I’ve been experimenting with both DropBox and Windows Live Mesh the last few weeks. Both have their strong points, both have weaknesses. I keep switching back and forth trying to decide which one to stick with.
That Syncing Feeling
What do I like about both? Both make it very simple to sync directories between machines. These aren’t just online storage services. There’s a client involved to bring your files down to your machine(s) and keep them current.
In fact, I rarely carry my USB tool kit anymore. I dumped all the tools to a folder on my home machine and then have it syncing with both services. My stuff is always nearby, either via the client or (in DB’s case) online in “the cloud.”
Both services have a free amount of online space to hold your files. Two GB for DB and 5 GB for Mesh.
(+1 to Mesh for more space)
DropBox allows you to download complete directories (as zips) or individual files from the web interface when you’re on a machine that doesn’t have the client installed.
With Mesh, you’ll need to either install the client or download files one by one.
(+1 to DropBox for easier web downloads)
Both offer sharing with other folks. I’ve not tried that with either service. Just haven’t had the need yet.
The advantage to the online storage is that both easily support offline or disconnected synchronization. All computers don’t have to be online at the same time to stay current. That’s a plus over FolderShare, for instance. Of course, FolderShare syncs can also be bigger than 2 or 5 gig…
I guess I have one other annoyance with Mesh that I should mention. When adding a new sync to a machine, it defaults to dumping it in a folder on the Desktop. Ugh. I then have to kill the folder, create one where I want the sync and point the sync over to it. Usually twice before it “takes”. I’ll be writing up a reproduction note and logging it as a bug soon.
(-1 to Mesh for usability)
Remote Desktop
Mesh offers the ability for Remote Desktop. DropBox is single focused and does not so there’s not much competition here.
About that remote desktop though: When it works, it’s pretty cool. For me, however, it rarely works. I’ve had some issues…
Issue one: if someone is already logged on to the computer you wish to control, a dialog comes up asking for permission to be remote controlled. Well, that’s worthless if that logged on person is you but you’re not there. Makes it rough to quickly pop onto the home machine when at work – must remember to log off when leaving home! (I’ve logged a suggestion to streamline things a bit)
Issue two: I have a machine that just can’t be controlled. I have a support note open on it, hopefully they can help me figure it out.
(no points to Mesh. Close, but no cigar)
Which to Use?
Some day Mesh will also support mobile devices. I can’t wait.
Long story short? I think DropBox currently has the edge. However, I keep toying with Mesh due to the larger amount of space and the potential that this service offers… but right now DB is definitely better at what it does in my opinion.
I have a handful of beta invites left for DropBox. If you’d like one, just leave a comment with a real email address. If you want to try out Mesh, I believe you first have to “apply” to the tech preview through Microsoft Connect. Remember that it is a “tech preview” though…
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June 17th, 2008 
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Funny that you should post this tonight, I was just making a similar decision and settled on Dropbox for some of the same reasons. One other major plus for me is that Dropbox includes a Mac client.
One other thing, I have 5GB for my DB quota. Wonder why you have only 2GB.
Bob
hmm, I just checked again but I’m still only at 2GB for DropBox. I must have the “small tech blogger” plan…
You should also look into Syncplicity. I’ve been betaing that for a while now and it has all the advantages of FolderShare and Mesh, plus the website allows looking at archival versions of any file from anywhere. Syncs (or R/O shares) with others, etc. Data is stored on S3.
[...] review, here’s an issue I have with it from an article I posted earlier this week: Issue one: if someone is already logged on to the computer you wish to control, [...]
If you still have an invite for DB, I’d like to try it. I am not a tech; run a solo law practice amd mediaiotn business. Looking for a better alternative to SugarSync. Lots of problems with it so far. They deleted many docs and Created multiple copies of others. Yikes.
Thanks,
Hey michael, DropBox invite is on the way. Hope it helps.
The Mesh mobile website is up and running AND there is also an app now for wm; I currently have it syncing folders between my phone and my computer so that when I plug my phone in a computer as a usb stick, I have my whole portable software suit and all my documents and when I unplug it, it updates everything on the server and my computer the next time it connects to the computer. If that weren’t enough, when I take pictures with my phone, they are now added to a folder in my pictures folder on my computer!
DB: 0
Mesh : 10 001!
Hrmm…. I may have to look into mesh again.
I know one thing I liked about Mesh — and Dropbox doesn’t do — is the ability to exclude a folder for syncing on a given device.
I have been using Dropbox for months already, 2GB have been enough to hold my portable apps and most importantly my documents.
I write python programs and I love the Revisions History feature because it helps me keep track of all changes.
Same with my documents, I’m also a student and I type in my classes in my laptop; I can see what changes were made to the documents and when they were made. And when I’m home I just continue doing homework on the desktop.
I forgot to mention I’m only using 25% of my free storage