Emailing Large Files using DropSend
DropSend is a web-based application for emailing large files. This is the kind of service that I never thought I’d really find a need for. Ryan Carson was kind enough to send me a free subscription a while ago but I never got around to checking it out. Most files that I end up sending are usually less than 5MB and have never been an issue. Sometimes the files might be 10 to 15MB and I’d just upload them to my own server and then send off an email with a link. But recently I had the need to send over 300MB and suddenly I had a perfect need to try out DropSend.
DropSend works by allowing you to upload files to its server and then sends the email to the recipient allowing them to pick up the file. It’ll also notify you when users pick up their files. If dealing with clients, you’ll know whether they picked up anything you may have sent them. Very handy.
You can also use your online space just for storage. This would make for a handy backup location for important files.
I believe the core to using this service is the desktop application for sending files. Launch the application and then you can simply drag and drop files into it. Specify an email address and the files will go on their merry way. But DropSend would be better served by a more feature-full application. Allowing docking to system tray alone would make this twice as good. With the application in the system tray, having pick-up notices coming in through the icon would make it even cooler. Having to run the DropSend desktop application every time I want to use it means I just don’t use it as much as I could.
The application also needs additional status information after dragging a file in. I wasn’t entirely sure what had or was going to happen. It should indicate that an action is still required; possibly with send/upload links on each file.
The web portion of the application is laid out in a traditional web application format with folders in a pane on the left and folder contents on the right. I found it intuitive to use and very responsive. They’re also very generous with a gifts section including links to various free and discounted applications and services.
DropSend is a solid application in its current state and additional functionality could turn it into something I’d use every day. Definitely a worthwhile service if you ever need to send large files.
Conversation
I was really happy when this application came out because it was a good example of someone taking a good idea (eg dropload.com) and making it much better, and charging a small fee along the way. By changeing they were able to ensure quality servers, dropload is always having server issues, and a more feature laiden service.
The small desktop apps that are coming along with many new services is really nice.
Jonathan and Wesley - thanks for the kind words. We're really glad to hear that the service is proving useful to you :)
The idea is nice, the website is nice, but the logged-in interface (where you send files) looks a bit "programmer gone designer" if you know what I mean. The application doesn't allow you to select multiple files at once, it also looks like the programmer forgot to take his "how to design Windows applications" course seriously. On top of all that, it has no resume functionality if your PC crashes (bye bye 5GB upload!)
Please take the above as constructive criticism! And meanwhile please take a look at www.sendyourfiles.com, not meant as spam as I am in no way related to them, but it's a great example how it could be better. Though I must say.. they integrate with Outlook and don't have a stand-alone or Mac version of their software (then again, the web interface is good for that purpose!)
You should check out Pando. www.pando.com. They've been getting a lot of attention lately. Probably the best large file sending app out there at the moment. The only drawback is that recipients need to install the app (2MB) too.
Never heard about this application but I'm going to test it right away. Before now I was Also just uploading files to my server but not all recipients understand how to download and open (sometimes zipped) the file.
Thanx.