If you really want to unlock the full potential of the iPad, a remote desktop app is a must-have. As you’d expect, a remote desktop app allows you to connect to and use your desktop back at home or the office with your iPad.

There are several of these apps currently available for the iPad, and a few in particular that we would recommend. We’ve focused on apps that will allow you to remotely access Windows PCs or Macs. Before we get to that, though, here’s a quick rundown of the key features that really make a difference as to the usability of a remote desktop app.

What to Look For

Stability: All remote desktop apps perform the same basic function, but they can differ with respect to how well they handle different desktop setups and programs. Stability is what really separates a good app from one that’s not so good; a good one will be able to work smoothly and seamlessly with even very large and/or high-resolution desktops and a wide variety of software.

Security: Needless to say, it’s important that the app doesn’t leave you exposed to security risks. The ideal remote desktop app would accommodate a wide variety of security and encryption settings and protocols.

Ease of setup: Some configuration is always going to be necessary with this type of app, and good design in this respect will help make the app easier to use in general, which is always nice.

Now, without further ado, here are our picks for the top remote desktop apps for the iPad.

LogMeIn Ignition (https://secure.logmein.com/products/ignition/iphone/Default.aspx)

The LogMeIn product has been around in one form or another for a long time, and LogMeIn Ignition is the latest version. The LogMeIn service is web based, and very simple to set up and use. All you need to do to get started is create a LogMeIn account and install a quiet background app on all of the machines you’d like to access. When you start up LogMeIn, you’ll see a list of all the machines you’ve set up for remote access, and you can get to work.

LogMeIn provides a wide range of options to help optimize your security and overall experience. You can do things such as reduce the display size of the remote machine, which keeps your bandwidth usage down. What we really like about LogMeIn, though, is how simple it is to set up, and how stable it is once you get going. At $30, LogMeIn is a bit pricey as far as apps go, but we would still highly recommend it to anyone who feels they would use the app enough to justify that cost.

iTeleport (http://www.iteleportmobile.com)

iTeleport, at a slightly more affordable $24.99, manages to do most of what LogMeIn can do. It’s similar to LogMeIn in that it also uses a web-based connection method, although iTeleport requires a Google account for authentication purposes and isn’t quite as exhaustive when it comes to security and encryption options.

One area where iTeleport really excels is with its interface. iTeleport really takes advantage of the iPad’s touch screen with extensive multi-touch gesture support.

VNC Viewer (http://www.realvnc.com/products/ios/index.html)

VNC Viewer provides solid performance and ease of use, although it can be a bit more time consuming to set up initially, and in some cases may require that you install additional syncing software. Additionally, in order to get the full functionality of the program, you’ll need the VNC Enterprise Edition, which costs $50.

That being said, VNC Viewer is well worth considering if you want the absolute best in power and stability.

Roku, originally known for owning Netflix, a popular video streaming service, has been working to upgrade its streaming player device platform to provide more flexibility to the consumer and to compete with the new and inexpensive Apple TV.  To compete with Apple, Roku has been rocking more features into its streaming player while keeping the cost affordable for the consumer.

In an effort to provide a quality device and affordable service the Roku XDS offers support for 1080p, USB capability so you can use local media, WiFi, and optical outputs.  It is a step up from the Roku HD and offers a host of other features that surpass what Apple TV is offering.

Roku XDS Construction

The Roku XDS is constructed in a sturdy plastic shell with a compact design that is much slimmer than its predecessors.  The device is very small and compact with product dimensions of 4.9 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches and weighing in at only 7.2 ounces.  The back of the Roku XDS has a simple design with ports that are easily accessible to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment.

Roku XDS Flexibility

The Roku XDS offers more flexibility than the HD and XD models.  Although the HD and XD have streaming-only capability, HDMI output, and composite outputs, the XDS offers more with an HDMI output, composite and component video outputs, optical audio port, Ethernet, and a USB port located on the side for using local media.

Roku also revamped the remote control to upgrade it from the HD model.  The remote control on the XDS has a nifty instant replay feature, additional information buttons, and a new clicker feature.  The remote has a high tech finish with a Roku button which is covered in purple fabric that helps with pulling open the battery cover.

When it comes to flexibility the software on the Roku XDS is versatile and easy to use. The XDS provides support for 1080 playback which provides 1080 viewing on channels with 1080p however some of the channels such as Amazon Video on Demand are 720p.  If you view a channel with 1080p then the support for 1080p will kick into high gear.  This is an advantage over Apple TV which is still 720 playback.

Roku XDS1080p Support

With the Roku XDS you can view videos in 1080p from the USB drive as opposed to streaming it from a selected service provider.  The local playback from the USB port currently accommodates MPEG-4 video and MP3 audio.  The XDS also works with any television up to 1080p for a high quality video streaming experience.

Although there are still fewer channels that offer 1080p as opposed to the number that offer 720p, the XDS is 1080p ready as the video streaming capabilities for channels and high resolution content continues to grow.  At any rate, 1080p support has been very popular with consumers who use the HD or XDS streaming player.

Roku Channel Store

When you use the Roku XDS you have access to more than 80 channels from online services such as social networking sites like Facebook and services such as Pandora, Internet TV channels such as MLB.tv, and access to more than 100,000 movies on demand and TV shows that you can watch from Netflix, Hulu Plus, and 99 cent shows from Amazon.  It is important to note that with some of the channels from services such as Facebook and others it is necessary to install each channel by signing into the service on your PC and then linking your Roku XDS to your account.  There is also many other selections such as the primary network news stations and the ability to engage in photo and video sharing.

Conclusion

The Roku XDS is quite similar to the XD and HD versions except in a smaller case with upgraded capabilities.  You can begin to watch programs on your TV within minutes of setting up the unit using your high speed Internet connection.  You pay a one time purchase of around $100 for the unit without the hassle and expense of monthly bills.  The only added expense is your Netflix or Hulu subscriptions that you use to get content on-demand.

The main updated features are dual-band wireless technology, component video and optical audio outputs, and the USB port for playing stored photos, music, and videos.  So if you are looking for a top-of-the-line unit that will help you to reduce your cable or satellite TV bill the Roku XDS is worth taking a second look.  You can find additional information and customer reviews by clicking here.

For those who are serious about getting fit being able to track your progress is important and helps you to set fitness goals.  The problem is when you are active,  carrying tracking equipment can sometimes be inconvenient.  The good news is that there is an easier way to keep track of your progress and chart your exercise regimen without being distracted with bulky equipment. If you have been looking for a more convenient way to monitor your fitness regimen it may be worth your time to take a look at the Garmin Forerunner 305 which is packed with features for maintaining an exercise routine in a non-bulky wrist mounted device.

Garmin 305 Design

Even when you think of a wrist-mounted device you still tend to think in terms of bulk as well as a unit that distracts your attention away from your exercise routine.

Garmin has put a great deal of thought into the Forerunner 305 which reduces the bulk without sacrificing high quality technology.  The Forerunner 305 is smaller and more comfortable than the previous models. Although it is still not the size of a sports watch it has a smooth sleek design that attaches comfortably to your wrist with an unobstructed view of the high resolution widescreen display with easy button access.

The display provides high resolution clarity with a button layout that is easy to use and functions that are readily available.  On the left side is the Power button which allows you to easily turn the unit on and off and regulate the backlighting on the widescreen display.  Below the Power button on the left hand side is the Mode button to help you view the main menu, timer, and work with menu options and different sport selections.

On the front of the unit is a button that allows you to create laps for your exercise routine along with a timer reset and a button that allows you to start and stop the timer. On the right hand side is a button with a variety of options to make selections and acknowledge messages along with a function button that allows you to scroll through menus and data fields.

Customization

You can customize the Garmin Forerunner 305 to create your own selection of data that you want to see thanks to the three different types of screens that are designed to accommodate your workouts.  You can also configure the data from more than a dozen different fields so you can view your progress and achieve an accurate reading on your exercise performance through real-time information.

You can customize the settings to read just about any aspect of your workout including the number of calories you burned, the distance you achieved, different elevations if you are running on a hill or stair stepping, and much more.  There is also an advanced tracking system that allows you to track different heart rates such as when you are doing laps, average heart rate, and zones with the heart rate chest strap that is included with the Forerunner 305.

If it sounds complicated the good news is that you can program the unit to view only the data you want to see and according to the type of workout you are doing.  The different settings can be programmed for a quick workout with general information, interval training, and an advanced workout.  If you wish you take this data and upload it online to a website such as motionbased.com so you can view it and analyze your progress at your convenience and from your PC.

USB Connectivity

The Garmin Forerunner 305 provides a USB port for connection to your PC and uploading of workout data with the Training Center software.  The Training Center software allows you to view your progress on graphs and other information sources.  The software also works in the opposite way where you can chart your courses on your PC and then upload the information to the Garmin Forerunner 305.  The mapping, waypoint marking and routing capabilities makes defining your route a lot easier.

What the Garmin Forerunner Includes and Some of the Extras

The Garmin Forerunner 305 includes the heart rate chest strap monitor, the docking cradle and AC charger for keeping the battery charged, and interface cable for your PC that plugs into a USB port, and an expander strap to ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist.

You can also purchase optional equipment to enhance your workout such as a wireless cadence and speed meter if you are an avid biker and want to track your bike performance.  There is also the optional Foot Pod accessory that attaches to your shoe and then transmits the information on your workout to the Garmin Forerunner 305.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an easier way to keep track of your progress when you are working out or when you are training for a competition, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is worth taking a look.  The new design is better than the past models such as the 205 and the unit is easy to set up and use and tracks your workout accurately.  To decide whether or not the Garmin Forerunner 305 suits your needs you can obtain more information by clicking here.