Wireless Network vs. Remote Desktop??

[Bob Newman]

I am home user with a laptop (XP Home) and a desktop (XP Pro). I currently
do not have a home network but do have high speed web via cable modem &
router for laptop access. I would like the laptop to be able to use files
on the desktop & the printer hooked up to it. The desktop is always on and
always connected to the web and is rarely in use other than myself. I'm
considering using either a wireless network or XP Pro's remote desktop.
Could someone please tell me the pros and cons of each (I know the remote
desktop would let me access it from other places as well as home)?

 

[Kurt]

RDP Pros :

Access form anywhere an Internet connection is available
Automatic connection of (most) local devices (printers, drives, etc.)
Access to everything on your main computer, without having to share.
You don't need to buy an extra copy of Office (or anything else) for the
laptop.
No files to transfer, no sync required. pretty much just like being there.

RDP Cons :

No files stored locally (if you can't get a connect, you're outta luck
Sluggish "feel" depending on connection speed and "experience" settings
Computer is unavailable (XP Pro) to local user when RDP session is running
and vice versa.

Network Pros:

If you sync (offline files), you can still work even if you can't connect
(or give your presentation)
Everything runs on the local computer so you have the local speed for
processing.

Network Cons:

You need software on both computers
From a slow-link remote location, a good sized spreadsheet can take 10
minutes to load.
You have to share anything to be accessed over the network.


RDP is the clear choice if you don't need simultaneous remote and local
users.