MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Is Google Drive OK for Calibre libraries now?

AllthatEvil · 01-27-2017, 11:37 AM

The main problem here is IMHO:

Today in 2017 cloud storage / webservices / SaaS has replaced local file storage for many ppl, and most casual users are not using Windows/MacOS anymore, and turned to mobile OS like Android+iOS.
And even new Windows devices like the Surface line have extremely low storage compared to full blown desktops, so cloud storage is the only way to go if you want to run an ecosystem of e.g. Android and Windows.
Plus Google Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox are available to everyone with a Smartphone without any $ spend.

Using a client-server model for Calibre is just not good (meaning easy and good user experience) for most users, meaning non tech users.
We more tech skilled ppl often cant understand this tech knowledge barrier, and try to push casual users into what we think is the best (meaning best possible by any means).

When someone doesnt know about network tech, firewalls, router config, Carrier grade NAT, IPv6/v4 etc., running a server on a desktop or NAS is just no viable option.
So either we provide a true easily usable way to help non tech skilled ppl, or they try what they can.. No need to talk down on those ppl..

Fact is: You can use OneDrive (Dont know about GDrive) for this. I too wouldnt use it for syncing between 2 active desktop pcs when using calibre simultaneously, but for reading on my android phone. There are now 4 quite good apps for this on the play store, most pretty stable and mature.

Only thing to think of: I too wouldnt trust the MS OneDrive Sync client with this. Problem with long filenames/paths, etc.
Just get a copy of Goodsync (Best File Sync Software with cloud storage support atm IMHO.. And no, i am not the dev..), or Syncovery, or Beyond Compare, and have them auto sync the calibre database files to the cloud and vice versa.
As long as you dont use it (near) simultaneously on 2 PCs, and have a proper upload bandwith, this shouldnt be an issue. In fact i use Goodsync to sync my user file folder between 2 windows 10 pcs, software databases and other critical stuff for years now, without any problem.

So there is a way.. If that way is for you too, you got to decide for yourself. Like with anything in the world..

And for the future i dont see any other effective way as using cloud storage to sync for android. The client-server thing is a waste of energy, and leaves out most non tech skilled users, plus making endless trouble at complicated network scenarios like with DS Lite, Firewalling, Router config etc.

just my 1/2 cents..

01-27-2017, 11:37 AM	#27
AllthatEvil Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2017 Device: Smartphone + FHD Win 10 Desktop PC	The main problem here is IMHO: Today in 2017 cloud storage / webservices / SaaS has replaced local file storage for many ppl, and most casual users are not using Windows/MacOS anymore, and turned to mobile OS like Android+iOS. And even new Windows devices like the Surface line have extremely low storage compared to full blown desktops, so cloud storage is the only way to go if you want to run an ecosystem of e.g. Android and Windows. Plus Google Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox are available to everyone with a Smartphone without any $ spend. Using a client-server model for Calibre is just not good (meaning easy and good user experience) for most users, meaning non tech users. We more tech skilled ppl often cant understand this tech knowledge barrier, and try to push casual users into what we think is the best (meaning best possible by any means). When someone doesnt know about network tech, firewalls, router config, Carrier grade NAT, IPv6/v4 etc., running a server on a desktop or NAS is just no viable option. So either we provide a true easily usable way to help non tech skilled ppl, or they try what they can.. No need to talk down on those ppl.. Fact is: You can use OneDrive (Dont know about GDrive) for this. I too wouldnt use it for syncing between 2 active desktop pcs when using calibre simultaneously, but for reading on my android phone. There are now 4 quite good apps for this on the play store, most pretty stable and mature. Only thing to think of: I too wouldnt trust the MS OneDrive Sync client with this. Problem with long filenames/paths, etc. Just get a copy of Goodsync (Best File Sync Software with cloud storage support atm IMHO.. And no, i am not the dev..), or Syncovery, or Beyond Compare, and have them auto sync the calibre database files to the cloud and vice versa. As long as you dont use it (near) simultaneously on 2 PCs, and have a proper upload bandwith, this shouldnt be an issue. In fact i use Goodsync to sync my user file folder between 2 windows 10 pcs, software databases and other critical stuff for years now, without any problem. So there is a way.. If that way is for you too, you got to decide for yourself. Like with anything in the world.. And for the future i dont see any other effective way as using cloud storage to sync for android. The client-server thing is a waste of energy, and leaves out most non tech skilled users, plus making endless trouble at complicated network scenarios like with DS Lite, Firewalling, Router config etc. just my 1/2 cents..