Working out of the office can be frustrating–especially when you need to gain access to a key file on your desktop computer and that pc sits many hundreds of miles away. Fortunately, iPad owners can access several apps that allow them to remotely connect to the files and information in their laptops and personal computers, no matter how far away from them they may be. Known as remote-access programs, these tools are available in a wide variety of prices. They also target a wide variety of iPad users, from those centering on business to individuals that are interested in watching movies and listening to music. Here’s a look at three of the best remote-access apps currently available for iPad users.
GoToMyPC: GoToMyPC ranks as the grandfather of remote-access services. The folks behind this service, Citrix, have been offering users remote access to their PCs and laptops since prior to the iPad even entered the market. The good thing about this service? It’s probably the most robust remote-access app available. It’s also incredibly easy to utilize. PC Magazine, in a recent review, points to the intuitive button system that permits you to easily navigate through your computer. It also praises the system’s arrows function, which lets you use your iPad to imitate moving your cursor using a mouse. The downside? GoToMyPC isn’t inexpensive. Depending on your service, count on paying about $9.95 a month or $99 a year for the application. For some users who just need to remotely access their PC on rare occasions, that cost may be too high.
SplashTop Remote Desktop: The SplashTop Remote Desktop has become a top choice for iPad users. That’s because the product, as recently rated by CNet writer Matt Elliott, is not hard to install and use. Additionally, it is fairly affordable, costing just $4.99. It also enables you to stream both video and audio, something which other remote-desktop applications don’t.
LogMeIn Ignition: Elliott also tested LogMeIn Ignition and gave it good reviews. It is a bit more expensive than is SplashTop Remote Desktop. But it also includes a feature which may justify the additional price for business users: You can use this application to remotely wake a sleeping or shut-off PC, something other remote-access apps can’t do. You may also use this app to copy or move files from your remote PC to the iPad, another feature that other remote-access apps can’t duplicate.