File sync update

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By Tim | January 15, 2010

I last wrote on file synchronisation systems back in July, and the news of Google’s storage option for any documents (not just Google Docs) prompted an update.

Basically Google will let you upload a total of 1gb of non-Google Docs content, but Word files are limited to 500k and PowerPoint files to 10mb (go on, you know you need to trim those 10mp pictures before inserting into a PowerPoint!) but you can also purchase additional storage (shared across Google Docs and Picassa) for 25 cents per Gb.

Now as useful as this might be it isn’t accompanied by a local install tool to enable automatic synchronisation between computer and web storage, and 1gb isn’t very much against DropBox with 2gb and Live Mesh with 5gb free (both of which have desktop sync tools).

As such I shall be sticking with the two afore mentioned services, DropBox for active files and Live Mesh for longer term content. The two both work on Mac and PC, and do not seem to cause each other any problems in operation. DropBox still feels a little faster at syncing, and Live Mesh still needs a firm and clear commitment from Microsoft. Both however beat a USB memory stick hands down for most needs.

Other alternatives for pure web storage (e.g like Google’s offering) are Microsoft’s SkyDrive (25gb free) and Adrive, whose free offering of 50gb is way the largest (they add file syncing with the paid versions by the way). Adrive has the disadvantage of placing adverts around the page, and not having a particularly slick interface, but for 50gb free….). Microsoft’s products both require you to have Windows Live ID of course.

I think the big issue for me is which one is going to be around for the long haul, and so far my feeling is the leader seems to be DropBox.

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