In other words you can remotely access and control their Macs from any Internet-connected device, including other Macs, Windows machines and Linux PCs, as well as many handheld devices. I've tried it with a MacBook Pro and iPod touch, accessing a remote iMac.

Recently, I spent several working days in west Tennessee, caring for Mom, who was sick. I had my MacBook Pro with me and my iPod touch. But most of my "Macsimum" work is done on my iMac, and it was back home in Nashville.

However, I could connect my iPod touch or my laptop to my desktop via SSL-secured connections through LogMeIn's data centers. I was able to "grab" a Pages document that I had forgotten and needed for an article on which I was working. I was also able to snag some email messages I had inadvertently forgotten to transfer to my MacBook Pro.

Connections were relatively quick to shift to a peer-to-peer link so things were surprisingly snappy. Also, I didn't have to manually configure ports on routers and firewalls. In that aspect, the LogMeIn software/service is very Mac-like. And that's what we Mac users like.

This all works by installing LogMeIn software on your Macs and handheld devices. You can install LogMeIn on as many computers (the Mac software is free) as you like and have remote control access to all of them from your iPhone or iPod touch. The LogMeIn Ignition software for the handheld devices is available for US$29.99 at the Apple App Store.

You can install LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone and iPod touch by connecting your iPhone or iPod touch to your Mac and following these steps.

° Go to https://secure.logmein.com/US/products/free/ and set up an account with LogMeIn. This will install the LogMeIn applet on the Mac (or Macs) that you want to remotely access from your iPhone or iPod touch.

° First, in iTunes, go to Library -> Applications (in the left panel) and verify the "LogMeIn" application is there. Then, select your iPhone/iPod touch in the devices list in the left panel and go to the Applications tab. Make sure the LogMeIn application box is checked to be synced. Click Sync to sync your iPhone or iPod touch Ignition will now appear on your handheld's screen. For the best results you should restart the device after installing LogMeIn Ignition.

° When the host computer uses multiple monitors, you can switch between monitors or even show all monitors simultaneously. You can only change this setting during an active remote session. Also, one really nifty feature: you can switch the monitor you're viewing by shaking your iPhone or iPod touch.

° On the main remote control screen, tap the Gear (Settings) icon. The Settings page is displayed.

° Tap Monitor. A list of available monitors is displayed.

° Tap the monitor you want to view. You'll have to give the remote computer a name. The name will be used when LogMeIn accesses the computer.

° Tap All Monitors to show all monitors simultaneously.

° Click Settings > Done to save your settings. It stores all your log-in info so you don’t have to type in your email address and passwords every time you use it.

LogMeIn works over Wi-Fi or 3G so it's very flexible. Once you have everything set up and log in, your remote computer is displayed on the accessing device. You can either have the mouse pointer move around or be stationary in the center of the screen while the desktop moves around behind it. The former works best for me.

Most of the normal mouse functions available to you via the iPhone or iPod touch's screen, though it takes a bit of getting used to translated mousing moves to multi-touch swipes. Zoom, scroll and select all with just a flick of your fingertips. when you need to type, activate a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard, or use any of the special keyboards, including function keys, tab, ESC and navigation arrows. The "soft keyboard" works well in both landscape and portrait modes. What's more, you can optimize your remote control experience by locking the remote computer's keyboard, blanking the remote screen, adjusting screen resolution and more.

I haven't done this, but you could use LogMeIn for training or tutoring, perhaps to help a Mac "newbie." You can even serve up a chat screen can be enabled to interact with a user sitting at the target computer, while the Whiteboard feature can draw figures on screen or the Laser feature can point to specific items in a program.

I was using a Wi-Fi set-up with LogMeIn. There was a bit of latency when accessing files, apps and resizing windows, but nothing too severe. On the other hand, you'll probably not want to try streaming video unless you really like lots of latency and stuttering.

LogMeIn works well overall, and I'd recommend it for those who have need of the type of features it offers. I had to adapt a bit before I was totally comfortable using it, but the downloadable manual was well written and very helpful.

Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10