Top 10 remote desktop applications

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One of the advantages of touchscreen smartphones is they provide a large screen perfect for accessing your computer remotely, whether you need to access applications or documents.

Remote Desktop applications are available on all platforms, both over-network and whilst away from the network.

Some use a third party server as a path point, others use ActiveSync, but they all render the screen to fit on your mobile, allowing you to carry out most of the tasks you can on your PC but on the move.

Here we round up the 10 best applications across smartphone platforms.

Apple iPhone/iPad

LogMeIn Ignition, £17.99

LogMeIn Ignition is probably the most well known iPhone and iPad remote desktop application and that’s because it’s so popular.

You’ll have to sign up for a LogMeIn account before you can use the service and download the software onto your Mac or PC. However, once you’ve installed the software, you can log into your computer with one tap, whether the machine is at home or in the office.

LogMeIn Ignition allows you to access all of your files and programs – even play games, so you can be sure to have everything you need while you’re on the go.

Version 1.1.159 has introduced iPhone 4 support, meaning you can use the device’s impressive Retina Display technology and view your connected computer in higher resolution.

TeamViewer, Free

Teamviewer is a free remote desktop client that supports access for both Windows and Macs.

It works on both iPhone and iPad and allows you to use multi-touch gestures for left click, right click, drag and drop, scroll wheel, zoom and change monitor functions.

TeamViewer also allows you to view all users who are online, accessing the same computer as you – whether that’s family or colleagues.

Although TeamViewer is free for personal use with all its features available, you’ll have to pay £59.99 for the Pro version that covers commercial use.

Wyse Pocketcloud, £8.99

Wyse PocketCloud is available for iPhone and iPad and is the cheapest option available for commercial use.

At just £8.99, it really is a reasonable service, especially when you consider it’s supported across almost all Windows-based platforms including Windows 2003, XP Professional, Windows Vista Ultimate plus Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

Wyse PocketCloud’s latest update has been designed to benefit iPad users, offering external VGA support so you can hook your iPad to a VGA output to use the app and improved multi-touch shortcuts.

You can also use the same client across iPad and iPhone, as long as you use the same iTunes account, meaning you only have to pay once and the app will optimise across the two platforms.

Wyse PocketCloud is a well-priced RDP client for Windows, although it doesn’t yet support Windows Home editions or Mac.

Mocha RemoteDesktop, £3.49

Mocha RemoteDesktop allows you to access any XP, Vista or Windows 7 PC from your iPhone.

The app allows you to scroll and zoom as the Safari browser, with a selection of three keyboards for text input.

The latest version of Mocha RemoteDesktop includes VGA video output and multitasking for compatible devices running iOS4. You can also view your computer in high resolution on the iPhone 4 if you’ve installed the latest update too.

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