Oh, I see he will be connecting to his own machine. It can still be done using with port forwarding and using the Screen Sharing or Apple Remote Desktop app.

 

[Tegeril]

This is literally what Back to my Mac was made for. You enable it and other systems that are attached to your iCloud account can always see your system as an accessible machine to connect to, it uses the built in Screen Sharing application and you're connected anywhere. It doesn't require an Airport, that just makes it super easy to setup, other modern routers will work fine. Computer can manage its own status.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204618

 

[darkewaffle]

Thanks, Back to my Mac sounds promising. Also evidently Google has a Chrome-based multiplatform RDP application available. Hopefully one of those will be suitable, if not I'll take a closer look at LogMeIn and other third party stuff. Appreciate it.