Best D&D 4e and remote desktop apps for iPhone 4 and iPad2? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Best D&D 4e and remote desktop apps for iPhone 4 and iPad2?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
kenpomrg
Nov 21, 2011 5:41:52 Ok, so Christmas came early and I now have an iPhone 4 and an iPad2. Since it appears that most of the apps I have found that go beyond simple dice rollers are pay apps, I would sort of like to know if something is good before I buy it.

I am looking for D&D 4e apps with specific names so I can find and download them.

I am also looking for the best Remote Desktop app that will work with the Home versions of Windows operating system. It looks like most of them exclude the Home versions for some reason without some 3rd party software as they call it. Either that or I have to change my operating system and I am not sure how easy that is.

Since the Character Builder won't work on the iPhone or iPad, I am looking for a way to run it on my desktop and control/see it on my iPhone or iPad.

Also, I am not terribly technosavy. Thank you for your suggestions (besides getting better at computers).
#2
GMforPowergamers
Nov 21, 2011 12:17:56 It will ony work for D&D, and isn't really remote, but Iplay4e is in the app store for like $5-$6...

In affiliation with www.iplay4e.com –brindysoft.com presents iPlay4e Live.
iPlay4e brought digital character sheets for 4th edition D&D to the web at its device-friendly website iPlay4e.com. Now, iPlay4e Live gives those sheets a home on your iPhone or iPad, where they can be used even when you’re offline! Once you’re using iPlay4e Live, all you need to play is your iOS device (dice optional).
Highlights:
* Export your characters from the D&D Insider Character Builder to iPlay4e.com, then use iPlay4e Live to make them available offline. * Characters automatically sync as soon as you get your connection back. * New features on iPlay4e.com are automatically available in iPlay4e Live. * The best character sheet for D&D 4e available on mobile devices. * Pass a single device around the table using instant character switching. * Tight integration with your Wizards D&D Insider Compendium makes your DDI subscription even more valuable. * Mature design puts everything on your character sheet within one or two touches. * Speeds play by presenting all available power and actions at a glance. * Customizable power cards have complete power card information and editable notes. * Make attack rolls against one or multiple targets, skill rolls, and arbitrary die rolls. * Track power usage, hit points, conditions, death saves, surges, rests, money, and experience points.
Available on the App Store: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/iplay...47493972... Project page: www.brindysoft.com/projects/iplay4elive/

#3
kenpomrg
Nov 21, 2011 12:22:32 Thanks for this suggestion. I saw that app already and I have been waiting to purchase it until I heard suggestions or feedback about what apps were the best.

Thanks again.
#4
Mand12
Nov 21, 2011 12:44:10 I ended up getting the Splashtop remote desktop app. It works nicely running the Virtual Table and Builder on my ipad.

There's a free version available, which lets you connect for five minute at a time. Plenty enough to decide whether you think it'll work for you. It's what I did, and it was enough to get me to buy it. When I got it they had a 75% off thing that made it only 5 bucks, no idea how much it is now.
#5
GelatinousOctahedron
Nov 21, 2011 12:46:35 That is good to know. I am thinking about getting an Ipad2 someday, but only if I am convinced it can run the VT since that is one of the main things I would use it for.
#6
Mand12
Nov 21, 2011 12:59:45 Well, technically it's not running the VT. Your computer is running the VT, and you're using the ipad as an interface device for your computer. End result though is that you can play the game just fine with the ipad. I tried it during an actual game and nobody at the table noticed until I told them (aside from me being a little slower as I got used to the interface).

Splashtop has a feature that lets you use the remote desktop via the Internet, which allows you to run VT/Builder/Whatever from anywhere that has wifi. I'm not sure if it works with a 3G ipad, as I don't have one, but I'd wonder about the bandwidth issues doing that (not to mention a good way to deplete your data plan). I haven't used it yet since my group tends to meet at my place and I have some concerns about the security of my main computer running it like that, but the possibility does exist.
#7
GelatinousOctahedron
Nov 21, 2011 13:39:58 I think I read an earlier post where you described that.

I only own one computer able to run the VT. If I had an IPAD2 someone else could use that computer while it was running the VT right?
#8
Mand12
Nov 21, 2011 13:45:41 Not if you're running it via the ipad. The thing more or less takes over the input devices. The mouse and keyboard still work, but you'd be fighting against each other as if you plugged two mice in and tried to use them both at the same time.
#9
GelatinousOctahedron
Nov 21, 2011 14:25:45 That is useful to know.
#10
kenpomrg
Nov 21, 2011 15:13:33 Thanks, again. I will look at Splashtop.
#11
Mand12
Nov 21, 2011 17:16:38 It's worth emphasizing that I didn't do a whole lot of research into this. I stumbled on to it, tried the free version, and thought it was worth the five bucks. There could very well be better apps of similar design.
#12
ViolenceJack
Nov 21, 2011 21:27:18
I'm looking at getting a tablet myself, and doing exactly this. However, the difference for me is that I run Linux at home, and thus will not be buying any further Apple products, because they're being ****s - only way to sync is via Windows (don't have, hate it) or Mac (don't have, too expensive). So I have this iPod that I have to update via running a virtual Windows machine on my Linux computer. I have the same problem with the online character builder, in fact - it's why I don't subscribe anymore. Can't run the web-based CB without loading up a virtual machine, and that's irritating. I probably will re-subscribe at some point, now that I have everything worked out with the virtual machine. Or something.

For me, the advantage is that I can very easily do the remote desktop thing. I can easily set up my home desktop to act as a server and tunnel in to a virtual machine running Windows, wherever I am, so long as I have internet access. I know you can allow remote desktop access under Windows, but I don't know how to do it and I do know that it will take over the screen of anybody using it locally. I think they use the RDP protocol, and you could probably find an app for it. It's actually just a whole lot easier for me because of the virtual mahcine thing, so I never investigated it more.

TL;DR version - what you want to do is possible, but might not work quite as well as you're hoping.

ADDENDUM - I am a technophile. The ability to install/set up virtual machines and low-level servers comes after about six months of fiddling with this kind of thing off-and-on as needed. A couple all-nighters and much cursing were invovled, but I found it rewarding to figure it out.
#13
macleanbrad
Nov 21, 2011 22:20:32 I use Splashtop and love it, I was at the store for LFR and realized I had the wrong level guy, connected to the internet through wifi, made myself a quick level 1 essentials character and was playing in 3 minutes.

I do prefer to use an app called "i4e" as a character sheet though rather then another computer. It's exceptionally good and I also download an app called "Compendium" that was/is? free to access rules and stuff.

i4e allows you to take a dnd4e file and upload it to a website and then download it to the app. It looks good and operates well and allows you to change anything you want if you homebrew some rules or such. The only thing is you want to double check that all the numbers transferred properly, for some reason it may miss a modifier to AC or a NAD but editing anything is also really easy.

My recommendations
-i4e - Character Sheet
-Compendium - Accesses Compendium
-Splashtop - Character Builder/VTT
-Real Dice - You get a dice roller and it rolls 4 or 5 1s in a row, despite it being possible you'll always think it's broken or cheating you. Roll 5 20s and everyone else thinks you're cheating
#14
rayous
Nov 22, 2011 11:12:18 i second i4e, that program is great

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 kenpomrg Nov 21, 2011 5:41:52	Ok, so Christmas came early and I now have an iPhone 4 and an iPad2. Since it appears that most of the apps I have found that go beyond simple dice rollers are pay apps, I would sort of like to know if something is good before I buy it. I am looking for D&D 4e apps with specific names so I can find and download them. I am also looking for the best Remote Desktop app that will work with the Home versions of Windows operating system. It looks like most of them exclude the Home versions for some reason without some 3rd party software as they call it. Either that or I have to change my operating system and I am not sure how easy that is. Since the Character Builder won't work on the iPhone or iPad, I am looking for a way to run it on my desktop and control/see it on my iPhone or iPad. Also, I am not terribly technosavy. Thank you for your suggestions (besides getting better at computers).
#2 GMforPowergamers Nov 21, 2011 12:17:56	It will ony work for D&D, and isn't really remote, but Iplay4e is in the app store for like $5-$6... In affiliation with www.iplay4e.com –brindysoft.com presents iPlay4e Live. iPlay4e brought digital character sheets for 4th edition D&D to the web at its device-friendly website iPlay4e.com. Now, iPlay4e Live gives those sheets a home on your iPhone or iPad, where they can be used even when you’re offline! Once you’re using iPlay4e Live, all you need to play is your iOS device (dice optional). Highlights: * Export your characters from the D&D Insider Character Builder to iPlay4e.com, then use iPlay4e Live to make them available offline. * Characters automatically sync as soon as you get your connection back. * New features on iPlay4e.com are automatically available in iPlay4e Live. * The best character sheet for D&D 4e available on mobile devices. * Pass a single device around the table using instant character switching. * Tight integration with your Wizards D&D Insider Compendium makes your DDI subscription even more valuable. * Mature design puts everything on your character sheet within one or two touches. * Speeds play by presenting all available power and actions at a glance. * Customizable power cards have complete power card information and editable notes. * Make attack rolls against one or multiple targets, skill rolls, and arbitrary die rolls. * Track power usage, hit points, conditions, death saves, surges, rests, money, and experience points. Available on the App Store: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/iplay...47493972... Project page: www.brindysoft.com/projects/iplay4elive/
#3 kenpomrg Nov 21, 2011 12:22:32	Thanks for this suggestion. I saw that app already and I have been waiting to purchase it until I heard suggestions or feedback about what apps were the best. Thanks again.
#4 Mand12 Nov 21, 2011 12:44:10	I ended up getting the Splashtop remote desktop app. It works nicely running the Virtual Table and Builder on my ipad. There's a free version available, which lets you connect for five minute at a time. Plenty enough to decide whether you think it'll work for you. It's what I did, and it was enough to get me to buy it. When I got it they had a 75% off thing that made it only 5 bucks, no idea how much it is now.
#5 GelatinousOctahedron Nov 21, 2011 12:46:35	That is good to know. I am thinking about getting an Ipad2 someday, but only if I am convinced it can run the VT since that is one of the main things I would use it for.
#6 Mand12 Nov 21, 2011 12:59:45	Well, technically it's not running the VT. Your computer is running the VT, and you're using the ipad as an interface device for your computer. End result though is that you can play the game just fine with the ipad. I tried it during an actual game and nobody at the table noticed until I told them (aside from me being a little slower as I got used to the interface). Splashtop has a feature that lets you use the remote desktop via the Internet, which allows you to run VT/Builder/Whatever from anywhere that has wifi. I'm not sure if it works with a 3G ipad, as I don't have one, but I'd wonder about the bandwidth issues doing that (not to mention a good way to deplete your data plan). I haven't used it yet since my group tends to meet at my place and I have some concerns about the security of my main computer running it like that, but the possibility does exist.
#7 GelatinousOctahedron Nov 21, 2011 13:39:58	I think I read an earlier post where you described that. I only own one computer able to run the VT. If I had an IPAD2 someone else could use that computer while it was running the VT right?
#8 Mand12 Nov 21, 2011 13:45:41	Not if you're running it via the ipad. The thing more or less takes over the input devices. The mouse and keyboard still work, but you'd be fighting against each other as if you plugged two mice in and tried to use them both at the same time.
#9 GelatinousOctahedron Nov 21, 2011 14:25:45	That is useful to know.
#10 kenpomrg Nov 21, 2011 15:13:33	Thanks, again. I will look at Splashtop.
#11 Mand12 Nov 21, 2011 17:16:38	It's worth emphasizing that I didn't do a whole lot of research into this. I stumbled on to it, tried the free version, and thought it was worth the five bucks. There could very well be better apps of similar design.
#12 ViolenceJack Nov 21, 2011 21:27:18	I'm looking at getting a tablet myself, and doing exactly this. However, the difference for me is that I run Linux at home, and thus will not be buying any further Apple products, because they're being ****s - only way to sync is via Windows (don't have, hate it) or Mac (don't have, too expensive). So I have this iPod that I have to update via running a virtual Windows machine on my Linux computer. I have the same problem with the online character builder, in fact - it's why I don't subscribe anymore. Can't run the web-based CB without loading up a virtual machine, and that's irritating. I probably will re-subscribe at some point, now that I have everything worked out with the virtual machine. Or something. For me, the advantage is that I can very easily do the remote desktop thing. I can easily set up my home desktop to act as a server and tunnel in to a virtual machine running Windows, wherever I am, so long as I have internet access. I know you can allow remote desktop access under Windows, but I don't know how to do it and I do know that it will take over the screen of anybody using it locally. I think they use the RDP protocol, and you could probably find an app for it. It's actually just a whole lot easier for me because of the virtual mahcine thing, so I never investigated it more. TL;DR version - what you want to do is possible, but might not work quite as well as you're hoping. ADDENDUM - I am a technophile. The ability to install/set up virtual machines and low-level servers comes after about six months of fiddling with this kind of thing off-and-on as needed. A couple all-nighters and much cursing were invovled, but I found it rewarding to figure it out.
#13 macleanbrad Nov 21, 2011 22:20:32	I use Splashtop and love it, I was at the store for LFR and realized I had the wrong level guy, connected to the internet through wifi, made myself a quick level 1 essentials character and was playing in 3 minutes. I do prefer to use an app called "i4e" as a character sheet though rather then another computer. It's exceptionally good and I also download an app called "Compendium" that was/is? free to access rules and stuff. i4e allows you to take a dnd4e file and upload it to a website and then download it to the app. It looks good and operates well and allows you to change anything you want if you homebrew some rules or such. The only thing is you want to double check that all the numbers transferred properly, for some reason it may miss a modifier to AC or a NAD but editing anything is also really easy. My recommendations -i4e - Character Sheet -Compendium - Accesses Compendium -Splashtop - Character Builder/VTT -Real Dice - You get a dice roller and it rolls 4 or 5 1s in a row, despite it being possible you'll always think it's broken or cheating you. Roll 5 20s and everyone else thinks you're cheating
#14 rayous Nov 22, 2011 11:12:18	i second i4e, that program is great