Consumers expect a lot from a tablet. For many, the simple functionality of an e-reader isn’t enough (although they still want the ability to pack all of their favorite books in one compact case for travel). A tablet must be able to store and play all types of media (music, movies, games, etc.) and it should definitely provide for at least Wi-Fi browsing of the internet (if not 3G or even 4G connectivity). In short, the best tablets on the market today provide for instant entertainment in its many forms, on the go. But so far, nobody has demanded that their tablet also carry with it the power of a computer. After all, that’s what laptops and netbooks are for, right? But considering how much you might pay for a high-functioning tablet, you could just as easily get a compact laptop that does a lot more. However, it looks like someone has had the bright idea to start integrating the applications that will turn your tablet into a virtual travel PC.

OnLive, a company that has previously offered cloud-based solutions to gaming needs (like the ability to play graphics-heavy games on mobile devices), has taken the next logical step where tablet usage is concerned by creating an app called OnLive Desktop. Available through the iTunes store as of January 12^th, the app will allow iPad users to enjoy the power of Windows products remotely via their tablets, mainly by hosting a virtual desktop on their cloud network. So if you ever thought it would be nice to have Windows 7 or Microsoft Office (complete with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) on your iPad, now is your chance to try it out.

But what will you get with this app, and how much will it cost? Incredibly, the app will be offered initially as a free download, complete with 2 GB of storage space (not a lot in this day and age, but adequate for Office-type files). When you log in, you’ll be greeted by the familiar Windows interface and you’ll have access to Microsoft Office programs that will allow you to create and save files on your cloud account. Of course, you won’t be able to access your home PC desktop; this will be like having a secondary, remote computer at your disposal. But it stands to reason that you can download the app to your home desktop as well in order to work on files both at home and on the go.

That said, the company has already anticipated the problems of overload and expansion. They’re not running some kind of low income internet service here, and they expect that users will want a service that is available, speedy, and ready to meet their growing usage needs. So while there is a glut of space remaining on their gaming infrastructure, they have noted that the service is “as available” for the present, while they undergo plans to scale up their operations. However, for those dissatisfied with a mere 2GB (businesses, for example), OnLive Desktop Pro accounts are available, with 50GB of storage and priority access to servers for $9.99 per month.