Remote-access apps make your iPad even more powerful

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Working out of the office is often frustrating–especially when you need to access a key file on your desktop computer and that pc sits many hundreds of miles away. Fortunately, iPad owners can access several apps that permit them to remotely access the files and information in their laptops and desktop computers, no matter how far away from them they might be. Termed remote-access programs, these tools are available in a wide variety of price points. They also target numerous types of iPad users, from those concentrating on business to individuals who’re more interested in watching movies and listening to music. Here’s a look at three of the most useful remote-access apps currently available for iPad users.

GoToMyPC: GoToMyPC ranks as the grandfather of remote-access services. The folks behind the service, Citrix, have been offering users remote access to their PCs and laptops since before the iPad even entered the market. The good thing about this service? It’s by far the most powerful remote-access app out there. It’s also incredibly easy to work with. PC Magazine, in a recent review, points to the intuitive button system that lets you easily navigate through your computer. Additionally, it praises the system’s arrows function, which allows you to make use of your iPad to imitate moving your cursor using a mouse. The downside? GoToMyPC isn’t inexpensive. Depending on your service, anticipate paying about $9.95 a month or $99 a year for the application. For some users who only need to remotely access their PC on rare occasions, that cost might be too high.

SplashTop Remote Desktop: The SplashTop Remote Desktop has become a top option for iPad users. That’s because the system, as recently rated by CNet writer Matt Elliott, is straightforward to set up and use. It’s also fairly inexpensive, costing just $4.99. It also allows you to stream both video and audio, something that other remote-desktop applications don’t.

LogMeIn Ignition: LogMeIn Ignition fits somewhere between Splashtop and GoToMyPC. It is $30, so it’s not as affordable as Splashtop. But it’s less expensive than GoToMyPC and doesn’t call for a monthly subscription. The best feature here, though, according to CNET is LogMeIn’s power to wake up a PC or laptop that is sleeping or shut off. Other remote-access apps can’t accomplish that trick.