Dropbox is File Back Up and Cross Platform Sharing, without the hassles
Posted by: in Apple NewsRecently I encountered a post about the new file backup service, Dropbox. After a tiny digging, I got myself an invite to the private beta, and got it set up.
Set up was truly a breeze. This is one of those programs that just seem to work. I have it installed on my Mac and on my Windows XP Desktop. From receiving the beta invitation to uploading files was 3 steps. I’d write a tutorial, but really, it’s just that easy.
The ideal part is that the software is designed, specifically, to sync one folder on your personal to the web. Whatever you put in the folder, syncs to the online service and in turn to your other personal that are linked to your account. Change that file at work, and it’s changed on the internet and at home as well.
The one negative, I suppose, is that it only watches and syncs one designated folder on your personal. If you want it to be in sync, it has to be in that folder. I know they’re working on more advanced ways to designate what syncs, but I would prefer not move stuff out of my folder/naming scheme to get it to sync.
Dropbox will also let you share folders of pictures as slideshow albums. I think Flickr (or other comparable service) would probably be a superior tool for that particular feature, but might be useful for some people. It also lets you share public folders and individual files. Just think about the next time you need to email that 100 MB file. Just drag it to the public folder and email the link instead.
The timing on this is probably what I like the most. I’ve been debating about Mobile Me since the announcement, but with the bugs their facing and a $100 per year cost, I just haven’t convinced myself its worth it. And this is just one more free option that takes the place of one of Mobile Me’s features. (It looks like after the beta, 1 GB accounts will still be free).
Currently, Dropbox works with Windows Vista/XP or Mac OSX Tiger/Leopard. There’s a Linux version soon to be released in Alpha. The program is still an invite only Beta, but I have invites available for the first 10 comments.
Check it out and let me know what you think. Could this, with a few other free tools, replace Mobile Me?
Tags: drop box, Dropbox, Mobile Me, online storeage
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