Recently I came across a post about the new file backup service, Dropbox. After a little digging, I got myself an invite to the private beta, and got it set up.

Set up was truly a breeze. This is one of those programs that just seem to work. I have it installed on my Mac and on my Windows XP Desktop. From receiving the beta invitation to uploading files was 3 steps. I’d write a tutorial, but really, it’s just that easy.

The best part is that the software is designed, specifically, to sync one folder on your computer to the web. Whatever you put in the folder, syncs to the online service and in turn to your other computers that are linked to your account. Change that file at work, and it’s changed online and at home as well.

The one negative, I suppose, is that it only watches and syncs one designated folder on your computer. If you want it to be in sync, it has to be in that folder. I know they are working on more advanced ways to designate what syncs, but I would prefer not move stuff out of my folder/naming scheme to get it to sync.

Dropbox will also let you share folders of pictures as slideshow albums. I think Flickr (or other comparable service) would probably be a better tool for that particular feature, but might be useful for some people. It also lets you share public folders and individual files. Just think about the next time you need to email that 100 MB file. Just drag it to the public folder and email the link instead.

The timing on this is probably what I like the most. I’ve been debating about Mobile Me since the announcement, but with the bugs their facing and a $100 per year cost, I just haven’t convinced myself its worth it. And this is just one more free option that takes the place of one of Mobile Me’s features. (It looks like after the beta, 1 GB accounts will still be free).

Currently, Dropbox works with Windows Vista/XP or Mac OSX Tiger/Leopard. There is a Linux version soon to be released in Alpha. The program is still an invite only Beta, but I have invites available for the first 10 comments.

Check it out and let me know what you think. Could this, with a few other free tools, replace Mobile Me?

So I’ve been giving Mobile Me a lot of thought lately. I wasn’t really sold with .Mac before. I mean it was a good service just not worth the $99 per year. There were free solutions after all. However having seen the demo at the WWDC keynote and the guided tour over at the Apple web site, I’m starting to reconsider.

Sure, there are free solutions as well. There’s Gmail with IMAP. That should help you sync your emails. There’s free file storage for sharing big files such as Senduit. There’s Flickr for photo sharing, etc.. You get the drift. So why pay $99 a year for things you can get free?

Well… The main reason I’m considering forking over $99 is the integration. Mobile Me just makes life simpler. Everything is integrated plus everything works well together. I only need to login to one service to access all of the features such as email, file and photo sharing. I don’t need to create accounts for different services.

Have you seen the web interface of Mobile Me? It’s crazy! It’s like you’re just working on your desktop.

I like the way it works well with the iPod Touch, iPhone and your computer. Whether it be a Mac or PC.

I know if I look hard enough I can find a setup that’s free and that will work similar to Mobile Me. It will however not be as elegant, harder to manage and won’t be as easy. So in essence I will be paying for convenience plus the comfort that everything works well together.

So, is Mobile Me for me? I’m thinking maybe it is. How about you?