Lookin' for one of the easiest and most robust online file storage programs out there right now? If dragging and dropping is your thing, you might want to check out Dropbox, a new worry-free approach to the ever increasingly complex task of syncing files between multiple computers.
It's still in beta for now, but who knows when they'll start charging for all that free space. Jump on it now!
While not nearly as robust as other paid services for online file storage, syncing, and collaboration (MobileMe immediately comes to mind), Dropbox's simple, yet innovative features allow the process to be so easy, we're surprised we didn't check it out until recently.
After installing the small app, an icon appears on your taskbar that provides immediate access to your Dropbox. By opening up the "My Dropbox" folder, you can easily sync, store, and share any file you want simply by dragging and dropping a file into the folder. It automatically syncs in the background, notifies you with a small checkmark when it's done, and from there, you can go ahead and access the file via any platform (PC or Mac) with an internet connection, even without the app installed.
Pretty nifty, eh? I bet a video will make it even more convincing. Check it out and let us know if it has helped you improve your own work flow! You can grab Dropbox over here (you get an extra 250MB via our referral link - hurrah!). Or, go Pro with 50GB or 100GB of fully synchronized data for a cheap rate of $10 or $20 per month.
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DropBox isn't quite as 'lightweight' or 'non-robust' as you imply. If you're a Linux/Mac user you can easily sync ANY folder on your system without having to move the files into your DropBox. Merely create a symbolic link via the command line (there are 3rd party apps to do this for you if you're scared of the terminal). With two simple:
ln -s ~/my/target/directory ~/Dropbox/link_name
You can have your folders synced between multiple computers without dragging a single item. I'll bet you can't find another syncing tool with that capability and the speed of DropBox (fastest syncing tool I've ever seen).
view stevenhaddox's profile
Microsoft has jumped into this space with Live Mesh (www.mesh.com) if you're a Mac or PC user. It's also in beta and free. Unlike DropBox it supports syncing of folders without using the symbolic link hack which does work for the most part but does come with limitations if you read the FAQs. Syncing save game files for example seems to be more reliable with Live Mesh based on that information.
DropBox does have the file history feature to allow you access to previous versons of a file, which Live Mesh does not. Furthermore, it supports Linux which Live Mesh currently does not. I'm not sure if they ever will, but with Novell's stewardship of all things Mono I'm sure it's on the roadmap considering the work on Moonlight.
view Warren Chu's profile