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SugarSync Review: Cloud Storage |
| Sign up for SugarSync | |
Rating: |
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| Feature-filled cloud storage solution with an intuitive user interface and easy music streaming; best for those who need to do a lot of file syncing | |
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[Editor's note: SugarSync is offering NextAdvisor.com visitors a discount on its annual plans. This annual discount is up to 17% off when compared to the monthly price. Users still get a 30-day free trial as well. If you choose the new 500GB plan, you can save 10% for a year. No coupon code is necessary, just follow any links to SugarSync from NextAdvisor.com.]
For cloud storage and file syncing, you can't go wrong with SugarSync. Not only can you save all of your important files safely in the cloud, you can also sync these files across an unlimited number of computers. Thus, you get to make sure that all of your information is always up-to-date and ready for you no matter where you are working from. Though it is one of the more expensive services when it comes to online backup — only offering 30 GB of storage for $4.99/month — it is our cheapest suggestion if you are looking for awesome cloud storage and the ability to sync a lot of files. Setup and Interface Setup is intuitive and easy. After installing the SugarSync manager to your computer, you are asked to select a user icon and files you would like to sync right away. If you want to install SugarSync on more than one computer, just sign into your web account and click "add a device." The SugarSync file manager desktop application looks just like the SugarSync web app. Here you can manage the files on all of your devices, share files with others via email, and add files to your "web archive". The web archive is used when you want to move particular files to the cloud but either don't want to sync them or can't. An example of something you would move to the web archive is songs from your iTunes. These cannot be synced but can be moved to the cloud so you can access them anytime with the ability to stream the music too! If you want to sync files, this can be done with SugarSync's "manage sync folders" tab and "magic briefcase." File Syncing and Magic Briefcase In order to sync your files, you must go into your desktop application. Go to "manage sync folders" and click the button next to the folder you would like to keep synced on another computer. SugarSync will then ask you which computer you would like to sync it with. The next time you sign in on the other computer, you will be prompted to accept the sync. Now whatever changes you make in this folder on one computer, will show up in another. You can even "merge" folders, meaning that the folder on each computer will be a perfect duplicate. These folders will now have the same files and updates. When you install the SugarSync Manager, SugarSync automatically creates the "magic briefcase" folder in your Documents folder. You can also view this folder on the web. Any file that you drag into this folder will be automatically synced and updated across any computer or device that has SugarSync installed. The magic briefcase is best for quick syncing on the go. This is very similar to ZipCloud's syncfolder; however, we like this even better. It is very easy to use and easier to access. This may be because SugarSync's interface feels more streamlined in general. Remember that there are some folders that you cannot sync, including iTunes and iPhoto. Instead of syncing them you can just back them up into the cloud so that you can view them anytime you want through the web. You can also drag files into the web archive for quick storage without the sync, as described above. TUTORIAL: How to Sync Folders, Computers Using SugarSync for the PC Sharing Features Not only does SugarSync have top-notch file sharing features where users can send folders and set viewing/editing permissions for collaborative work, but now PC users who prefer sharing through their personal email can have a special Outlook plugin too. This makes it easier to send bulky files and save email space. Now instead of huge attachments, PC users can send SugarSync generated links to their recipients. From there you can track the number of times the file has been downloaded and even disable the link when you need to. Note that you need to install the .NET framework to your PC in order for the plugin to work. TUTORIAL: How to Sync Folders, Computers Using SugarSync for the PC Mobile There are also free Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, iPad and iPhone apps to keep your data truly mobile. The iPhone app is really something, allowing you to stream your remotely stored music, view your documents, and upload your photos right to your SugarSync account (and hence your Mac or PC). Pricing SugarSync's cheapest plan, which includes 30 GB of online backup storage space, is only $4.99/month or $4.17/month if you decide to go with an annual plan ($49.99/year), saving you 17%. Though as an online backup service the cost is more expensive per gigabyte when you compare to other online backup services, the $4.17/month is a very low price to pay for SugarSync's slew of cloud storage perks. If you need more space, you can get 60 GB for $8.33/month when you choose the annual plan. For $20.83/month you get 250 GB and if you need even more space you can go for the 500 GB plan which goes for $33.33/month. Remember that you can stretch any of these storage allowances across an unlimited number of computers. Conclusion With SugarSync, we love the intuitive interface, advanced mobile apps, file sharing and the ease we had streaming music from the computer. If you're looking for simple, easy cloud storage, SugarSync is a great solution. This service combines the safety of remote backup, the peace of mind that any folder that you choose will be updated and synced across all of your devices, and the convenience of quick syncing. |
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| Cheapest Price: | $4.17/mo (w/ annual plan) |
| Free Trial / Discount: | 30-day free trial; 5 GB of free storage |
| Gigabytes (GB) of Storage Included: | 30 GB; pay extra for more space |
| Gigabytes (GB) of Sync Space Included: | 30 GB; pay extra for more space |
| # of Computers Backed Up: | Unlimited |
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