Cloud storage has been a hot topic with new launches from Microsoft and Google. Online storage really does make life easier and more productive.
I've been a long-time user of Dropbox, and have built up 11GB of free storage. Effortless syncing, cross-platform sharing, and seamless OS X integration have made it my number one choice for some time. It is going to take something special to pry me away.
Google Drive offers 5GB of free space and looks much like an extension of Google Docs. I have not played with it much, but at a glance it seems geared more toward giving Google apps an edge over Microsoft rather than a direct competitor with Dropbox.
Microsoft re-launched its cloud service SkyDrive offering new users 7GB or storage. Exiting users have the no-brainer option to keep the 25GB originally offered with signup.
Do these services put Apple's iCloud on its back foot?
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.