blog

My Box Review - storing pictures, videos and plenty of documents

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:17:17 +0100

5 GB of free Box storage

Based on my recollection and I could be wrong in order to have Box installed on a client PC so you can transfer files between the Apple iPhone and iPad you need the paid Business account. With a little research on Google I was able to find this article on how to map Box as a network drive via Microsoft Windows, here is the link. Now with a mapped drive on your PC, you can easily share files across the other devices. With a shortcut on the desktop labelled as "Box", I can easily access my files on the cloud.

There is no doubt with 50 GB (I got the early bird, promo) I can hold a lot of files and not worry about running out of space. There is however one drawback that I have encountered and that is support for a third party Text Editor app. I am aware of the "Open and Edit" cloud icon on the top right hand corner which allows you to select which text editor app to open but I have encountered some conflicts. I will have to do a bit more testing on this though.

Passcode Lock available?

Yes. Pass code lock when logging into Box and resuming.

Current Plans

Interested in a free personal Box account? To sign up visit http://www.box.com/ and they will start you off with 5 GB of free disk space.

If you really like Box, here is the quick breakdown on their upgraded services:

Free User Plan

5 GB FREE
25 GB - $9.99 per month
50 GB - $19.99 per month
File Size Limits of 100 MB to 1 GB
1 user

Business User Plan

$15/user/month and you receive 1000 GB of online storage
File size limits at 2 GB
Users 3 to 500
File Size Limit of 2 GB

Enterprise Plan

Call them for pricing at 1-877-729-4269
Unlimited Users
Unlimited Online Storage
File Size Limit of 2 GB

Conclusion

All in all, Box is perfect for storing pictures, movies and documents. With so much disk space, I am not complaining! Besides the sleek and professional interface, it also has a lot of support from third party apps such as GoodReader - a highly rated file viewer for the Apple iPhone and iPad that supports PDF and text files and Quickoffce - which you can edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. I also highly recommend adding Box to your army of free cloud storage solutions.

Disclaimer

I do not receive any monetary compensation from this review site, however I do use Dropbox and SugarSync daily and I recommend it because it is FREE. If you wish to setup a new Dropbox/SugarSync account, you will find my referral link in the Dropbox/SugarSync review page(s) which would give us each an additional 500 MB of free space. All opinions expressed on this website are my own and do not reflect the cloud storage providers.

Private Policy

My Google Drive Review

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:15:54 +0100

Google Drive Review (Pending native app for Apple iPhone and iPad)

For those looking to add more free cloud storage solutions to their arsenal, Google Drive is one service you may want to consider. When its free and it is from Google, you can't go wrong however there is currently one caveat as of Monday June 18th, 2012 especially for those that use free cloud storage with their PC, Apple iPad and iPhone like me. As of today's date, there is currently no native app for the Apple iPad and iPhone. It is not to say that Google will not develop one it is just coming soon and in the works. As soon as I know when it is released or if someone beats me to it, I will update this post so we can keep everyone in the loop. I admit, I haven't used Google Drive as much as I would like do to the fact there is no native app yet for the Apple iPhone and iPad but in due time I will start using it.

Pass code Lock available?
Until Google releases the native app for the Apple iPhone and iPad we do not know until a passcode lock is available.

Highlights - Current Features and Support Offerings

For those looking to use Google Drive as part of their service, you will be happy to know that they offer 5 GB of free space for all new accounts. Before you can take advantage of the free space, make sure you have a Google Gmail email account.

If you are interested in more storage, there are paid options.

Storage Monthly Rate

25 GB $2.49
100 GB $4.99
200 GB $9.99
400 GB $19.99
1 TB $49.99
2 TB $99.99
4 TB $199.99
8 TB $399.99
16 TB $799.99

For more information, Take a look here - click here.

Supports

For those looking to use Google Drive, it is currently available for:

PC and Mac
Chrome OS
Apple iPhone and iPad (coming soon)
Android devices

Conclusion

I know it is a bit too early for a more thorough review since I am waiting for the native apps for Apple iPhone and iPad but you can still go ahead and register for your free 5 GB of free cloud storage space from Google.

Disclaimer

Private Policy

My SugarSync review first impressions

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:23:26 +0100

SugarSync offers 5 GB of free cloud storage and has a cool built in text editor

For those that have quickly read my other reviews on the other free cloud storage solutions, you will know that I am a big fan on having a 3rd-party text editor that supports the mentioned cloud service. What is great about SugarSync besides the free 5 GB online storage is that it has a built in text editor for editing text files. I am always making notes and having the ability to reference and edit my To Do List is pretty cool across my laptop, Apple iPhone or iPad. Like all free cloud storage, you can use the space for backup, sync and share your music, photos documents and more...

Pass code Lock available?

This one may seem like a little thing but having a 4 digit security lock in SugarSync is pretty useful especially when you pass your Apple iPhone or iPad to your little nephews to play Temple Run or Office Jerk. It ensures that they can't or shouldn't get in there when I tell them too.

Current Plans

In terms of increasing your online storage from 5 GB you will have to upgrade. NOTE, if you want to receive an extra 500 MB of bonus storage for signing up, click on my referral link - click here. which will give US BOTH 500 MB of free cloud storage space. This promotion only applies to new SugarSync accounts. If you do decide to join through my link, I just want to thank you in advance :)

5 GB - FREE

30 GB

$4.99/month

$49.99/year

30-Day Free Trial

60 GB

$9.99/month

$99.99/year

30-Day Free Trial

100 GB

$14.99/month

$149.99/year

30-Day Free Trial

Conclusion

Overall, I am pretty pleased with SugarSync. The built in text editor is not bad, it does the job if you want to add/edit notes especially when you are mobile. Does it have the features/functionality of a standalone app such as Elements with font selection and text size? No it doesn't but it again does the job when you need it. I highly recommend SugarSync and you can visit their website here

Disclaimer

Private Policy

My Microsoft SkyDrive review and how I use it everyday

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:28:42 +0100

Microsoft SkyDrive is awesome but it has one downfall for those that edit text files

What I like about Microsoft SkyDrive besides the free 25 GB of cloud storage space they gave me is how clean and intuitive the app is for Apple iPhone and iPad. After Dropbox, I primarily use SkyDrive as my cloud storage solution. It is where I store my pictures, videos and my library of growing eBooks.

However, the only drawback I find with Microsoft SkyDrive and Box is the support for a 3rd-party text editor. To clarify, if I have a Microsoft Doc opened in SkyDrive and I want to edit it, I am aware of the icon on the bottom right hand corner that gives me the option to "Open in Another App" which sounds great. I select Quickoffice (which I have on my Apple iPad) and my doc is ready to be edited, however I notice that I am editing a temporary copy in Quickoffice now vs. the original copy in my SkyDrive account. What does this all mean? It means my updated copy is only saved in Quickoffice not in SkyDrive which is one downfall. Besides the office example I just gave, I believe this also applies to regular text files too. Sounds great that you can open it up in a third party text editor but that updated copy is only saved in that app. The next question is how can I get that updated file back into SkyDrive? It all depends on what options are available in that 3rd-party app which could be email etc. See how cumbersome this can get?

Passcode Lock available?

No 4 digit security lock present on start up or resume which means anyone can access your files and snoop around if you hand your iPhone or iPad to your friends/family.

Current Plans

If you are a new user of Microsoft SkyDrive, expect to begin with 7 GB of free cloud storage. I was fortunate enough to receive 25 GB very early on before they dropped it to 7 GB.

Below are their current plans. From what I can see, compared to the others there prices are very good considering the other cloud providers are charging for a monthly fee.

7 GB Free - For New User Accounts
20 GB for $10/year
50 GB for $25/year
100 GB for $50/year

Conclusion

Overall, I am pretty pleased with SkyDrive and if you are not using it for editing text files on the go, it does an excellent job on storing all your pictures, videos and documents on the go.

Visit Microsoft SkyDrive here - https://skydrive.live.com/

Disclaimer

Private Policy

My Dropbox review why it has become my favorite cloud storage solution

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:45:07 +0100

What makes Dropbox so great vs the other online cloud storage solutions? Read on...

Hands down and not to sound bias but Dropbox is one of my personal favorite cloud storage solutions and it is free. To me, what makes Dropbox so popular is its support from third-party applications such as PlainText and Elements, which are text-based editors that utilize their APIs (Application Protocal Interface?). What does API mean? It is just a fancy word that means it supports and integrates well with Dropbox. Only SugarSync with its built in text editor comes close to Dropbox but it does not have the formatting options like a dedicated text app like PlainText and Elements does.

So, what gets me so excited about free cloud storage is that I can utilize their service for the PC, Apple iPhone and iPad. The Dropbox App for the Apple iPhone or iPad is extremely easy to use and navigate. That means you can seamlessly share and have files accessible from all three platforms in real time as long as you have an available WIFI connection to support all three devices. In the event that you don't have a WIFI connection and you make an update via Dropbox as soon as your other devices are connected it will automatically sync to ensure you have the latest and greatest across all three.

Passcode Lock available?

Yes, Dropbox has passcode lock available on startup and require immediately when switching apps for a short time. This comes in handle when you want to protect your account from prying eyes especially when the nephews want to play the latest games on your iPhone or iPad.

Third-Party Support from Text Editors

Getting back to third party applications that suport Dropbox, I currently can't live without these productivity tools for editing simple text files (txt). I am currently using the following PlainText and Elements. See below for my mini reviews. I plan to add another page in the near future to review these text-based apps and how well they support cloud storage.

PlainText

This native app from Hog Bay Software is free and I use it extensively for the Apple iPhone and iPad. It does contain a minor banner at the bottom but you have a choice to remove it for $1.99. This is a fantastic app and my only beef is that I wish it had the option to change the font.

Elements

Future write-ups on text based editors

Once I have more time, I will also try out iA Writer, Droptext, WriteUp, Notability, Write and Textastic. Yes, it is on my to do list so look out for an update on those text editing apps that I have mentioned. So a question you may be asking is, why have more than one text app? Well, if you are editing more than one text file at a time you will need 2 separate apps and by swiping left and right on the Apple iPad you can easily switch between the two text apps. As mentioned before, I am big on text editors that support cloud storage so this may not apply to you but it is something I wanted to mention.

Current Dropbox Plans (as of June 21st, 2012)

For those starting off with a NEW Dropbox account, they start you off with 2GB of FREE online storage. However, if you sign up by clicking on my link here BOTH of us will earn an additional 500 MB of FREE storage at no cost. How awesome is that? This offer only applies to NEW Dropbox accounts only. So, thank you in advance if you do decide to sign up for a FREE Dropbox account through my link. I appreciate the FREE space :)

If you really love Dropbox and want to make it your all in one cloud storage solution and forget about the others, check out their price plans below:

1) 2 GB Free - For New User Accounts

2) Pro 50 - 50 GB+ account

$9.99/month or $99.00/year

3) Pro 100 - 100 GB+ account

$19.99/month or $199.00/year

Conclusion

Depending on what you use cloud storage for, whether it is for work or recreation we all have different uses for them. However, for me Dropbox is one of my favorites for ease of use and 3rd-party support despite only accumulating 6.8 GB of total space :) Do I use Dropbox to store all my photos and videos etc?, no, I don't. With 25 GB from Microsoft SkyDrive and 50 GB from Box, I am more inclined to use them.

Disclaimer

Private Policy

blog

My Box Review - storing pictures, videos and plenty of documents

5 GB of free Box storage

Passcode Lock available?

Current Plans

Free User Plan

Business User Plan

Enterprise Plan

Conclusion

Disclaimer

My Google Drive Review

Google Drive Review (Pending native app for Apple iPhone and iPad)

Pass code Lock available?Until Google releases the native app for the Apple iPhone and iPad we do not know until a passcode lock is available.

Highlights - Current Features and Support Offerings

For those looking to use Google Drive as part of their service, you will be happy to know that they offer 5 GB of free space for all new accounts. Before you can take advantage of the free space, make sure you have a Google Gmail email account.

If you are interested in more storage, there are paid options.

Storage Monthly Rate

For more information, Take a look here - click here.

Supports

For those looking to use Google Drive, it is currently available for:

Conclusion

I know it is a bit too early for a more thorough review since I am waiting for the native apps for Apple iPhone and iPad but you can still go ahead and register for your free 5 GB of free cloud storage space from Google.

Disclaimer

My SugarSync review first impressions

SugarSync offers 5 GB of free cloud storage and has a cool built in text editor

Pass code Lock available?

Current Plans

Conclusion

Disclaimer

My Microsoft SkyDrive review and how I use it everyday

Microsoft SkyDrive is awesome but it has one downfall for those that edit text files

Disclaimer

My Dropbox review why it has become my favorite cloud storage solution

What makes Dropbox so great vs the other online cloud storage solutions? Read on...

Passcode Lock available?

Future write-ups on text based editors

Current Dropbox Plans (as of June 21st, 2012)

Conclusion

Disclaimer

Pass code Lock available?
Until Google releases the native app for the Apple iPhone and iPad we do not know until a passcode lock is available.