Timbuktu Pro: Review
One of the things I love about software for the Mac is the quality and abundance of programs that help users get the most out of their computing experience while integrating with the Mac as much as possible. Timbuktu Pro remote control software from Motorola (formerly Netopia) is no exception to this rule.
Before we get to far into this review I think we should talk a little about what exactly Timbuktu Pro does. Timbuktu Pro is basically a remote computing application that allows a person to control one computer from another machine all within a very Mac-like interface. Additionally the program allows drag ‘n drop file sharing, voice and text chat functionality as well as the ability to use it in cross platform environments.
Since this app is an extremely powerful and feature rich remote computing environment I decided to focus my review on what is, in my opinion, easiest way to get set up and running.
Setup
While there are many ways to set up access between installations of Timbuktu my personal favorite is the ease of use provide by using the Skype VOIP client. By using Skype to connect your machines you can bypass what can be lengthy firewall and router setups which include configuring the Mac’s network settings and your router. However, when using Skype to create the secure connection between machines I was able to setup both of my machines from scratch and be up and running in under 10 minutes. Amazing when you consider the complexities and security implications of working on a remote computer.
Remote Control
Remote control works exactly like you would expect on the Mac. Once you launch Timbuktu and connect to your remote machine a window pops up showing you the contents of the remote computer’s screen. If the screen is larger than your current screen, like working on a Macbook and controlling an iMac, then Timbuktu allows you to scale the screen or have it track the mouse around at full resolution.
Once connected you can just move your mouse inside the Timbuktu window and your mouse and keyboard with begin to operate the remote machine like you were sitting down in front of it. All of the functionality you would normally get from your remote machine, including system performance, is at your finger tips the only hold up being the speed at which your internet connection refreshes the remote screen. I’ve been testing out exporting files from Final Cut Pro remotely so that I can start exports and renders in the evening without having to stop by the office and let me say it has been a real time saver for me.
File Sharing
Timbuktu Pro allows for drag ‘n drop file sharing that I believe is unique in the world of remote control access on the Mac. While free programs like VNC clients might appear to provide all of the same features of Timbuktu Pro, they don’t come close to the drag ‘n drop file transfer that is both secure and intuitive and of course much more Mac like in execution. All you have to do to move a file from one machine to the other is drag that file from one desktop to the other, whether it is your remote or local machine. Normally you would have to use VNC for screen control and an FTP client to access your files, but with Timbuktu you can have both in a much more user friendly way.
Gripes
Of course, as with any application Timbuktu isn’t perfect and there are few things that bug me about the app. Some of the user interface feels a little dated, especially the preferences window. Also, I wish you could delete the Menu bar icon when you are not planning on using the app, if for no other reason than that it lets anyone who glances at your screen know that you have access to remote computers. Not a big deal, but something that bothered me when I was attending NAB last week with over 130,000 other people. Of course these are all minor annoyances, and they don’t keep me from really enjoying the application.
Wrap Up
There are tons of features like instant messaging, clipboard sync, screen scaling, quicktime recording as well as the ability to change the color resolution in order to improve response time that round out this very mature application. It is one of the few applications that started out with the Mac back in the 1980s and has made it through the “dark years” to end up on the current version of OSX. Not many applications on the Mac can say that and continue to create what other reviewers have called the “gold standard for Macintosh remote control.”
After using Timbuktu Pro for the last couple of weeks I think this application is a must have for anyone who needs to access files on remote computers. The application provided me piece of mind knowing that when I’m on the road I have full access to my workstation at the office. It also brings the freedom of being able to check in on processes running on my G5 at work from the comfort of my living room couch, which as a guy who manages the computers at the office is a much needed reassurance. Due to it’s day to day ease of use, full feature set, relatively new Skype integration and compatibility with Windows machines I can’t think of a better solution for remote control on the mac.
Pros: Extremely powerful remote computing environment with easy file sharing and integration with the Mac OS.
Cons: A bit complication to set up, could maybe use a walk through process when setting up new computers or installations.
Five out of Five Dog Cows
If anyone has any further question I invite you to listen to the podcast from the April meeting in which Mike Silverman provides more details about remote control on the mac, including Timbuktu Pro.