Backpack v. GoogleDocs

[TimW]

Has anyone used either Backpack (http://backpackit.com/) or GoogleDocs/GCal for remote document management/storage?

It seems as if Backpack has the ability to do a LOT more things, but I've never used either. It also costs at least $7 per month for a single-user (meaning that if you want to share info w/someone else, they need your log-in), but that'd be interesting for a info repository that isn't dependent on your computer. A free account allows 2 users, but is MUCH more limited.

For anything approaching real functionality, you're looking at $25/mo.


GoogleDocs is free, but seems like it's not as comprehensive.

Thoughts?

[webgal]

I looked into these a while ago and backpack came up the winner for me. Most of whom I polled preferred the intuitive interface. I used a free one. I didn't use it long.

[TimW]

I didn't use it long.

May I ask why not?

[tbone2345]

i use a combination of google docs and evernote

google docs is ok for basic stuff but i find it can be a very slow and clunky interface at times, especially if what im doing is a 30-60 second task, like checking a figure or changing a single spreadsheet feature

evernote rocks for random note taking and non-structured info and project tracking, i use three different pcs most days so having a full thick client on each that syncs back to evernote hq is excellent and then I always have the web interface too if i'm not on one of my machines - i used google notes prior to evernote but the thick client was what i was really chasing

[TimW]

It may end up that I use a combination. I'd like to be able to have documents available to me wherever I am (in case I don't have my computer or it dies) so if I am working on an article or something, I am not beholden to having my computer with me. Backpack and Google Docs seem good for this.

Random note taking, Evernote seems cool. Also, OneNote would be good, then upload the file...but I don't think you can upload a OneNote workbook to Evernote, but perhaps could to Backpack. I don't know if GoogleDocs allows for just "file storage" like Yahoo's Briefcase used to....

[kamakiri]

Google apps blows backpackit away. I use google apps for my company domain and it is incredible. Nothing I saw on backpack was unique. Feel free to check out my start page at start.chrispizza.us.

Each user has a unique and customizable page, while I control the left column. Calendar is synchronized, as well as google docs. You can add to do lists, notes, bookmarks, and just about anything you can imagine to the start page as well. Being able to open my start page anywhere and have all of the information I use daily right there at my finger tips is an incredible time saver and a useful tool.

[froldt]

Google apps blows backpackit away. I use google apps for my company domain and it is incredible. Nothing I saw on backpack was unique. Feel free to check out my start page at start.chrispizza.us.

kamakiri, that's a handy-looking start page!
I have a friend who works at an insurance agency. They use google docs for most everything. Any of the employees can pull up the necessary documents from any computer in the office, or away from the office when necessary. Since they travel away from the office to meet with customers, it is invaluable for them to have access to everything they might need everywhere.

[DaveCraige.com]

use both together

for now just use the little hack from Andrew Crow and put your google documents (and gcalendar) right into writeboard. use the following and it'll pop right in


<iframe src="//docs.google.com/YOURDOCHERE" height="600" frameborder="0" width="725" scrolling="no"></iframe>

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5323/picture7rp0.png