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Portable or online storage? Which do you prefer?

Posted by mattiasx • 6/03/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: file transfer, flash drive, gmail, portable, skydrive, storing documents, storing media

This is a question that's sort of been popping in and out of my head over the last little while. We all know how common flash drives have become, now boasting several gigabytes of space within them. But I was wondering, instead of paying money for something that you're likely to lose, wouldn't it be just as effective to having, say, a Gmail account? If you're using the flash drive for storing documents, or small amounts of media here and there, why not just sign up for that?

Even recently, Windows has released their SkyDrive, which is of course free.

Each has their pros and cons, for example, online storage depends on internet access, and of course the speed of the internet in regards to online storage. At any rate, which have you used, and which do you prefer as a means of storage?

User Comments

6/03/08

JaneQCitizen

I have gmail. How does the storage element work?

That could come in handy -- I could work on any project, at any computer.

[reply]
1. 6/03/08
  
  mattiasx
  
  Well, with flash drives, you plug it into a USB port and transfer any files you want to take with you. But with Gmail, all you have to do is send an e-mail to yourself with an attachment that you want to load from another computer.
2. 6/03/08
  
  PetLvr
  
  You can use your Gmail as a virtual drive .. I did that for about 6 months, but then disabled it. All I had to do was go to windows explorer and just drag drop to the Gmail drive.
  
  Now, I use gmail to backup and store all the backups of all MySQL database and blogs via that wordpress plugin. I've got about 40 backups being made every day.
6/03/08

Aprilfreelance

I have a distrust of online storage services. My theory is that if it is online it can be hacked and erased. I know flash drives can be, as well, but I would rather be mad at myself for losing something. Also, since I do psychology transcription, security is a big issue.

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1. 6/03/08
  
  Svelmoe
  
  Indeed likewise.
  I would never trust an online service/company my backup these days, so portable for me. either the company will misuse it, or it'll be vulnerable for hacks or security breach.
  
  Heck I wouldn't even use GMail for anything important.
2. 6/03/08
  
  MVT5150
  
  Don't count out online storage too much. It is more trustworthy than you think and there are HIPPA compliant storage available as well. Might cost extra but worth a look. The reason why I mention this is that for important files, you need off site backup just in case of a disasters like fires or floods.
6/03/08

medicated

I just burn everything onto a CD every month, then purge documents and projects I'm no longer working on. CDs are a tad safer for me and a lot more convenient.

However, if I'm just going to be transfering something from my desktop to my laptop, my JumpDrive comes to the rescue. heh. JumpDrive. Tells you how OLD my portable storage unit is!

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6/03/08

clioandme

Both portable and online. Gotta have multiple backups in multiple locations.

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6/03/08

richrf

I wouldn't trust any sensitive information online.

[reply]
1. 6/03/08
  
  clioandme
  
  Well the sensitive stuff, yeah, I agree, unless you're talking about a heavily encrypted file.
6/05/08

mitch972

I have only trust on my portable.

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