I've used Sync Pro for nearly two years. There are many apps that do backups, syncs, and copy files from one machine to another, one drive to another. This is the Swiss Army Knife version. It does many things and does them well. For $100. For a two year license. For one machine. Then you pay again.

That includes installing -- SPYWARE -- on your Mac. This app does what it says it'll do... backup/clone to another hard drive. These are the same folks, Qdea Software, that make Backup Simplicity, another cloning application that costs $20. Per year.

-- SPYWARE --

Sync Pro X goes a few steps farther by actually "phoning home" to Qdea's HQ and logging your IP address and serial number. Then, should you use the app on your laptop, it won't function properly.

Backup Simplicity installs a "Launcher" which starts up automatically when you login. It then checks your local network for another version which may be using the same serial number.

So, Qdea spys on you with their applications. While their software works OK, there are many others available that do similar backups and function very well. Compare prices (I've used them all):

-- Carbon Copy Cloner (great app; pay what you can)
-- RsyncX (clones for free)
-- Deja Vu (folders and volumes; $20)
-- PsyncX (like Rsync; free)
-- Xupport (gobs of features; $20)
-- ChronoSync (gobs of features; $30)
-- SuperDuper (clones; $20)
-- You Synchronize (many features; $50)
-- Retrospect (gobs of features; $130)

BTW - with Qdea software, you don't own what you pay for. Backup Simplicity goes for about $20 a year, while Sync Pro X is about $100 for two years. After that, the apps won't function and you're forced to pay again... and again. Do they tell you about their installed spyware components?

No.

Buyer beware.