Introducing Path Finder

I love Mac OS X, but even the best products have areas that can be improved and I think I'm not alone when I say the Finder is one of those areas! 

For those not familiar with the modern Mac (how dare you!), the Finder is the default file manager for Mac OS X, it's a core component of the operating system and used to manage files, disks, network volumes and launching applications (just like Windows Explorer in Microsoft Windows). The Finder has always been part of the Mac, but received a significant upgrade with the launch of Mac OS X. Since then it has received a number of performance updates and some minor visual tweaks, but has essentially remained unchanged from a user experience perspective since Mac OS X 10.3, released in 2003.

So what's wrong with the Finder? I would say for the majority of users the Finder is a very proficient file manager that is both quick and simple to use. Unfortunately I have found that in its quest for simplicity it has sacrificed a number of power features that users like me have come to expect from other operating systems such as Windows and Linux. For example, the Finder does not support tabs, there is no option to open a dual pane view (for simple file transfers) and it can make navigating and managing your file system a challenge, especially in complex setups.

Thankfully, where Apple have fallen short, the developers over at Cocoatech have come togther to deliver the perfect solution. Introducing Path Finder.

Path Finder is a third party file manager, that integrates beautifully with Mac OS X. At first glance Path Finder doesn't look too different to the Finder (see the image below), but as soon as you start using it, you quickly realise this is a completely different beast, that has been developed from the ground up for power users.

The basic layout of Path Finder retains the classic Mac OS X look, but immediately you will notice subtle differences such as drop down favourites, breadcrumbs, as well as options to enable dual pane and tabbed view. 

Key features of Path Finder include:

• Dual Pane File Browser
• Drop Stack (which is really cool)
• Tabs & Bookmarks
• Command Line tools
• Full QuickLook support
• Use Path Finder as your Default File viewer
• Subversion compatible
• Application Launcher
• Size browser
• Selection tools
• File list filters
• Integrated Stuffit Engine
• Create and Convert Disk Images
• Customize menu keyboard shortcuts
• Smart Sorting

Although the features speak for themselves, the best way to appreciate Path Finder is to watch the Cocoatech screencast tour:

To try out Patch Finder for yourself, I suggest you grab the free 30 day trial. Once you're suitably convinced (which I know you will be) you can pick Path Finder for just £25 from the Cocoatech website.