Google Docs?

[ffutures]

One of the unexpected consequences of switching to a new phone was the discovery that I can't add it to Dropbox without dropping at least one other device - I think that they've changed the number you're allowed since I last added a device. This is a bit annoying, but I think may be the spur I need to look at alternatives. Basically, I want a free service - Dropbox is very expensive in its pro version - and reasonable ease of use.

The one that seems most plausible is Google Docs. A lot of people I know use it, so far as I know their security is pretty good, and they seem to make it easy to send docs to people who aren't subscribers.

The thing I mostly do for my own use on Dropbox is save files into the Dropbox directory so that they can be edited on my PC, the laptop, or the iPad - the phone is less important (one reason why this isn't urgent) since all I do with it is occasionally send a photo to Dropbox. With Dropbox this works the same as saving any other file, it simply goes into the Dropbox directory on the device I'm using. Does this apply to Google Docs too?

Any good alternatives I should be looking at, that can be accessed regardless of operating system etc.?

Comments

[murphys_lawyer]

Mega gives you 50GB for free if you want to try something other than Google Drive.

[i_kender]

Yes, I've switched to Mega.nz... they have a really generous free storage cloud drive, much much bigger than anything Google Drive or Dropbox offer for free! https://mega.nz/aff=JXr5H-pU0Mg

[ffutures]

Interesting - any snags?

[ffutures]

Obvious question - how do they make any money? Is this going to be like Flickr, build up a big user base then start charging for what was formerly free? How long have they been around?

[i_kender]

Well, if users want more than 50GB of storage, they have to pay for it. MEGA is a company owned by NZ's Kim Dotcom, the former "Pirate King". However, after being in business for 7 years, it's fairly well-established now. Here is an early review: https://www.zdnet.com/article/review-what-to-expect-from-megas-free-50gb-of-cloud-storage/

[murphys_lawyer]

None that I know of.

[ffutures]

Did they ever sort out better integration into the computer's file system?

[dormouse1953]

Google Docs seems to work with Google drive which works exactly like you want. You get a Google drive folder on your computer and you can move files in and out of that folder and they are automatically uploaded.

[i_kender]

Yes I think so... changing the files on my computer automatically updates the folders on MEGA's servers, which is great for me as it means if I update something, I don't have to worry about backing it up.

[ffutures]

OK, thanks - for the limited number of files I'm worried about that might be a better bet.

[watervole]

Google docs is a lot easier to use than Dropbox (for me at least)

[ffutures]

Thanks!