Dropbox is an application that allows you to save photos, documents, movies, etc to the cloud and access those files from your iPhone. It is similar to the MobileMe functionality that Apple offers. However, Dropbox is free and actually offers a great file sharing functionality for the PC/Mac – iPhone user.
If you are a MobileMe user, I would recommend sticking with your MobileMe account as despite the great features offered with Dropbox there really is something to be said for the compatibility offered with Mac – MobileMe – iPhone. But, if you’re an Apple user and don’t have MobileMe you may want to try Dropbox to see if this functionality is something you have a use case for.
As I mentioned, Dropbox is a free app and file hosting is free for the first 2 GB. After the 2 GB threshold is reached you have to pay for more space. Dropbox charges $9.99 (US) for a 50 GB plan and $19.99 (US) for a 100 GB plan.
When you first download the application you need to setup an account with Dropbox, this process is extremely simple as you just provide your name, email and a password. Dropbox will send you a message using the e-mail you provided instructing you to download and install the Dropbox desktop app. Once you have downloaded the application you can put files in your Dropbox folder on your computer. Those files will automatically by synced and backed up online. Then you can access them from your iPhone.
Moreover, you can upload any photos or videos that you take with your iPhone using the Dropbox iPhone app. Those photos and videos will be automatically synced to any computers that you’ve installed the Dropbox desktop app on. So, you could get family members to download the Dropbox app on their computer and share photos or videos of a family event with them. Moreover, work colleagues that want to share photos or videos could use it to instantly send those files back to the office to allow serious editing or usage immediately. All this is possible with Dropbox.
The application comes with a 2:00 min video (located in “settings”) explaining Dropbox, which I recommend watching if you are unfamiliar with the app. Also, there is a Getting started .rtf and an iPhone intro .pdf that you can read through to ensure you understand all the functionality of the application.
One added feature that Dropbox has is a “Favorites” folder. This folder allows you to download files to the iPhone for fast, offline viewing. It’s a great idea for files that you use frequently. Also, it would be a good idea to store larger files in your “Favorites” folder while connected via Wi-Fi so that they are available locally and you do not have to wait a long time to have it pulled from the server.
Give the Dropbox app a try, I am sure you will be happy with it and find some ways that it enhances your overall iPhone productivity. The app is free of charge. To download Dropbox for iPhone, you can click this direct iTunes link.
As always, feel free to leave us comment and share your experience about Dropbox for iPhone.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
There are also lots of info out there on how you can use it to synchronise preferences and setting for your favourite apps.
Here’s my referral if anyone wants an extra 250MB :D
https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTE0MDYzNDE5
I recommended you to use dropbox for storing and synchronizing securely and for free 2gb of files. Use this link and you will receive 250mb extra: http://bit.ly/6Rvg8o