Best way to keep MBA synced with desktop computer?

[sanPietro98]

I just bought a MacBook Air (eagerly awaiting shipment), and since most people view the MBA as a "companion" to a desktop computer...

I'm looking for an easy (hopefully automated) and effective way to keep files on the MBA and my desktop Mac in sync. I realize that with the limited disk space on the MBA, I can't (and don't want to) sync everything, just certain folders/files.

I have a .Mac account, but I find iDisk to be incredibly slow.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

 

[n0de]

I use .Mac for keeping my address book and calendar in sync and Dropbox (getdropbox.com) for files.

Dropbox is near real time assuming both systems are connected to the intertubes.

I do have .Mac set for manual sync because there is something in it's sync app that goes a bit nuts when the system is off-line.

 

[Mhaddy]

I have a PowerMac and the MBA as my "companion" -- I use ChronoSync to keep them both synced up. Never had a problem, easy to use and set-up -- best software purchase I've ever made (save for Leopard!).

 

[sanPietro98]

I have a PowerMac and the MBA as my "companion" -- I use ChronoSync to keep them both synced up. Never had a problem, easy to use and set-up -- best software purchase I've ever made (save for Leopard!).

That's helpful, and ChronoSync looks like it will fit my needs. So do you tend to use it in an "automated" fashion or do you sync it manually?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Mhaddy]

ChronoSync can do both automated and manual syncing. I use automated overnight for backup purposes and manual when transferring between PM and MBA. I also utilize its trial sync feature to test what is being transferred before actually doing it, just to be sure what's being overwritten. You will also want to make sure of its archiving feature where when files are overwritten or deleted, it'll make a version of that file in a separate directory for retrieval purposes later.

 

[smaug]

Try FolderShare. It's automatic and it's got a bunch of other stuff, even if it is from Microsoft.

 

[pbkiller]

Never heard before of Microsoft's FolderShare. Pretty cool stuff, and its free!

 

[glitch44]

Never heard before of Microsoft's FolderShare. Pretty cool stuff, and its free!

just a heads up-- i believe with FolderShare both computers need to be turned on for the sync to happen.

 

[neven]

I've been using Dropbox for a few months and it's fantastic. Automatic, background, near-real-time sync, with a web interface for your files. Oh, it also does full version control of all the files it syncs, so it's also an awesome backup system.

5 GB storage, free, currently available by invite. PM me if you need one.

 

[glitch44]

I've been using Dropbox for a few months and it's fantastic. Automatic, background, near-real-time sync, with a web interface for your files. Oh, it also does full version control of all the files it syncs, so it's also an awesome backup system.

5 GB storage, free, currently available by invite. PM me if you need one.

5 GB? Why is my dropbox only 2 GB?

 

[neven]

5 GB? Why is my dropbox only 2 GB?

Perhaps you got in earlier (or later) than I did. 5 GB was what I got.

If you ask really nicely on their support forum (or email them), they'll increase your storage to whatever you want. Just explain why you need more space. They're looking for beta testers with large synced folders.

 

[sanPietro98]

If I hookup a USB Drive to an Airport Extreme, can both computers mount this drive simultaneosly? If so, ChronoSync should be perfect.

Is this possible?

Thanks.

 

[neven]

If I hookup a USB Drive to an Airport Extreme, can both computers mount this drive simultaneosly?

Yes. I don't know if the rest of your setup will work, but all the computers on the network can mount AirDrives at the same time.

 

[naftalim]

what are the benefits of services like Dropbox over .Mac, Back to my Mac?

 

[pbkiller]

just a heads up-- i believe with FolderShare both computers need to be turned on for the sync to happen.

Hmm... Im still trying to figure it out. But let's see. Either way, its a great way to move items to & from 2 computers... Would like to give DropBox a try though, still got no invitation....

 

[neven]

what are the benefits of services like Dropbox over .Mac, Back to my Mac?

- It's free
- It works much faster and it's much more reliable than iDisk
- You can invite other people to your shared folders (if you're collaborating on a project, for instance)
- You can very, very easily make shared files public and get their public URLs right in Finder
- You get version control (all versions of all your files are saved; like Time Machine, only even more granular).
- You can install the sync client on Windows PCs and Macs (and soon, Linux)

.Mac, of course, gives you plenty more - email, syncing of data beyond pure folders, publishing from iLife apps, etc. And with the recent rumors of a .Mac restructuring, it might make Dropbox a less convincing offering. But for now, Dropbox is extremely simple, reliable, and awesome at what it does.

 

[admanimal]

If anyone has any extra Dropbox invites, I would love one...

 

[swiftaw]

.Mac for keeping the calandar, contacts, etc in sync.

Chronosync for keeping my documents folder in sync.

 

[Dataslave]

Try out SugarSync with their 45 day trial. I've been using it for months to sync my PC desktop and my Air and its been a fantastic experience.

http://www.sugarsync.com

 

[gametime10]

Another vote here for Dropbox... I've been playing with it and it works great. There are invites being handed out in the Marketplace forum.

 

[sanPietro98]

Try out SugarSync with their 45 day trial. I've been using it for months to sync my PC desktop and my Air and its been a fantastic experience.

http://www.sugarsync.com

What are the speeds like for Sugar Sync? I also like the fact that it has online backup. I've been using mozy.com for a while for offsite backup. They have unlimited storage, but they're Mac support works, but is still pretty buggy.