LogMeIn discontinues free option

If you are a regular user of remote desktop software LogMeIn, you might be surprised – and disappointed – to learn that the free version (called LogMeIn Free, naturally) is being discontinued. According to LogMeIn, users have seven days to upgrade to a premium account, after which they will lose access to the service entirely.

Don’t worry – you haven’t lost any precious time in your grace period. The seven days begin the next time you log in – not when the announcement was first made – so you have a little time to consider your options, as long as you delay logging into the site.

Now for the bad news: LogMeIn doesn't come cheap. New LogMeIn accounts cost $99 a year, but if you have an existing account, you can sign up for premium for just $49. There is also special pricing for users of the LogMeIn Ignition app for iOS and Android, but that has yet to be announced.

If you’re currently a user of the free version, be aware that there alternatives to paying for the premium subscription. TeamViewer, for example, is a great remote desktop and online collaboration tool that remains free for private users – though there are subscription fees for business users starting at $750 for 15 seats.