The iPhone Mom

My husband uses the LogMeIn Ignition app to help his family when they have computer issues. They live in other states but this app combined with the LogMeIn software allows him to take control of their computers and attempt to fix whatever’s ailing it. I knew he was somehow using his iPhone to do all this but hadn’t asked for details. Too much technical mumbo-jumbo was my thought.  Then I was contacted by LogMeIn about advertising on my site. I mentioned the name to the husband and he told me what he’d been using it for. I figured since we already had the app in our library, and they wanted to be a sponsor, I’d take a look at what LogMeIn could do for moms.

The app itself is slick. It turns your iPhone into a remote control for your PC or Mac. When you’re using the iPhone app your desktop will show up on your iPhone screen and you use your fingers to move around.  You can open programs, view files, etc. – basically it’s just like you’re using the computer yourself. Except your not and you could be anywhere. The hubby showed me a couple tricks that improved the speed of the app. First he changed the color quality to “Grayscale” and then he lowered the resolution. After he did this I noticed a big improvement in how quickly the app and PC were working together. In the settings you can also lock the keyboard of the computer you’re accessing. That way no one on the other end can interfere.

To use the app you’re going to need the LogMeIn software installed on your PC or Mac. There are several different versions. I started with the free one then I received an email offering a trial version of LogMeIn Pro2. It appears the free trial is also offered on their website. The upgrade in the desktop version doesn’t affect the features you get with the iPhone app but with the Pro2 you have more features available when you’re using your computer to access another computer. The key differences between the free and Pro2 software are detailed on their website. If all you need is basic access to your Mac or PC then you’ll be just fine with the free software. But if you need to fully use your PC/Mac remotely then Pro2 has the features you’ll need.

So why would a mom need LogMeIn Ignition and/or the desktop software? If you work outside the home and need to be able to access your work computer in the evenings, on the weekend or even on vacation, the software allows you to do this from your home computer and the app will allow you to do it with your iPhone. Or maybe you’ve got a situation like we do where you’re often called upon to assist relatives with computer trouble. This is much, much less painful then trying to visualize the problem and then walk them through the fix-it process. With the iPhone app you wouldn’t even need to be home to help. Although maybe you don’t want to become the 24 hour, 7 day a week family geek squad.

You’ll see below that this is not an inexpensive app. It’s definitely one that you put on your iPhone for a specific reason and not every mom is going to need it. If you’ve got a reason and need to remotely access computers anytime and anywhere then this is a great way to go. I found that the app ran smoothly and did everything it said it would. The same with the LogMeIn software. That technical mumbo-jumbo I was worried about wasn’t any more than I could deal with. Which considering my sleep deprived state says a lot.

Price when Reviewed: $29.99

Seller: LogMeIn, Inc.