There are a number of iPad business apps available that let corporate users transform their tablets into lightweight work slates. Citrix' GoToMyPC for iPad, the mobile version of the popular remote access software, lets you control your desktop while away from your Mac or PC. The free app works in conjunction with the desktop version of GoToMyPC and a wireless connection to keep you productive on the go. The app works as advertised—I was able to control my work PC from a distance—but it could benefit from a more responsive interaction with the host computer.

The Setup
Setting up GoToMyPC for iPad begins by installing GoToMyPC ($19.95 per month) onto your Mac or PC. From there, you move to the iPad app, where you'll log in using the credentials you established on the desktop version. Once logged in, you're presented with a list of computers connected with your account. Tapping the "Connect" button brings you to a screen where you have to input your remote access code, which begins the remote access session. All in all, the setup process was easy and trouble-free in my testing.

Design and Interface
Next, GoToMyPC for iPad displays a guide that details the various compatible finger gestures and their functions. Thankfully, Citrix steps back and fills the home screen with what you most want to see—your desktop. A collapsible tool bar positioned at the top of the screen lets launch the virtual keyboard, arrow keys, preferences options, and disconnect from a session when you're done working. All of these were responsive and worked well. Holding the iPad horizontally offers the best view of your desktop; you can certainly hold it vertically, but the desktop image is reduced in size and a bit cramped. If at anytime you feel you need a closer look at the on-screen images, you can zoom in by 300% using the pinch gesture.

The Remote Access Experience
Navigating my work PC from the iPad was quite simple. Using the cursor (which was highlighted by a green halo), I was able to the switch browser tabs, open a Word document, and check my Outlook e-mail. Naturally, there was some latency; switching between applications took approximately five to ten seconds over our office Wi-Fi connection. Navigating and selecting items on the desktop's Start menu was near 1:1. Your experience may differ based on network connection speed and possible wireless interference.

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I was able to type a good portion of this review using GoToMyPC's virtual keyboard, which, thankfully, lets you use special keys and key combinations as you would do with a physical keyboard. The arrow keys proved useful in navigating Excel sheets. Citrix built gesture controls into the app that adds extra functionality. For example, a two-finger tap acts as a right-click, and a three-finger tap toggles the virtual keyboard on and off. Citrix secures the data stream with 128-bit AES encryption.

Lacks Multitasking
Business users who are accustomed to juggling multiple applications will find GoToMyPC for iPad limiting as the app doesn't support multitasking—a feature that Citrix states will come post-launch. The lack of multitasking support proved quite irritating because whenever I launched another app (such as Mail, or Notes), GoToMyPC would close and demand that I log back in upon relaunch. Besides multitasking, the other post-launch features that are in the works include copy and paste between apps, faster performance, and a universal iPhone and iPad app.

Should You Download GoToMyPC for iPad?
GoToMyPC for iPad is a solid application for controlling your Mac or PC remotely, but there are issues present that need to be addressed. Latency needs to be reduced, and the lack of multitasking will be a major ding for some—hopefully those negatives will be removed with the upcoming update. Still, GoToMyPC for iPad is a useful app for accessing your desktop in a pinch.

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