OnLive Desktop

Virtual Windows 7 in the cloud

This program can no longer be downloaded

While named OnLive Desktop, the app is a virtual machine of Windows 7 in OnLive’s servers.

The operating system is very scaled back with only a few options like Microsoft Office suite and a few games. All documents created are saved in your OnLive profile, but any changes to Windows 7 is not saved and defaults every time it is opened.

Accessing OnLive Desktop through Wi-Fi, there was a noticeable lag in selecting icons to open programs or type text. It is a barebones experience and does not really serve a good purpose for you to consistently use it.

OnLive Desktop could have substantial updates to make the app more user friendly, but there is not a lot to offer. Even writing quick reminders in Microsoft Word takes more time than opening Notes on the iPad.

OnLive Desktop is only worth it if you spend a lot of time using OnLive.