LapLink PCsync

Installing PCsync takes a few steps. You might be required to install Java Virtual Machine (included on the CD-ROM) if it's not installed already. Additionally, to use the USB cable that comes with the product (it also includes a serial cable for transfers involving older systems), you need to install the USB drivers as well. But after a couple of reboots, we had our systems--one using Windows Me and one using Windows 2000--hooked up and ready to go.

PCsync uses a split screen that lets you browse the contents of both PCs using either system. File transfer is as simple as drag and drop from one window to the other--you can also use right-click menus to send files from one system to the other. Using USB to transfer files is a boon to any user who has ever watched files drag their way from one system to another via a serial cable. When copying large files, we were able to get sustained transfer rates of more than 400 KB per second--it took only nine seconds to transfer a 4 MB file. PCsync also supports many Internet storage sites, letting you easily transfer files between your system and the online drives.

PCsync includes a Copy My Files wizard, which walks you through the steps of transferring all your documents and data files from one system to another. For example, if you purchase a new PC, you can install PCsync on both systems, hook them up, and then use this wizard to update the new one with all your personal files from your older system. And for those users planning to keep both systems hooked up, PCsync's SmartXchange feature synchronizes folders on both PCs, automatically keeping the same file versions in each.

We would have liked to see better documentation with PCsync--all the help files were on the CD-ROM, with only a skeletal installation and user's guide printed on the CD jacket. But the software does a slick job of attacking what can often be a monumental task--after we made our way through the installation process, file transfers were never easier. --J. Curtis

I have been a LapLink user for many years, but that product has grown so much with features that I don't need (and grown in price), that I had decided to stick with the old version.

When PCsync came along I jumped at the opportunity for the faster USB transfers.. but it is not to be. I'm back in the old version, which remains virtually flawless.

I have to say, the company responded to my e-mail enquiries and the product has an excellent satisfaction guaranteed policy: 100 days, 100% satisfaction, 100% money back.

Waiting for version 2.0 ...


Warning: Can't say I could get it to work either.   March 21, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I would consider an alternate product, I am sorry to say. I got this product from Amazon.com, and, although I have not tried to return it yet, only hope I can if I am under 30 days (wish me luck ).

How did I reach this point? I was enticed by how easy and useful it was to sync my Handspring Visor with the computer. I bought it hoping my laptop and my desktop would become the best of friends. I installed it on one computer with WindowsME and AOL5.0, and it was easy. I attempted to install it on another desktop with Windows98and AOL6.0, and although the installation was easy, it always created GPFs when I tried to run PCSync. In consultation with customer support, I've installed this (with their ministrations and suggestions) a lot of times now (more than 10), and still have yet to get it to work one the Windows 98 computer.

Customer service was notable for the following: I contacted PCSync,and left copious messages on the board they run to offer customer service. To make a long story short, customer service 1) oftentimes did not answer my postings on the board. 2) had a _long_ wait time in excess of 20 minutes when I called them long distance on multiple occaisions 3) before I was ready or willing, closed my account on the board, without giving me a definitive solution. Note well: my tone, both in writing and in voice, was consistent with this message. To be fair, at this writing, they say they will "have a senior technician get back with you" when they have a solution, but their reticence at communication so far. . . Well, you can figure it out from there.

Nope, although there are other products out there that work and work well, this is not one of them. Take your hard earned money, register Winzip, and transfer your data files via another route. It's cheaper, quicker, and, unlike with this product, predictable.

I do hope that someone out there gives due consideration to synchronization between palmtops, laptops, and desktops. If someone can come up with "universal synchronization" between these three devices, they will be rich. Documents to Go, also available via Amazon, does it between a computer and a palmtop, and some programs try to do it between a desktop and a laptop, but, whoever does it between a laptop, desktop, and palmtop, will fill a niche that ever increases in an increasingly mobile computing world.

Best wishes from Edmund5169