SAMPLER  JD combines the advantages of a sophisticated backup program (versioning, backing up only changed portions of files, multiple back up jobs) and a good Network Drive. I back up all my user files with two different backup jobs, one hourly, one daily. I also use aliases (actually Dragthing items) for fast access to those files. Of course one can just treat the drive as an ordinary network drive--copy files to it and work with files on it. Note that you can create as many drives as you need, and also backup multiple computers to a single drive. For the best features, pay for JungleDisk Plus and get web access away from your machine.

Backup with JD and Amazon S3 is much faster than it is with other programs that I've tried. Even so, an initial backup might take days if you have many GB of data. Start with essential files and add on, rather than trying to backup everything at once.

I think that JD lacks one feature: the possibility of restoring files by DVD or portable hard drive. Carbonite, Mozy, and BackBlaze (I believe) all offer this option. Some companies also offer the possibility that you can ship a portable drive with your initial backup on it.  
(Version 2.61)

LEE123  I wonder why people just do not use MobileMe (used to be mac.com). It already has all these tools and does a whole bunch more stuff. You can create web pages and get to your whole computer contents from anywhere. Email is also in there. So what is the deal with S3? Is this service free? Even if it is MobileMe is only $100 a year and you get more.   
(Version 2.60a)

IMINI  I don't like the changes in 2.49a... It now requires install and goes into OS X too deeply.  
(Version 2.49a)

WINCO  Excellent backup solution for value and ease of use especially coupled with the super affordable Amazon S3 hosting service. $20 + $1pm for JungleDiskPlus is well worth it.  
(Version 2.10a)

JAMUS  I have been using JD for about 2 months now. It was simple enough to setup what I wanted backed up and get started.

My only big complaint is the speed of the backup. I am getting between 30-40KB of data transfer on upload no matter what LAN I am on (cable modem at home, LAN at work, DSL at friend's house, etc...). It takes quite a while to backup digital photos that way. That speed may not be JD's fault, but more of one with Amazon's S3 service.  
(Version 2.02a)

GERBER  Jungle Disk is a phenomenal online backup solution. Amazon S3 is the cheapest online storage you can get, and JD makes it quick and simple to back up your files to S3. All transmissions are encrypted, so you don't have to worry about Amazon employees getting at your stuff.

As a basic synced remote disk program, you can do better, but you'll pay more for storage. It does not have the simplicity of .Mac's iDisk.

Of course, if you're already backing up with it, there's no reason to worry about storing a few extra files on S3.

The JD Plus service is also very nice if you're backing up large files that change frequently since it permits block-level backups. (I'm looking at you, Entourage database!)  
(Version 2.0b2)

VCOLOMBO  I haven't tried the 2.0 beta but I've been using Jungle Disk for a while now, on both Mac and Linux, and have to say that I've been completely satisfied. I do agree that there should be a way to get rid of the activity window. The developers should take a look at MacFusion (the MacFuse application, not VMware Fusion) for future functionality and UI inspiration.

I do agree that it would be nice if directories and files created by Jungle Disk would be easily manageable with another S3 utility, but since Jungle Disk is cross platform and offers the option of a web UI I haven't had much need to manage my S3 content with anything else.

Jungle Disk is not without its cons but overall I've been very satisfied.  
(Version 2.0b2)

AKROBAT  No. The window's there and you can't remove it.

I bought this rather poor app and then discovered Forklift FTP which can do the same thing, only much better and more besides.

Also can't access my account and the developers don't answer mails.  
(Version 1.50c)

HENRIKTEKNIK  Is there any way to permanently dismiss that obtrusive Activity Monitor window at startup?  
(Version 1.50c)

SCHMELDING  Nice idea. Bad implementation.

I don't like connecting through JungleDisk's servers because of the potential for security problems.

The UI needs serious, serious work.

IMHO, they "free" version should just be a dockless app that mounts an s3 volume like a regular disk in the Finder. Done. Call it a day.

It doesn't. Rats.  
(Version 1.50c)