LapLink PCsync

by Laplink, Inc.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000051WWQ
• Item model number: FG-PCS000-RT-US
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 10, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 1.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,669 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #25 in Software > Business & Office > Communication > Remote Access
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The built-in Windows Direct Cable Connection (DCC) tool allows users to hook up two PCs and transfer data between them. But this arcane application is difficult to get working, even on systems with the same operating systems. LapLink, the company that made a name for itself with its notebook connectivity products, has brought us PCsync, an easier-to-use version of DCC that includes speedy USB transfers for Windows 98 systems and above.

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Run the other way!!!, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: LapLink PCsync (CD-ROM)

If you're looking for friendly telephone support people who will try their best to help you, but are willing to end up with nothing to show for your efforts, PC Sync may be for you. Otherwise, you'd be just as well off trying to transfer data using a couple of paper cups and a piece of string.

Installation is complicated and not at all well-documented. PC Sync requires special drivers to be installed, whether you use USB (but not on Win 95, they won't work there) or serial cable hookup. Dead-ends abound as installation crawls forward. Calls to customer support (toll calls only) will connect you with friendly people who are willing to help but acknowledge that there are "issues" with PC Sync installation. If you are used to using LapLink software (which has a well-deserved good reputation ever since DOS days), you'll find PC Sync a whole new (and terrible) experience!

It's been three weeks since I downloaded PC Sync from the LapLink website. Two weeks since tech support sent a set of cables, a week and a half since tech support noted that, well, USB cables don't work with Win 95; guess the promo doesn't mention that, and then sent the whole CD-ROM package, free of charge, and nearly one week since the last tech support guy said that LapLink Gold (which costs lots more) would install easily without cable drivers, and I have yet to transfer one bit of data.

I'm uninstalling PC Sync today, and packing it all the free stuff I received in this wasted attempt to install this complex and poorly-finished software. Save yourself this hassle while there's still time! Don't buy PC Sync until the company finishes inventing it.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It works real well, December 22, 2000

By 

Steven Kang (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: LapLink PCsync (CD-ROM)

Before getting PCsync, I had spent hours unsucessfully trying to link a laptop with Windows 98SE and a new desktop with Windows ME using the Windows Direct Cable Connection program. I looked in the Windows user guide, Dell user guide, and at various internet sites.

Got PCsync on CD, loaded both the USB drivers and the program with one button click each from the PCsync startup page, connected the USB cable to the 2 computers. When I started the program on each computer, I really expected to be foiled again.

But, it worked great. The split screen shows all the drives and files on each computer and one click on the menu transfers selected files. With the USB, it is very fast, usually going >100 kbps. Even if you can get Windows Direct Cable Connection to work (using serial or parellel cables), the much faster speed of the USB would make PCsync worthwhile.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wait for the next version..., March 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: LapLink PCsync (CD-ROM)

I spent many hours trying to get this to work, but was not successful. I tried all the fixes available on their web site, including downloading a free version upgrade (v1.5). Still no success.

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 ...