Carbonite can't back up multiple versions of your files, or backup your email - but it's great for photos. Keep in mind that it can't back up email, financial documents (while they are open), etc. Basically it can't back up anything while it is open, either - we consider that a huge disadvantage in the online backup industry.

Another limitation of Carbonite is that it doesn't backup multiple versions of a document and the encryption is weak (there is no personal encryption option, you have to trust that their key is strong enough for your data).

So those concerns aside, as I said earlier, it is pretty good for a non-technical person. Another benefit is that they offer "unlimited" backup - sort of. Your first 50 GB will be backed up at full-speed (ie, the only limitation will be your upstream connection). After that you will only get 500 MB backed up per day. Read here for more information.

In conclusion, if you are a casual consumer and you don't really have a need to be serious about remote backup then Carbonite may be the solution for you.

Click here for our comparison of remote backup solutions