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Stardock Multiplicity Review
- Standard Version (two PCs, no copying functionality): $29.95
- Pro Version (up to 6 PCs, full copying functionality): $49.95
- A free 15 day trial is available
- Innovative application to control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse
- Access files and applications on multiple PCs from one main PC
- Share the clipboard between PCs
- Easy to use interface
- Move between computers seamlessly
- No performance impact on either PC
- Quickly switch between computers using hotkeys
- Lock your mouse to a given desktop
- Easy wizard-style set up procedure
- Full password protection and domain control internally
- Control up to six secondary PCs (Pro version only)
- Screen darkens and fades to show which PC you are controlling
- Easily copy files between computers (Pro version only)
- Free online technical support
- Free trial version available
- Not a remote access tool, but allows you to control multiple computers
- Windows based PCs only
Stardock Multiplicity is a novel application which allows you to control several different PCs from one keyboard and mouse. It isn't quite a remote access tool in the same vein as the other products in our top ten, but it could be used to provide a similar solution if the PCs you want to control are all in the same room. The application works very well at what it does, but those looking for a true remote access solution would be better off with some of the other products in this category.
Stardock Multiplicity is an excellent solution for anyone who has two or more PCs in the same room and wants to be able to work seamlessly between them instead of having to swap keyboards and mice all the time. Each PC still works as a standalone system and must have its own monitor but you can switch between them easily to carry out different tasks. An example of the type of task this is useful for could be a 3D modeller who wants to render his graphics on one system while continuing to design on another. Instead of having to copy the file across the network and then physically go over to the other computer and set off the rendering he can do it all from the one keyboard and mouse.
Probably the most useful feature of Stardock Multiplicity is the ability to share the clipboard between multiple computers. This means you could copy a screenshot from one computer and paste it into an application on another without having to transfer any files around. However, if you do need to transfer files for other reasons it is easy to do as Stardock Multiplicity provides a simple drag and drop interface. The application also goes to great lengths to make it easy to switch between computers using hotkeys and helps you remember which system you are controlling by providing useful visual cues.
The set up process for Stardock multiplicity is very simple and takes the form of a straight forward wizard-style procedure. The application must be installed on each of the PCs you want to control and then it is simply a case of using the hotkeys or clicking the icons to switch between them. There is also no performance impact on either of the PCs or the network because they do most of the work themselves and Stardock just transfers your control commands around. At the moment the application can only be used to control Windows based PCs, but a Mac OSX version is in development.
Security should not be too much of an issue when using Stardock Multiplicity because the computers you are controlling will probably be in the same room, as they have to have their own monitors connected. However, it is still possible to set up passwords and domain controls from within the application to limit which computers can be accessed.
If you are looking for a full on remote access tool then Stardock Multiplicity is not the product for you as it does a slightly different job from these types of tools. However, if, like many people, you have an old PC sitting around that you want to make use of without the hassle of network shares and multiple keyboards then it should come in very useful and be well worth the reasonable asking price. A 15 day trial is available so if you aren't quite sure if it will do what you need it to, give it a try to find out.
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