XDrive Review

Features

As far as online backup features go, XDrive is somewhere in the middle of the pack. While they have some really good features like public folders and folder sharing that allows them to act as a file-sharing service, they skimp when it comes to online backup features. They don't allow you to backup open files, and their automatic backup feature suffers from fatally spotty performance. In addition, they have no versioning support, so whatever you stick on there is what you get and there's no going back. They suggest you take care of versioning yourself.

Security

Security is another weak point for XDrive. They provide encrypted backups, but because of the file-sharing nature of the service, they do not encrypt the files on the server.

Usability

Since being acquired by AOL, XDrive has updated their look to a very nice Web 2.0-like design. In addition, the GUI is nicely laid out, and fairly easy to navigate. Because of the dizzying array of file-sharing options XDrive offers, all the menus can be a bit much if all you want to do is back up your data. Otherwise, the interface is fine.

Price

Price is another one of XDrive's strong points for the "free stuff" crowd. They offer 5GB free, no strings attached. If you need more than that, looks like you're out of luck, apparently.

Intangibles

As an AOL-owned company, one has to wonder if XDrive will be plagued by the same customer service and privacy issues that have troubled their parent company.

Overall