I’ve got my MacBook Pro and my iMac sync’d so that my main data directories are replicated on both machines. The free 2GB limit isn’t enough to backup my iPhoto or iTunes libraries so I’m not using it as a true on-line backup at the moment, however, these are backed up on an external HDD so I have some DR cover. For me, the main benefit is the online backup of my “important” files, plus the ability to work on a document wherever I am knowing that it will be copied (and therefore available) on the other machine.

I’ve recently tried this out in the wild; being away from home for a few days it was great to be able to work on files on my MBP and have them immediately backed up to the cloud, given that I was not traveling with my external HDD and therefore didn’t have the comfort of Time Machine. Of course, when I got home and switched on my iMac the files were automatically updated there too.

While out and about I also used the iPhone app to view some files (although I couldn’t edit them). Another use I’ve found for SugarSync is taking photographs with my iPhone and using SugarSync to transfer the images to my MBP for editing and subsequent posting.

Lastly, a mention about the sugarsync website. I have to use PCs at work and, while I haven’t installed the application on my work PC, I have already found that being able to access my data via the browser to be a great feature and one which will prove very useful in emergencies.

You may notice that I haven’t compared it directly to Dropbox, this is because since I started using Sugarsync I have stopped using Dropbox. However I’m sure it too has a place in my armoury and I will share my thoughts on this at some point.

So, all in all, I’m impressed, and I’m sure I’ve just scratched the surface.

SugarSync looks like it will solve my other problem too, i.e. how to keep files synchronised between my MacBook Pro and my iMac. Up until know I’ve had to rely on having a share on the iMac and saving important files there (which of course needs a network connection between the two Macs) or remembering to copy the changed version back to the “other” Mac whenever I’ve changed it. SugarSync solves that problem by keeping files stores on either Mac in sync via the cloud.

Anyway, that’s the theory. I will let you know how I get on. Meanwhile, if you are intrigued by the above, click on the following link for more information. By the way, it works with Windoze as well!

http://tinyurl.com/ybkj7y9

In order to minimise the trailing cables scenario (even though the Mac is WiFi it still needs to get power from somewhere) I have located it next to a built-in cupboard. Drilled a neat hole through the cupboard with a tank cutter and installed a plugboard inside. I then fed the Mac’s and external HDD’s power cables through and presto! A very neat solution. Printing is achieved by WiFi HP printer/scanner. To maximise the minimalist (sic) appearance I have hidden the external HDD next to my Hi Fi, as they are both brushed silver it blends in quite well.

So, moving the iMac into the living room. I need a table to put it on so I’ve got one on order. I’ll say no more in case it turns out to be shite and I have to send it back. Once I’d decided where the Mac should go I also decided that I didn’t want to move the printer with it – that would cause unnecessary clutter and detract from the purity of the iMac. I therefore purchased a wireless printer. This arrived yesterday and was a bit of a pig to set up.

The basic printer install went fine, unpacking it, installing the HP software, etc. all good. The problem came when it refused to see my wireless LAN. Being an IT guy I would normally ignore the enclosed instructions but, having read several reviews where people recommended following the instructions, I followed them slavishly. When that didn’t work I tried a few hacks but I finally resorted to the HP support site where I found a completely different installation guide. Which worked. So there you go! I still have to set the printer up on my iBook and 2 XP laptops but hopefully that will be easy. I’ll let you know if not!

More updates when the table arrives!

Like:

• Aluminium casing and the smooth curve of the lid a lá MacBook Air.
• Trackpad, which you’d never know was made from glass. It’s got some great new gestures (such as using 4 fingers to change spaces or switch applications) and you can click anywhere because there’s no mouse button.
• The soft rubber edge all round the screen which replaces the little rubber bumpers one normally gets.
• The flat screen – no raised bezel.

Dislike:

• The black keyboard. The keys should be white, or maybe aluminium. Definitely need aluminium keys on the MBPro.
• The screen hinge is black which looks a bit odd. While I can see that it has been done like that because it’s part of the screen it really looks as if it should be made from the same material as the body i.e. Aluminum.
• No FireWire port! And because there’s no FireWire port only 2 USB ports!
• The price. The price of the cheapest MB was £699 (ish) but the new one is now £950. Admittedly you can still get a MB in the old style for £712 but it now looks like a poor relation. It’s been upgraded slightly with more RAM and a SuperDrive which is something. At the moment the old style MB and MBP are still available at some resellers, e.g. John Lewis.

So, overall the new ally MB is pretty good although I still like the old style white designs. It’ll be interesting to see if Apple make any mods in the near future, especially in response to the fairly prevelant view in the Mac community about the black keyboard.