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SpyMe 2: Multiple Remote Management
If you need to remotely administer a bunch of Macs, the obvious solution is Apple Remote Desktop. There's just one problem: the pricetag. ARD runs $299 for 10 managed systems or $499 for an unlimited number of managed systems. Of course, if you're the geeky type you can use OS X's built-in VNC with something like Chicken of the VNC, but it can be a little tricky to set up, and generally only allows you to control one computer per window. Enter SpyMe 2 from ReadPixel. SpyMe offers similar functionality to ARD, allowing you monitor the screens a number of remote Macs simultaneously, take control of any one of them, or even lock all of them (so as to prevent the kids from surfing when they're supposed to be listening). Best of all, SpyMe 2 is reasonably priced at $15 (for 3 machines), $35 (for 10), or $95 (for an unlimited number) and a demo is available.[Via My Own Reality]
ScreenRecycler: Use your old Mac as a second monitor
I came across this post on MacCast about ScreenRecycler, which enables you to use your old Mac (or PC) with a built-in monitor - like an old Powerbook or iMac, for example - purely as a secondary display, provided you can get it on your network. This may have limited usefulness for many of you, but I like it as another example of things we do just because we can. To accomplish this bit of wizardry, ScreenRecycler uses VNC (a cross-platform app for remotely controlling another computer - I personally like Chicken of the VNC, but there are other clients you can try) to connect to the old machine. What's cool about this and really sets it apart from your basic VNC setup, is that ScreenRecycler makes your Mac actually recognize the connected machine as another display, so it can be configured through System Prefs just like any other external monitor. It's not exactly pretty and it's not exactly speedy, but it is really pretty cool, if you ask me.ScreenRecycler is currently in pre-release Alpha but can be downloaded for free. It's still got some "issues" so please be sure to read the caveats posted there before you download it. If you get it working, let us know what you think!
SoonR Talk lets you Skype from your cell
If you've got a lot of friends overseas but no way to call them when you're away from your Skype-enabled PC, then remote services provider SoonR may have just the solution you've been looking for. Soonr, which currently operates a LogMeIn-type VNC service, has just announced a new app called SoonR Talk that allows you to make Skype calls directly from your cellphone. After installing the software on their home PCs, users simply need to dial in to their home machine through their handset's browser and select a buddy from their Skype list to call, after which the program dials their mobile using SkypeOut and serves as a virtual switchboard for routing the audio. As you've probably figured out already, although the software and service are free, you're essentially double paying on SkypeOut calls made using this technique (Skype costs + wireless minutes), so SoonR Talk seems best for international calling or participating in Skype conference calls.
