SuperDuper 2.1.2

Nevertheless, the cloning backup solution is ineffective because it takes too much time and resources!

So, you're going to tell many satisfied SD! customers that their cloning solutions are ineffective? Frequently backing up large amounts of data using *any* backup solution can be inefficient, but that doesn't make it ineffective.

Are you aware of SD!'s time-saving Smart Update feature?

I think, it is much better to back up with compression only really valuable data like: documents, databases, projects, letters, fonts, photos, movie, music etc.

That assumes users are savvy enough to know what and where all their "really valuable" data is. Of course some backup software attempts to make that assumption for users, with varying degrees of success.

For many desktop computer users, it's easier to make complete backups (with sufficient resources) and remove any doubt that something important is missing.

Yeah, SD is great for cloning! Nevertheless, the cloning backup solution is ineffective because it takes too much time and resources! I think, it is much better to back up with compression only really valuable data like: documents, databases, projects, letters, fonts, photos, movie, music etc.

Dobry Backuper is a reliable and easy-to-use backup application, which offers most of the features of expensive backup software for a fraction of the price. It's enough to create and configure your backup only once, and the program will remember about it, automatically building and saving it regularly.
Give it a try:
http://www.dobrysoft.com/products/backuper/

An often important, but under-acknowledged and sometimes overlooked consideration, is what support resources are available if/when problems with backups/restores are encountered.

I value being able to interact with someone relatively quickly who can understand pertinent issues and provide useful, satisfying answers. I may not have have the time or desire to wait around, hoping someone with sufficient peer-level expertise eventually shows up to help.

When occasionally needed, I've always been able to trust and rely on direct, knowledgeable support for SD!. CCC's (for example) would be hit or miss on its sometimes snarky forum, with more risk of inaccurately "helpful" advice from people without much depth of related experience.

I've used CCC and then moved on to SuperDuper.
CCC was great for freeware but SuperDuper takes it up a level. My 80gb drive will often take 10-15minutes to make a bootable backup with SuperDuper (and I generally have several Gb's of changes between backups) Whereas CCC needed a full hour and a half sometimes. I believe CCC pSync did it quicker in Panther, but it was still sllower than SuperDuper. And it allows heaps of options like going to sleepat the end so you can click "back up" and go home.

In short I've found it's flawless.

Re: CCC vs. SD! (#8)

See my comment here:

http://www.betalogue.com/2006/06/12/xserve-g4-running-panther-server-1039-didnt-like-that-security-update…-at-all/#comment-6192

... and others. Also read:

http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/03/05/the-state-of-backup-and-cloning-tools-under-mac-os-x/
http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/04/23/mac-backup-software-harmful/

Or just download SD!, try it, and decide for yourself which you prefer.

I use carbon copy cloner too. has anyone used both (CCC and SD) and can comment on which one is better?

I've evaluated several backup tools, and SuperDuper! is my tool of choice. I like it so much that I've even invested the $27.95 for a full license. With so much freeware and crippled-but-useable shareware out there, I consider that a testament to SuperDuper!'s superiority.

I don't understand why people pay for a cloning app when there is Carbon Copy Cloner freely available?

This was posted on TUAW a few weeks ago, but it might be worth reminding people of Sitening's great article on Mac backups: http://www.sitening.com/blog/2006/05/23/how-to-backup-your-mac-intelligently/

That syncupx looks quite nice in it's on class. Though I much rather prefer backing up my entire drive just for safety sake! You just never know. Thanks for the alternative nonetheless though, variety is always a good thing :)