Comparison

OpenSol vs MeshControl Remote Desktop

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OpenSol

Experience a classic 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Interact with original firmware, customize display effects, and enjoy an immersive terminal experience. This independently developed app offers a unique retro computing simulation.

Highlights
  • Intel 8080 interpreter
  • Original OpenSol firmware
  • Sol Command Monitor
  • Customizable display effects (CRT, phosphor)
  • Full-screen immersive mode
  • External keyboard and controller support
  • Virtual cassette tools
Features
Read full description

OpenSol is an independently developed Intel 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Explore a 64-by-16 character display, type directly into the original OpenSol firmware, and use the built-in Sol Command Monitor. Choose white, green, amber, or red phosphor; switch between a sharp flat display and period-inspired CRT effects; and use full-screen mode for an immersive terminal experience. OpenSol includes: • A complete independently written Intel 8080 interpreter • Original OpenSol firmware and Sol Command Monitor • iPhone, iPad, and Mac interfaces • Direct typing, touch input, external keyboards, and compatible game controllers • User-selected ENT and raw-binary file import • Private on-device Recent Programs and session restoration • Experimental virtual cassette and USB-audio cassette tools OpenSol includes no SOLOS ROM, vintage applications, download catalog, advertising, analytics, tracking, accounts, or network service. Users provide their own lawfully obtained compatible files. OpenSol is not affiliated with or endorsed by Processor Technology Corporation or any successor rights holder. Historical product names are used only to describe compatibility and historical context.

About

MeshControl Remote Desktop

Features
Read full description

MeshControl lets you see and control the computers managed by your own MeshCentral server, right from your iPhone or iPad. REMOTE DESKTOP BUILT FOR TOUCH - Pointer mode works like a trackpad; touch mode clicks where you tap - Pinch to zoom, two-finger right click, three-finger scroll - Extra key row with Esc, Tab, Ctrl, Alt, Win, arrows and F1–F12 - Full hardware keyboard, mouse and trackpad support on iPad - Adjustable image quality for slow mobile connections SECURE BY DESIGN - Sign in with a MeshCentral login token or with username and password - Two-step verification with your authenticator app - Credentials stay in the iOS keychain, protected by Face ID or Touch ID - The app connects only to your server: no accounts, no tracking, no ads NO SERVER YET? A step-by-step guide inside the app shows how to set up a free MeshCentral server on Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker or Raspberry Pi. FREE AND FULL The free version includes remote control with mouse and keyboard. MeshControl Full adds screen selection on multi-monitor computers, the actions menu (Ctrl+Alt+Del, switch window, copy and paste, Task Manager and more) and upcoming features such as file transfer. Full is available as a weekly auto-renewable subscription or as a one-time lifetime purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings. MeshControl requires a MeshCentral server that allows the app (see the support page). MeshControl is an independent app and is not affiliated with the MeshCentral project. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://arksystems.it/meshcontrol/privacy/

Screenshots

OpenSol3 screens
MeshControl Remote Desktop4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenSol at none against MeshControl Remote Desktop's 2. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MeshControl Remote Desktop sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. OpenSol asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
OpenSol versus MeshControl Remote Desktop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenSolMeshControl Remote Desktop
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJordan RudermanLUCIO ANGELI

In-app purchases

None

OpenSol

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

MeshControl Remote Desktop

Subscriptions1
  • MeshControl Full Weekly$0.997 Days
One-time1
  • MeshControl Full Lifetime$17.99

Questions

Is OpenSol free?
OpenSol is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MeshControl Remote Desktop free?
MeshControl Remote Desktop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OpenSol or MeshControl Remote Desktop have ads?
Neither OpenSol nor MeshControl Remote Desktop shows ads.

Other comparisons