Cameras
Camcorders
Cell Phones
Components
Desktops
HDTV
Home Theater
GPS
Laptops
Monitors
MP3 Players
Networking &
Printers
Storage
Print
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
More…Dropbox is a newcomer still in beta testing that has some welcome features despite its simplicity. Like other synchronizers, it requires that you download and install software; but un-like the others, it has almost no user interface. All it has is a tray icon that you click to see a pop-up window with one command for launching the Web site and another for opening an Explorer window to the Dropbox folder installed in your Documents folder.
Dropbox Dropbox
Pros
Does backup as well as sync
Tracks file versions
Cons
Photo and file management not integrated
Must use Dropbox folder for all syncing
Bottom Line
Simple data sync and backup, but forces you to do all your sync management from one unmovable folder.
Dropbox File Sync Service
Dropbox Review, by Scott Dunn July 31, 2008
The majority of your file syncing and sharing happens through the folder. You drag files and folders there to have Dropbox automatically upload them to the servers (beta testers get 2GB of free storage; in the future only 1GB will be free). You can also share files by transferring them to and from the Dropbox folder. If you upload a file that isn't in the Dropbox folder directly to the Dropbox site, a copy will appear--you guessed it--in your local Dropbox folder.
Although having a single place to drop your files for syncing can be convenient, Dropbox makes it mandatory, not an option like SugarSync's Magic Briefcase folder. Being required to keep all your shared, backed-up, and synced files in a single folder is an annoyance that Dropbox's makers promise to correct in a future version.
Despite that flaw, this extremely simple program offers some valuable features, including maintaining copies of deleted files in the Web interface (click Show Deleted Files to see them), and providing access to past versions of edited files.
As with every other sync program I tested, sharing involves sending an invitation to collaborators--but Dropbox doesn't make inviting multiple people easy. Invitees are asked to install Dropbox, which causes the shared folder to be copied and synced with their Dropbox folder. If your invitees don't want to install the software, they can still access files through the online file manager as long as they log in and know the URL.
Dropbox's online file tool is even more limited than that of other products. To see thumbnails, for example, you must drag pictures to the Photos folder within the Dropbox folder, since that's the only one that has a thumbnail view online.
The pricing for Dropbox is not set yet, but the cost is expected to vary with the amount of server space you require.
--Scott Dunn
Show Less 
0 Comments | 0 Topics | Print Only This Review
User Reviews
Average User Reviews for Dropbox Dropbox
1 Review Add your own »
- Latest User Reviews 1 review
-
Reviewed by: sssteve72
Duration of ownership: 3 Months
Strengths: File sync is amazing. And you can share files with friends and family automatically by just simply moving them to a folder on your own computer. No confusing additional interfaces. 2GB of free online storage. Note in the PC world review they list "but forces you to do all your sync management from one unmovable folder" This is not true. You can easily move your DropBox folder by right clicking on the dropbox icon in the system tray. Then select move. Also it is true that you have to use the Dropbox folder to sync files however you can use hardlinks to link that with other files on your computer so that any file anywhere on your computer can be syncronized automatically.
Weaknesses: None that I have seen
Overall: Overall this program integrates itself nicely and allows you to sync files between computers easily. Works with both Mac and PC.
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
Shop for the Dropbox Dropbox
Sorry, the product you requested isn't currently available from any of our sellers.
Utilities similar to the Dropbox Dropbox
We recommend these Utilities for their similarities to the Dropbox Dropbox in features, specs, ratings, and user interest.
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
- Related Charts
- Sync Services Keep You Effortlessly Updated Everywhere
People who looked at the Dropbox Dropbox also looked at:
Start New Topic Don't see the answer to your question? Ask it here!
Dell Fast Track
-
Free Next Day Business Shipping on Dell's Most Popular Systems Over 35% off Dell’s most popular systems. Delivered in 48 hours with free next business day shipping! Ends 12/22 at 3 PM CST
