We have talked about Laptops vs Desktops quite a bit on my discussion forum. While I own and use both, I prefer to work at my desktop computer for most daily tasks. The laptop, I simply use for traveling or ocassional convenience - but not ‘heavy work’.
My reasons? My desktop has dual 19″ widescreen monitors, which is laid out very nicely for multi-tasking. Everything is plugged in, and all accessories are accessible - things are exactly where I need them.
The laptop screen is a decent size, but doesnt compare. And once I plug in everything that goes with it (wireless keyboard, mouse & router, etc etc etc)… its not near as “portable” or convenient. The batteries never last, so you are usually plugged in to a power source as well. Its great when I am on the go… but not first choice when I am home and working.
Too, there has been the issue of transferring data. Its not such a big deal when I am taking the laptop to another room, as I could use networking… but when I am going to be away from the house I have to be sure to transfer any files I may want to use while out.
My email being the biggest pain. The backup takes for-freakin-ever, then I have to import the data into the same app on the laptop. Once I come back to the desktop, I have to repeat that process again to get the updated file back on my home office system. A royal pain - trust me.
Using a Remote Access program seems to be a GREAT solution for someone like me. I’ve looked into several, and RemotePC - Remote Access (at RemotePC.com) looks to be the easiest and most cost-effective.
What this program would allow me to do is access my desktop computer remotely from the laptop. So let’s say I wanted to work from the coffee shop uptown for the afternoon, or I was on a trip out of state to a marketing seminar. Just grab the laptop & go! No file transfers necessary, no installing any new apps I might need since the last time I was mobile, etc.
I can open my Desktop PC in a window on my Laptop, and access my email program and any other files. I can manage email, send replies, work on files, etc.
Another cool feature is that you can allow up to 10 remote connections to one system. This would be great if you wanted to set up a small conference and do a training session or demo something that is on your PC. Or, even with just one remote connection, you can use a laptop for on-site demos very easily. Sweet!
The basic plan is only $5/month, and they give you a 30-day free trial to check it out. I am going to blow the dust off my laptop and give this a whirl - it looks like the perfect solution for me!
If you’ve used remote access programs before, I’d love to hear your thoughts & experiences!
Tags: remote pc, remote access, laptop, desktop
3 responses so far ↓
Marios Alexandrou // Mar 28, 2007 at 7:30 pm
I use Microsoft’s Remote Desktop which ships with Windows XP Professional. It’s solid and when running I can barely tell I’m not actually sitting at the remote computer. It doesn’t do file transfers, but that’s not a feature I need. It also only handles one connection at a time. For me that’s fine as I’d never want anyone to be able to connect to my computer. In cases where I need to share a desktop, I’d use something like WebEx.
Troy // Mar 29, 2007 at 11:20 pm
I used one once, but I was really concerned by security issues.
Can anyone shead any light on this subject? It seems that remote might just have some vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
It seemed kind of slow, when I did use one across state to connect with my home rc.
Lynn Terry // Mar 30, 2007 at 5:21 am
Remote PC states that it is a secure connection. That said, its only secure as the wireless network you are using to connect to the internet - so thats important to keep in mind.
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