Like most people, I use multiple computers. And like most people, I’m tired of copying files from one computer to an external drive and then copying those files from the external to my other computer. Eek gad, I get hemorrhoids just thinking about it. Well, there’s hope. In fact, there’s plenty of hope, you just gotta decide which app you want to go with.
A quick search for the “top sync programs” will probably yield the following middleman-replacement apps: SugarSync, Dropbox, and Allway Sync. While you’ll come across others, one that you probably won’t discover in the first 15 pages of search results is my sync app of choice: Microsoft’s Live Mesh.
As for the aforementioned: SugarSync is sweet, but it cost money; Dropbox is blazing fast, but doesn’t have enough flexibility; and Allway Sync is peer-to-peer (P2P) only. Then there’s Live Mesh. It’s almost as sweet as SugarSync, more flexible than Dropbox, utilizes the cloud, and it’s f-r-e-e. Ok, so it’s not that awesome. But here’s my take on it:
Pros
- Sync to the cloud. The typical cloud storage site provides 2GB. Dropbox will up that to 5GB if you successfully invite others to join. SugarSync charges for everything. Allway blows. And, Live Mesh gives you 5GB free.
- Sync with friends. Invite friends and sync your stuff. For someone (like me) who hates e-mailing versions of files (although gDocs works just fine for this) having the ability to sync entire folders with certain friends and colleagues is fantastic.
- Sync any folder. I have all kinds of files in various folders or subfolders that I need to share with different devices and friends. Dropbox gives you one global syncing folder. Unless you hack the program, you have to create subfolders within the global one in order to sync files with Dropbox. Live Mesh, on the other hand, allows you to select any folder and choose where to sync it and who to sync it with. For example, you can select your “Documents” folder on your work computer and share it with the Live Mesh cloud desktop, your home PC, and with your colleague John.
- Sync P2P. Say your 5GB of cloud storage is almost maxed. Instead of choosing which files or folders to delete or unsync, you can bypass the cloud and sync the new stuff P2P (PC only). What’s more, Live Mesh does not count P2P syncing against your 5GB limit. For example, you can bypass the cloud and share your 10GB “Photo” folder with only your computers and your sister Angie while still only using 1GB of cloud storage.
- Sync across platforms. I use both PC and Mac. Live Mesh works great on the PC. The Mac version isn’t great, but it gets the job done.
- Remotely access your desktop. If you need something quick from another computer, or if someone is in need of remote assistance, you can use the program’s built-in remote desktop connection feature. Not brilliant, but functional.
- Free.
Cons
- Storage. Storage is limited to 5GB. If you need more, you’ll have to bypass the cloud and go P2P because Live Mesh doesn’t offer an upgrade option. If you’re looking for more storage, you’ll want to look at SugarSync or DropBox .
- Slow syncing. When dealing with docs, spreadsheets, and smaller files the download/upload speeds aren’t (that) noticeable. Syncing larger files or folders will take some time. If it’s speed you want, Dropbox is the fastest syncing program around.
- No backups. SugarSync backs up files using file versioning. Live Mesh doesn’t. Screw up and you’re screwed. The closest thing to a back up…if you delete a file it gets put in the trash bin. Hardly ideal and almost a deal breaker.
- Random conflicts. Sometimes Live Mesh will display conflicts between the same exact files. “Warning these two identical files are conflicting.” Whuh? Sometimes the conflicts went away after restarting the program, other times I’ve had to click through and resolve the conflicts. Big annoyance when it happens.
- Resource piglet. The most recent updates to Live Mesh (and my own memory upgrades) have downgraded Live Mesh from hog to piglet. Not everyone has the resources to run Live Mesh, and not everyone is going get ‘em.
- Lackluster RDC. I don’t know why, but MS hasn’t put a lot of effort into the remote desktop feature. Yes, it’s functional and will help in a pinch, but it’s also slow, featureless, and clunky. FYI, if you’re looking for a good remote access program, look at LogMeIn not Live Mesh.
- Limitations. If you’re looking for full-featured robustness and don’t mind shelling out $$$/month then SugarSync is the program for you. Me? I’ll accept the limitations knowing that Live Mesh is in beta (and free).
- Not 100% mac friendly. The Mac version doesn’t allow you to sync P2P and syncing Mac2PC often creates sync issues. While I have figured out a workaround to most of the problems, I’m disappointed that MS is as bad at supporting Apple as Apple is as supporting MS.
- No iPhone app. I use Live Mesh and Dropbox for two reasons: the Dropbox iPhone app and the integration of Dropbox with Quickoffice and Docs to Go. Live Mesh is way behind in the other-than-WinMobile-mobile game. For some (including me eventually) this could be a deal breaker.
- Requires Microsoft e-mail account.
Bottom line
I’m 92.8% behind Microsoft Live Mesh (unlike this guy). I know there are issues: security, resources, finicky cross-platform compatibility, file versioning, lack of mobile applications, and upgrade options. I know there are alternatives: Good = SugarSync Dropbox, ZumoDrive. Crap = Mobile Me and Allway Sync. In spite of it all, I’m going with Live Mesh because it works for me and my workflow. I’ve had very few issues with the program, and I will continue to use it until it sucks or is no longer supported. Until then, I hope Microsoft doesn’t turn Live Mesh into a typical MS-POS.
In case you haven’t heard, MS killed Live Mesh and is going with Live Sync. This means less cloud storage (2GB) and no more Mac support. Funeral services have not been announced yet. If you’d like to know more post a comment or send me an email at TiTy@y2kemo.com. I’m happy to update.
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