Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shells VS TotalSpaces

Compare Shells VS TotalSpaces and see what are their differences

Shells logo Shells

Shells is your personal workspace in the cloud. Join Shells now to access your own, private virtual desktop environment powered by a cloud computer.

TotalSpaces logo TotalSpaces

TotalSpaces provides a grid of spaces on OSX Lion
  • Shells Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-17

Shells.com offers a virtual cloud computer that can be accessed from any web-enabled device. As we offer multiple Linux distributions or Windows preloaded on the virtual desktop, it gives the user the opportunity to use the operating system that they want on the device that they want. This is great for new users who would like to give Linux a test run without having to install on their hardware or for developers who would like to test and deploy all on one device. Schools and businesses can rapidly deploy computers and phones to those who need them at a low-cost.

  • TotalSpaces Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-20

Shells

Website
shells.com
$ Details
paid $4.95 / Monthly (Shells Lite)
Platforms
Browser Android Windows iOS Mac OSX Linux Web

Shells features and specs

  • Cross-device compatibility
    Shells allows users to access their virtual desktop environment from any device with an internet connection, whether it's a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This flexibility enables seamless work and play across different devices.
  • Ease of setup
    Shells offers a straightforward and user-friendly setup process, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. Users can quickly get their virtual desktop up and running without the need for complex configurations.
  • Versatility
    Shells provides users with the ability to run multiple operating systems, including Linux and Windows, which adds flexibility for a variety of tasks and software requirements.
  • Cloud storage integration
    Shells offers cloud storage options, allowing users to easily store, access, and manage their files within their virtual desktop environment. This ensures data safety and convenience.
  • Scalability
    Users can easily scale their resources based on their needs, such as upgrading RAM or storage capacity. This ensures that Shells can grow alongside the user's demands.

Possible disadvantages of Shells

  • Dependent on internet connection
    Shells requires a stable and fast internet connection for optimal performance. Users with inconsistent or slow internet may experience lag or connectivity issues.
  • Recurring costs
    Using Shells involves a subscription-based payment model, meaning users must pay recurring fees to maintain access. This could be a con for users seeking a one-time purchase model.
  • Limited offline access
    Because Shells is cloud-based, users have limited functionality when they are offline, which could be disadvantageous for those needing constant access to their virtual desktops.
  • Potential security concerns
    Although Shells implements security measures, storing data in the cloud may still pose security risks, such as data breaches or unauthorized access, which may concern privacy-focused users.
  • Performance constraints
    Depending on the chosen plan and resource allocation, there may be performance limitations, particularly for users running resource-intensive applications compared to high-performance local machines.

TotalSpaces features and specs

  • Improved Grid Layout
    TotalSpaces allows users to organize their desktops in a grid layout, providing a more intuitive and flexible way to manage multiple workspaces compared to the default linear setup in macOS.
  • Efficient Navigation
    The software enables quicker navigation between desktops using keyboard shortcuts and the ability to jump directly to specific spaces, improving productivity for users who manage many tasks.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize transitions and animations between desktops, as well as labeling each desktop for better organization and workflow management.
  • Compatibility with Mission Control
    TotalSpaces complements macOS' native Mission Control features, offering additional functionality without replacing the existing system entirely.

Possible disadvantages of TotalSpaces

  • Limited macOS Compatibility
    TotalSpaces is not compatible with the most recent versions of macOS, which limits its usability for users who have updated their operating systems.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    Some users report occasional crashes or stability issues, particularly on systems with lots of active applications or high resource demands.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve as they adjust to the interface and capabilities of TotalSpaces, which might slow down initial productivity.
  • Dependence on Third-Party Software
    Relying on a third-party application like TotalSpaces is a downside for users who prefer sticking to the native macOS ecosystem for integration and support reasons.

Shells videos

Shells Explainer Video

More videos:

  • Review - Shells.com - Complete Review of Best Virtual Machine [ 2021 ]
  • Review - Linux Desktops in the Cloud with Shells.com
  • Review - Home Defense: Aguila 12ga. mini shells.

TotalSpaces videos

DIGITALYCHEE REVIEW: TotalSpaces for Mac

More videos:

  • Review - TotalSpaces ยท Gestiona los escritorios de tu Mac de manera eficiente
  • Tutorial - TotalSpaces2 & Screens - Mini Video Tutorial

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shells and TotalSpaces)
Cloud Computing
63 63%
37% 37
Note Taking
43 43%
57% 57
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Image Optimisation
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Shells and TotalSpaces. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TotalSpaces seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Shells mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Shells yet. Tracking of Shells recommendations started around May 2021.

TotalSpaces mentions (6)

  • Ice - open source bar manager for macOS
    This utility allows it https://totalspaces.binaryage.com/ You hit a keyboard shortcut, you get to the new space with 0 animation/transition. It can work with SIP on but only on macOS older than 10.14. They mention here this is due to some changes they make to the Dock https://totalspaces.binaryage.com/sip-details I'm not sure if the only part I care about (instant Spaces switching) would continue to work without... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Considering MBPs and am not sure (moving from Arch Linux on Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 7)
    There is a little confusion as most macOS users are not familiar with the difference between a window manager and a window tiling manager. There are a ton of great window manager (Magnet is still one of the common ones around which you brought up, but Mosaic is my favorite. Most window apps have all the same or similar features, but Mosaic includes some really advanced layout options that you can save and then... Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Can anyone please identify this virtual space switching app? (From a YouTube video)
    Maybe it's a(n older) version of TotalSpaces? Source: about 4 years ago
  • Total Spaces Alternatives Yet?
    After macOS ditched the 2D space switching for the 1D thing, I got Total Spaces 2 which allows me to do the 2D space switching again. I absolutely love it and find it difficult to use the primitive built-in spaces management. However, I'm still on Big Sur v11.6, specifically because Monterey is wholly incompatible with Total Spaces, you can't even hack it to work. Unfortunately, Total Spaces 3 isn't out yet, and... Source: over 4 years ago
  • A Beautiful List of Beautiful Apps
    I also use their TotalSpaces2[3] which is an amazing Spaces manager. Highly recommend it if you run a lot of concurrent apps and windows. Once again, it's limited to <12.0 and Intel-only Macs, but they have a TotalSpaces3 in alpha they are working on trying to release at some point. Source: over 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Shells and TotalSpaces, you can also consider the following products

V2 Cloud - Cloud Computing Made Easy: V2 Cloud. Increase Your Productivity, Reduce Costs and Manage Risks with Our No-IT Skills Required Solution.

VirtuaWin - VirtuaWin is a virtual desktop manager for the Windows operating system (Win9x/ME/NT/Win2K/XP/Win2003/Vista/Win7/Win10). A virtual desktop manager lets you organize applications over several virtual desktops (also called 'workspaces').

Virtual Desktop Enhancer - Virtual Desktop Enhancer is software designed for your window system, adding some alluring features to your virtual desktop.

Dexpot - If you don't have Dexpot yet, the new update makes it a must-have tool for Windows, adding a ton of features to your desktop that you never knew you wanted.

Sysinternals Desktops - Desktops allows you to organize your applications on up to four virtual desktops.

Virtual Dimension - Virtual Dimension is a free, fast, and feature-full virtual desktop manager for Windows platform.