SugarSync is constantly developing its online storage
facilities, software and mobile apps. It's trying hard to compete with
Drop-box, Google Drive and other services and there's a link to a feature
comparison chart on the home page. Of course, there's more to a service than
just features and Google has Docs while SkyDrive has Office web apps.
SugarSync
The service isn't like SkyDrive, Google or Drop-box, as it
syncs and backs up. In fact, it can be a bit confusing at first, because it has
so many functions, but it becomes clearer as you use it. There's 5GB of free
online storage space with options to buy 30GB ($4.99/month), 60GB ($9.99/month)
and 100GB ($14.99/month). Like Drop-box, you can earn more free space, such as
by recommending it to your friends. As with the other services, you're limited
by the storage space and not the number of computers or devices it's used on.
The software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone and iPad, Android, BlackBerry,
Symbian and Windows Mobile. There's only Linux support missing from this
line-up.
SugarSync begins by asking which folders you want to sync,
such as Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos. These are only synced to the
online storage space, though. Each computer you install SugarSync on has its
own private folders that are synced with the online storage. Any of these
folders can be synced across computers so the same files exist on all of them.
You may find it useful to sync existing folders across computers, but it's not
essential because a Magic Briefcase folder is created on each computer with
SugarSync and the contents are synced. In addition to this, if you install the
app on a mobile device, a folder called Mobile Photos is created, which is
synced across all computers too. You can also upload photos to any folder from
the mobile app, including synced ones. There are also shared folders, deleted
files and a web archive in your SugarSync online storage space. The web archive
consists of files and folders that have been backed up, but are not synced.
It handles photos from PCs and mobiles well, creating albums for sharing,
viewing and Facebook
A SugarSync Manager shows the devices that have been
configured to use the service and the folders that are being synced or backed
up. Another window opens if you want to manage the sync folders and another
opens if you want to do anything with the files, such as email one. In the web
interface, folders can be shared with others and they can share theirs with
you.
The iPhone app is okay, but the iPad app is a gem. It has a
panel down the left that shows devices, places and so on. Select a device, such
as a PC, and you can browse the files, view them, and share them and so on. The
Magic Briefcase can be viewed, and photos and videos can be uploaded.
Once you've set up your synced, backed up and shared
folders, SugarSync is fine. It's not for Linux users, but it's great for
everyone else.
Details
Price: Free
Manufacturer: SugarSync
Website: sugarsync.com
Required spec: Windows XP or later,
Mac OS X 10.6 or
later, 2GB HDD space
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