April 3, 2006

Laplink: Entire Suite of Software Reviewed

Laplink makes an entire suite of software that helps you manage files (remote access, transfer, etc) from one PC to another. I and I'm sure many of you have used at least one of their products for years. Information Week has brought together a review of their suite of products.

Here's a short overview of the product line (below) and Information Week reviews them here.

Laplink is one of the original PC connectivity software companies. Initially, its software allowed you to connect two computers using the only connections commonly available at the time; the serial and parallel ports. The boxed software even included color-coded cables to make life simple for the uninitiated user needing to move files between machines.

Things have changed over the years, and with the wide variety of connectivity options available, serial and parallel data transfer are not typically considered viable options. Not willing to give up easily, Laplink has introduced new products over the years; its latest set of offerings still reflects the company's core mission of connectivity, but goes beyond file transfer. We review five of these applications, and tell you how they measure up in terms of functionality and usability.

PCMover is a special purpose version of Laplink intended to automate transferring your programs and files from one computer to another. The download version of PCmover costs $39.95 and can be used to move from one source PC to multiple destinations. Multi-PC packages are available bringing the price below $30 per license.

Laplink Gold 12 is the latest version of the original Laplink product. It lets you connect two computers via a variety of connection types in order to transfer files, chat, remote control, and perform several other functions. Laplink Gold 12 is available for download for $110.

PCdefense is Laplink's entry to the anti-malware/protection market, available as a download for $45.

Laplink Everywhere lets you connect to the main functions of your computer (email, contacts, files, notes, etc.) using nearly any Internet connected device, including cell phones. It is priced as a service starting at $9 per month.

PDAsync is an enhanced replacement for Microsoft's ActiveSync. Download it for $50.

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