These Web desktops won't replace your PC, but they'll make it much easier to telecommute and access your files while traveling. Don't ditch your PC just yet. Online desktops aren't ready to replace your computer.
Online desktops are pretty cool, granted.
All you have to do is open a browser and sign in to your account, and you're ready to store files online, collect email, schedule appointments, and write and edit documents on the providers' servers. But right now, Web desktops can't give you the storage capacity, range of software applications, or degree of customizability that your Mac or PC offers. However, these services do offer plenty of convenience, especially for frequent travelers and telecommuters, students who don't own computers, and anyone who wants access to personal information and files from more than one location. To scout out this new landscape, we took a tour through four online desktops that store files, gather email from outside accounts, and retain browser bookmarks. We entrusted them with our addresses and files, rated their ease of use and speed, and judged how well they complemented the real thing.