Get More Work Done On-The-Go: Parallels Access Lets You Manage Mac and PC Apps on iPad


windows-7-mac-os-xI imagine many people use their iPad for easy-to-reach entertainment, such as movies, games or music. However, I doubt iPads are often used for business, work documents or other productive activities, simply because the lack of software or programs can create hassle when trying to get things accomplished the way you would at home. News of Parallels Access hit this Wednesday, a new subscription program that lets you use Windows and OS X on your tablet, blurring that barrier between tablet and desktop operating systems! Parallel is most well known as virtualization software dating back to 2006 when they launched something allowing mac owners to run programs on Windows OS. Mind blowing capability at the time. But today they are hitting a new level bringing desktop apps to the iPad! iPad cannot run virtual copies of an OS designed for other computing devices, so Parallels Access is remote control software, meaning the apps you are using are really running on a powered up, internet connected Windows or PC at home. Because of this, all you need on the road is your iPad to get those last minute things done!

parallels-access-3It is unique in its manner to give your Windows or OS X a very iPad like feel in an intuitive and useful way for consumers. Full fledged Mac and Windows apps, even Adobe Flash, will run as if they were made for the iPad; great for users that have that occasional need to edit or recover a file stuck on a PC! Access provides its very own iPad-like launching process by populating the apps you use the most and laying them neatly on the screen for your convenience. Of course, you are able to easily switch from app to app, add or remove programs to your liking and loop between them with just a tap. The greatest thing about Access is the ability to virtually run Windows within OS X, and use Mac, Windows and iPad applications with ease, rather than feeling as if you are juggling between all three. Otherwise, who would want to mess with that idea?

ParallelImperfections among these features were uncovered with advanced use. When an application is open it fills the entire iPad screen, and this can cause some blemishing in screen resolution. Some copy and pasting features do not always work, like in attempt to copy something off your computer and paste it into an iPad app. One of Parallels biggest claims was the ability to continue solid connection even in a low bandwidth situation. However, this proved to not always be the case as lousy connection sometimes meant lousy Parallel performance. Turns out, for better connection Access should be well connected to both the network of the computer it is communicating with as well as the iPad itself. Price is pretty high, $79.99 per year per computer it is installed on. Access is a great new way for people on-the-go to manage their workload with their pocket tablet. Yet. although the new service may lighten the load to get work done, I doubt it will switch many away from their laptop just yet.

Topics: Technology News Apple Microsoft Tablets

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