Posted by Lani Rosales in Why Send Files Online?
Even if you have a mega server behind your emailer, often the person you are sending a large file to does not. We often send movies, images, scanned documents and various raw files to clients or coworkers and need an option to FTP sites or overloading anyone’s email. Here are ten variable file sending services online; to visit the upload sites, simply click the image of the service you want to check out and voila, you’re there!
1. DockDrop
Macs only for this one, folks. This is a drag and drop application that supports many file types, even Flickr. See the demo by clicking here.
2. SteekR
Steekr offers up to 1GB storage and has no bandwith limitations. It’s for Windows and Mac and I hear people use this as an online backup much like an external drive. Learn more here.
3. DropBox
DropBox is still in beta and I haven’t tried it out, so I don’t know much about it but it’s rumored that it works with Windows and Mac, has a massive 5GB storage limit, unlimited bandwidth, and what’s cool is that when you upload images it automatically makes a photo album- sweet! And they have a blog!
4. Pando
Pando hangs out with Mac and Windows, has 1GB of storage and when you load files, it creates a link you can share with others for their uploading pleasure. Here’s the science behind Pando.
5. DropSend
DropSend appears to be quite easy to set up, requires no software and use and although you have 5 uploads monthly, the upload size is really really big. DropSend works with Mac & PC and there’s a quick tour online.
6. FileDropper
FileDropper says their goal is to make the simplest file sharing site and swear to not bog you down with ads and claim to be the fastest file sharing site online. With a 5GB upload size, this one’s worth a look! Free for the first 7 days, $0.99/month after that so they don’t have big fat ads.
7. YouSendIt
I hear this service is Mac and PC friendly and has some unique features such as a PDF converter for files and a 2GB upload limit. Here’s a fancy graph so you can see how it works.
8. PipeBytes
PipeBytes claims to have NO SIZE LIMIT and you can start uploading while someone else starts downloading (they don’t have to wait for the file to be completed) by sharing a simple reference code. They claim complete privacy “unlike BitTorrent and other P2P technologies.”
9. MailBigFile
MailBigFile aims to be a simplified uploader and gets along with OS, Windows and Linux. Files have unlimited bandwidth and you can have an address book which is handy for frequent users!
10. CivilNetizen
CivilNetizen works a little differently- both sender and receiver have to be online at the same time and it’s like UPS with a tracking method. They don’t host files online, so you don’t have an account. I say hooray to that! AND, you can get updates by following their blog.
Oh Snap!
See, it’s a snap! You have 10 great options for file sharing, let us know in the comments which you’ve used, which you plan to use and ideas for why file uploaders are necessary!
Very nice info!
I’ve been using the old school route. Docs/files get shared on googledocs. Images go to photobucket. Movies go to youtube/vimeo. Then email out the links.
Like your suggestions MUCH better. More professional.
Great post Lani - its awesome to see file transfer services get some love, seeing as they have saved my life countless times when I have forgotten my flash drive and need to transfer something ASAP.
Personally, I tend to use one of two services, depending on whether what I am transferring is for business use or personal use. For instance, when I send a file to one of my bandmates or a home movie to my family I tend to use Mediafire since it gives me the ability to instantly past the file into Facebook, an Email, social media sites like Digg, or and IM client. It also has a great UI and graphical representation of the upload so you know how long it is going to be until the file is done uploading - something services like Yousendit and sorely missing.
If I am sending a file for business I tend to use Sharebee, which is a great file upload syndicator. When you are upload a file to Sharebee, it gives you the option to send your file to a bunch of other file hosting services (like Rapidshare, Megaupload, Z-share, Mediafire, etc.) so you have many options available to let your recipient download the file in question using a service that they are familiar with. You also have full control over when to delete the file from each of the partner sites for added security.
Missing from the list is the efficient and private Dropio ( http://drop.io ) written by Texas’ own Jake Good.
@Todd - Wow, I just have Dropio a whirl and it is flawless - I love the fact that you can customize the file address and set a guest password and deletion date. Thanks for the great recommendation!
11. Drop.iop - Real simple. Clean. Firefox extension makes it even easier. Thanks for the great list.
How do I keep up with these awesome tools??
Lani,
I haven’t tried the others, but use yousend it pretty religiously with good results!
You always know where the coolest toys are- And you have time to twitter - Go figure
Those who liked YouSendIt, might be interested in MongoFiles. It does the same - sends large files, but all the useless stuff is removed and higher limits are set (if you do not have enough with 100MB files). Plus - since this week, it is available through Facebook. That is even more convenient if You are into the social networking and all that kind of stuff.
Check it out. Another great option for sending large files.
“…How do I keep up with these awesome tools??”
@ines
1 - Read Agent Genius religiously.
2 - Get a Twitter account and learn to listen.
3 - Pay me to compile, test, filter and recommend the latest technologies, that are applicable to real estate, for you.
Lani - I have been using YouSendIt for a couple of years without a hiccup. Works like a champ. Now I guess I will check out MongoFiles as well. Thanks for the info!
Great post - can I suggest another filesharing/backup service that’s also useful for collaboration? Take a look at NomaDesk, we’ve designed it specifically for small businesses and solo/nomadic workers who are on the road a lot and need an easy-to-use way to access their data, even without an internet connection.
Take care!!
Lani… I’ve used DropBox and it’s extremely simple and easy to use. The neighbors on the block with Macs are all set up on it. @rcmike swears by it. This is an excellent list. Thank you!
I use box.net. I like to put files there for clients I am currently working with. You can put their whole folder on their together. I did that before I went on vacation last month for all my active clients. When a title company called and said they never received a termite report for a house that was to close shortly after my return I was able to sign on to my box.net account and send them the report. You never know what files you’ll need so I like to upload everything…even the kitchen sink.
so check this out - I send Rick this awesome post….since he is the DOC MASTER and he says to me, “If Jeff Turner uses DropBox, then THAT has to be the best one” —-did you hear that?? Has JT brainwashed my hubby? maybe there’s compensation involved.