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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Applications > iCloud vs. Dropbox?

iCloud vs. Dropbox?
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ShortcutToMoncton
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Oct 23, 2014, 01:53 PM
 
Is there any actual benefit to paying for iCloud storage instead of Dropbox? Do these new OS X/iOS cloud features work only with iCloud?

I will be paying for a space upgrade - iCloud is pretty cheap at moderate sizes (which DB does not have), but twice as expensive for a full 1Tb.
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ghporter
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Oct 24, 2014, 07:05 AM
 
I like Dropbox because I can get at my stuff from anywhere, from any device (even those that I don't own). I don't need a lot of space, so the free amount works fine for me, but the convenience factor is really big for me.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
ShortcutToMoncton  (op)
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Oct 24, 2014, 08:38 AM
 
Can't you log in to iCloud from anywhere?
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turtle777
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Oct 24, 2014, 11:15 AM
 
Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton View Post
Can't you log in to iCloud from anywhere?
Desktop Client >>>>>>> Web Client

-t
     
ShortcutToMoncton  (op)
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Oct 24, 2014, 02:10 PM
 
Very true. On the other hand I decided not to get an Android phone so 98% of the time it will likely be Apple-device access. What about all the iCloud Drive features and new file-like integration with Yosemite/iOS 8? Aren't those features dependent on iCloud use? Can Dropbox provide the same ease and integration?
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turtle777
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Oct 24, 2014, 05:30 PM
 
Actually, I just remembered that the new iCloud software for PCs should supposedly give you access to iCloud Drive under Windows. Haven't trried it.

As far as Dropbox goes, the iOS integration is pretty good.
Right now, I wouldn't k ow how to pull up iCloud Drive files on my iPhone.
I'd have to Google that, LOL.

-t
     
ShortcutToMoncton  (op)
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Oct 27, 2014, 12:39 PM
 
Well I figured I would upgrade to 200Gb of iCloud storage for $4, which would at least be plenty for complete mobile backups and some general photo/music use.

The thing is, Dropbox's 1Tb upgrade is only $11/month. So instead of paying Apple $20 for 1Tb plan, it seems to make a lot more sense to get Dropbox's 1Tb instead, and then get one of the smaller Apple plans to top up the iCloud for handy Drive-related features, if you don't mind some confusion in having two online clouds.

1Tb Dropbox + 200Mb iCloud = 1.2Tb for $15. Not bad.
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donaldkepler
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Nov 4, 2014, 02:57 AM
 
Mostly tablet buyers needs extra space. If iCloud service has goodness for users then on another side, it has few downsides. Without copying the media files to an external media drive, by getting attach with iCloud anywhere, any MP3 or digital movie can be watched very easily but it needs an Internet connection. One more thing, we can't forget that Apple is not good at sharing data with Windows PC.
     
mindwaves
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Nov 4, 2014, 07:19 AM
 
iCloud is not a substitute for Dropbox. In Dropbox, you can right click on files in the Finder and provide a link to external users to the files.

That being said, I'm very happy with my free space using both services sinxe I never store anything too personal on the sites.
     
ShortcutToMoncton  (op)
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Nov 4, 2014, 04:03 PM
 
To update, I just found out that even with Family sharing, each member of the family with a device must purchase iCloud space. So even though my wife and I have "shared" apps, etc., I have to buy xGb to back up the iPad, and she has to buy xGb to back up her iPhone. And conceptually, I'm still having a difficult time figuring out how that works from the Mac (as I haven't done it yet) - will there need to be two iCloud Drive folders?

Is much easier to just have both of us use a single iCloud account.
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carollm
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Nov 5, 2014, 05:04 AM
 
To me, I'm a loyal user of Apple's product. I have bought iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Apple TV, Macbook… So I would like to use iCloud.
     
ghporter
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Nov 5, 2014, 07:52 AM
 
Unless you need more than the amount of storage that comes free, there's no problem with using iCloud AND Dropbox. I do that, plus I use Evernote as well - all for different things.

One thing I think I've noted (not sure if this is absolutely accurate or not) is that you seem to HAVE TO log into iCloud to get iMessage to work right between two iPhone 5s'. After moving both of our phones to iOS 8.1, my wife and I had issues with iMessage between each other - though not necessarily with others - until we got some log in issues sorted out. My phone didn't really log in, and my wife opted to log in later. After a couple of days without messages between us working, we sat down and got both phones logged in and all was well. So I advise "using" iCloud, even if you're not going to use a lot of storage with it.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
   
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