Let's take a look at three VNC apps for the iPhone, that run from free to $24.99. Mocha Lite, Mocha VNC and Jaadu VNC apps all allow you to remotely access your Mac or PC's GUI, taking control of your desktop, mouse and keyboard.

If you'd like to manage your torrents while on the go, access your desktop files, or remotely turn on the lights for your dog using an X10 configuration, VNC apps are the ideal solution. Basic setup is similar among all three applications making configuration a breeze. VNC apps also allow iPhone users to view flash sites through the desktop's internet browser, although it doesn't support audio or video. Video is displayed but unwatchable. All three apps can view flash sites however there are noticeable gaps between apps in performance.

Before you begin configuring your VNC app you will need to configure the system preferences on your desktop  or use a VNC desktop client. If you are using a Mac go to your system preferences and enable remote desktop or screen sharing.

Windows has similar configurations in the control panel. I currently have Vine Server (desktop client) running on my Mac. If you don't have a VNC desktop client there are lots of free choices in addition to Vine Server, such as; tightVNC or realVNC.

When setting up your VNC app remember depending on whether you are on your home wifi connection or outside your home network your ip address will change in the network configuration. As internal ip numbers randomly change it would be helpful to lock down your ip by tweaking your system preferences on your desktop.

Most users will have dynamic external addresses, so for occasional use you could do a quick check at ipchicken, and configure your settings before you leave, hoping your ip will not fluctuate. A better option for dynamic ip's would be a paid service such as no-ip that allows you to match a domain name to your dynamic ip.

To connect to your desktop you will need the ip address or host name of your computer, the VNC password, and the VNC port number. After creating a new server you will be able to connect. Your desktop's GUI should load on your iPhone immediately.

Jaadu

Jaadu is sleek and controlled and offers the most options.Use the curser to move across your desktop's GUI. Jaadu locks the dock (on mac) and allows you to navigate through apps in a more secure controlled environment. Change your sensitivity settings in the curser momentum option, making your environment more manageable. Full keyboard options with function keys. iPhone users can benefit from the Copy & Paste function within the app. Jaadu also faired the best between apps in real time speed while viewing Flash. Worth the $24.99.

Tip- use both fingers & double click -to use "right click" function.
Double Tap your finger on a file to open.
Zoom the screen by pinching the iPhone's screen.

Mocha Lite



Mocha Lite is the only free option of the three.It offers Alt, Ctrl, text macro and a basic keyboard with no function keys. This app is basic but gets the job done, if you have some time to work with the frustrating movement of the screen. I wouldn't recommend this app if you plan on using your VNC app often. Like MochaVNC and Jaadu, Lite allows zooming and also works in landscape mode.

Mocha VNC

Mocha VNC offers a curser and mouse in addition to the keyboard and function keys.

Movement is more controlled than Mocha Lite although I did experience a lot of crashing when using this app. Navigate around your desktop's GUI by sliding your fingers across the screen. It can be difficult to select icons in the dock (on Mac) as the app doesn't lock the dock like Jaadu. Priced at $5.99

Overall this is a clear example of the "you get what you pay for" model, and out of the three Jaadu was the winner in speed, control, selection and style. The price difference is substantial so if you're new to this I'd recommend starting out with the free application and depending on necessity moving on up.