In this Q&A, we dive into the details of the latest MacRumors giveaway in partnership with Astropad. You have a chance to win a Mac Mini and pair it with Astropad’s new Workbench app—a remote desktop solution designed specifically for managing AI agents. Below, we answer the most pressing questions about the giveaway, the software, and how it all works together.
What is the MacRumors giveaway with Astropad?
Astropad has teamed up with MacRumors to offer one lucky reader a free Mac Mini (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) along with the perfect companion software: the Workbench app. Workbench is a remote desktop tool built for controlling and monitoring AI agents on your Mac from anywhere. This giveaway is ideal for developers, AI enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to run local agentic AI platforms like OpenClaw on a dedicated Mac Mini. To enter, simply use the widget on the MacRumors page and provide your email address. Additional entries are available by subscribing to the newsletter, YouTube channel, or following MacRumors on social media. Note that due to international laws, only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
What is Astropad Workbench and how does it relate to Astropad’s other products?
Astropad is already known for Astropad Studio and Luna Display—tools that turn iPads into drawing tablets or secondary displays for Macs. Workbench is a natural evolution of that technology. It’s a remote desktop app that uses the same LIQUID engine powering Luna Display and Astropad Studio, but it’s specifically optimized for AI agent management. With Workbench, you can access your Mac’s full desktop remotely from an iPhone, iPad, or another Mac. This makes it much more than a simple terminal tool: you get full control over your AI agents, including the ability to check logs, restart tasks, and monitor long-running jobs. For anyone running a Mac Mini as a personal AI server, Workbench is the ideal remote interface.
How does Workbench differ from tools like Remote Control for Claude Code?
While services like Anthropic’s Remote Control for Claude Code only provide terminal access, Workbench offers a complete desktop experience. That means you can see and interact with your Mac’s graphical interface—windows, menus, and all—not just a command line. This is critical when you need to monitor AI agents that produce visual outputs or require GUI-based configuration. Workbench supports high-fidelity streaming with low latency, voice dictation, multiple control options (gestures, keyboard, mouse, Apple Pencil), and even a mini-map for navigating large desktops. Additionally, you can quickly switch between multiple Macs connected to the same Workbench account. This full-featured approach makes Workbench a versatile tool for any remote Mac use, especially AI agent supervision.
What key features does Workbench offer for managing AI agents?
Workbench is packed with features tailored for remote AI work:
- Full desktop access from iPhone, iPad, or another Mac
- Unified virtual display that handles multiple monitors
- Low-latency streaming and voice dictation
- Multiple input methods: gestures, keyboard, mouse, Apple Pencil
- Mini-map navigation for large desktops
- Global relay network across 11 regions for easy setup (no network config needed)
- End-to-end encryption; no display recordings are saved
These features let you check logs, restart failed tasks, and stay connected to long-running AI jobs without being tied to a desk.
What are the system requirements and pricing for Workbench?
Workbench requires macOS 15 or later, iPadOS 26 or later, and iOS 26 or later. It performs best on Apple Silicon Macs, with limited support for Intel Macs. The app is free to use for 20 minutes each day (no credit card required). For unlimited use, you can subscribe for $10 per month or $50 per year. The free tier is perfect for testing or light use, while the paid plan is ideal for professionals who need constant remote access to their AI agents.
How can I enter the giveaway and increase my chances of winning?
To enter, visit the MacRumors giveaway page and use the widget to submit your email address. Your email will only be used to contact you if you win. You can earn additional entries by:
- Subscribing to the MacRumors weekly newsletter
- Subscribing to the MacRumors YouTube channel
- Following MacRumors on Twitter
- Following MacRumors on Instagram
- Following MacRumors on Threads
- Visiting the MacRumors Facebook page
Each action gives you one extra entry. Due to international giveaway regulations, only residents of the United States are eligible to win. Good luck!