The Top 4 Coolest Ways Use Your iPad with Your Computer

The Apple iPad isn't a computer, but it can do the next best thing: leverage the power of your computer to get the most out of your iPad. Here are several awesome ways you can get the most out of your iPad by using it with your computer.

Remote Access to Your Computer

Using a WiFi or 3G internet connection and using remote access apps, you'll be able to take complete control of your laptop or desktop computer from your Apple iPad. Some of the best remote desktop apps in the iTunes App Store include LogMeIn Ignition, GoToMyPC, Splashtop Remote, and iTeleport - but regardless of the one you use, there's almost nothing as great as having complete control of your computer from your iPad.

Transfer Files To and From Your Computer

How would you like to be able to share and sync files to and from your iPad and computer? Dropbox is one of the most innovative apps that assigns a folder on your computer that your iPad has complete access to. Using Dropbox is a great way to save physical storage space while working on a universal file that doesn't have to be updated manually.

Streaming Movies From Your Computer

Most people are familiar with streaming programs like Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, and others, but the average iPad owner isn't aware of the fact that they are able to watch their entire computer movie collection on their iPad without taking up any of their iPad's limited storage space. Air Video is a relatively inexpensive app [only $2.99] that allow you to stream every movie saved to your computer over a wireless network - and even when you're away from your home. Videos take up a lot of storage space [and was the main reason why I opted for a 64GB iPad] and Air Video is more than a great solution for movie buffs.

Use the iPad as an External Monitor

Your iPad can be used to stream movies, transfer files, and completely take control over your computer, but it can also perform another awesome trick; the iPad can work as an external monitor for your computer. Great apps like Air Display and iDisplay are both relatively inexpensive [under $10] yet powerful apps that can work as secondary apps for your Mac and/or Windows based desktop or laptop computer and are great ways to store pallets, web pages, a Finder or Explorer page, and more.

For more, read 4 Things You Should Buy with Your New iPad 2 , 5 Upgrades IPad Fans Want to See on the IPad 3 , and Several Things My iPad Does a "Zillion" Times Better Than My Laptop Computer

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