There are a few machine remote control applications for iOS on the AppStore market, one of the biggest most well known applications in LogMeIn Ignition, which is perfect for controlling your Mac when you are connecting to it over the internet.
However, if you are working on the same network connecting back over the internet seems pointless. Which is where Rowmote comes in, Rowmote is a iOS remote control application that works on a client/server relationship.
Installing Rowmote’s OS X helper on your mac gives you the ability to connect and mouse around the screen using your iPhone’s screen as a touchpad, with gestures as if you where using your trackpad on your mac.
You also have complete control over the keyboard, enabling you to type without being anywhere near your keyboard. Access to all the ‘special keys’ such as the Option, Command and Tab keys etc is also provided.
You also have the ability to browse a Dock like interface and switch between open applications on your Mac.
Then last, but by no means least is the full media remote control capabilities, stop and start your media files, fast forward and rewind, adjust the volume all from your iPhone’s screen. Save carrying/buying the separate Apple Remote.
I have been using Rowmote since I first got my MacBook, and have never had any issues with it. The developer Evan Schoenberg is always willing to help either via twitter or email, and always seems to be actively developing the Rowmote app. Updates are often with new features being added all the time.
When I started using Rowmote, I started with Rowmote Standard – but soon found myself upgrading to Rowmote Pro, I really can’t praise Evan’s work enough and strongly recommend you give it a go!
Evan has also developed many other quality applications, all of which you can find details about on his website Regular Rate & Rhythm Sofware