LogMeIn, which has long offered a free version of its Windows-based LogMeIn Free software, says a Mac version of LogMeIn will always be free as well. A pro version of LogMeIn for Mac is expected this fall and will include capabilities such as file transfer, file sync, and the ability to share you desktop with multiple users simultaneously, the company says. No word on pricing for the pro version of LogMeIn for Mac, however the PC version of LogMeIn Pro runs $60 a year per PC.
For now LogMeIn Free for Mac is only compatible with Apple’s Mac OS (10.4.9) running either a PowerPC or Intel based Mac. As the preview continues, LogMeIn says, it will add support for older Mac OS releases (back to 10.3).
The Mac version of LogMeIn gives Apple users another option for remote desktop access. Currently there are more robust offerings available – none of which are free.
Netopia’s Timbuktu Pro for Macintosh costs a one-time price of $170 for a twin pack – good for two Apple computers. A single copy runs $90. Apple also sells software called Apple Remote Desktop 3 (supports up to 10 Macs) for a one-time charge of $299.
Citrix’s GoToMyPC has a Universal Viewer for Mac that allows users to access a PC from a Mac. However, the company does not offer Mac GoToMyPC software for remote Mac desktop access – as the LogMeIn software provides. GoToMyPC charges $270 annually for its remote desktop service supporting two PCs.
–Tom Spring