Google Drive - A Review

Google Drive - Google's answer to Microsoft's SkyDrive and services like Dropbox - is now available to some people. I was lucky enough to receive an invite and have been using Google Drive for about a week now, so I thought I would let you know what it's about.

Google Drive transfers all of your Google Docs into it when you sign up. You also have the option of converting uploaded files into Google Doc format during upload. From what I understand, Google Docs in native format do not count against your file limit. You can still upload files in any format for storage, you just have to be sure to set your uploads so that they are not converted. Conversion is actually pretty quick and easy - there is nothing to do but check the right box and upload your files - Drive handles it all.

Drive is very much like Docs in appearance and function. I had some problems finding all of my files once I made the move, however. Several were in the wrong folder, and many more were in a new folder entitled "Shared with Me." While you are encouraged to move these files to your personal directory tree, it can be confusing at first.

When you sign up, you are told that Drive is in Beta Testing (or something to that effect), but you should receive an invite in your mailbox by the next day or so. All things told, I would suggest sticking with Docs for a little while longer. Drive has a few bugs and glitches to iron-out before it is a strong service. If you are willing to overlook these small problems, then Drive is open for business now. Just follow the prompts and request an invitation.

© C Harris Lynn, 2012