Path Finder 5.0 is available, more file-management power

I've used PathFinder since version 3. It's been stable and a viable alternative to Apple's Finder for me. I like that I can adjust icon and font sizes with much greater flexibility than with Finder. Once you reach age 50, these features become significant. If anything, I do not like that PathFinder 5 does not allow me to adjust the icon and font sizes in the new sidebar. (Yes, I can still do that with the shelf, but the sidebar has better features.) I also like that it maintains column widths between restarts; Apple's Finder is always resetting them to the minimal width with every window I open. As for dual pane, yes, ForkLift (and DiskOrder) have done this from the start. And I do think they are good programs. But compare the features available, and PathFinder is far more versatile. For instance, try changing an icon in "Get Info" or setting the default program to open files (again, via "Get Info") in either ForkLift or DiskOrder. Can't be done. And I happen to prefer column view, which is also unavailable in either of those programs. To each his own, but I'm not about to diss PathFinder as "full of bugs" or whatever nonsense it is that people tend to blabber about. Customer service has always been solid, as has the program.

An honest question, but as someone who's also somewhat disappointed with Finder's limitations, how is PathFinder worth $40 while muCommander is out there (http://www.mucommander.com/). It's an honest question -- I'm wondering how PF is improved over muC as I've not spent much time with PF due to the eventual $40 pricetag.

Hi,
can anybody of the early adaptors tell, if THE bug is still there or solved: "Moving across volumes does copy, not move" (no matter if via dropbox or directly)?

Somebody talked about 16$ Ugrade. I read 20$. Are there coupon out there or how can I save these $$? (55$ = 35 + 20 is a stiff price anyway....)

Thanks
Thomas

I am a long time user of PF, I found it when it was called Snax, and started using it a while after, which was probably in 2002 or 2003. I installed version 5 yesterday, and I can't find a single new feature that I liked. And I am extremely disappointed in this upgrade, I wonder who they asked for these new features, because they certainly did not ask me.
New Sidebar:

I hate the finder sidebar, that's why i use PF, the new one is just like the finder, including its lack of customizability. In PF4 I had 3 things in my sidebar, the drop stack, 'Volumes' and the 'Shelf'. Now in 5, I have to have 'Shared' and 'Search For' in it, and I don't care about either of those. I also liked that the sidebar in 4 had distinct areas for each, now they just are kind of lumped together.

Dual Pane

I never liked dual pane in anything, including ftp clients

Cut and Paste on files

I haven't used cut and paste on files since I last used windows on my main machine over ten years ago, I prefer the Mac way, with using spring loaded folders, or the drop stack.

Coverflow
Marginally useful in iTunes, totally useless in finder, and totally useless in PF
Enhanced Image Editor
It doesn't seem to do anything that Preview can't, and I have PhotoShop for anything heavy duty

Network Share Browsing
I don't find it useful at home or at work. At home, I control everything, so I know what to look for, and at work, there are hundreds of shared computers listed, again, useless. I prefer to find shares manually

The only other thing listed is 'tons of other fixes' but, they don't name them, and I have no idea what they are. They also did not fix the one persistent bug that I reported, and even showed them another application that seemed to exhibit the proper behavior, and they ignored my message. The bug is that when displaying the Pathfinder Desktop, and then you trigger Expose, the Pathfinder desktop flies away when it should just stay in place.


I am not giving a review yet, because maybe I will find something I like, but, as it stands, the upgrade is not worth anything to me, and even goes backward in some places. In terms of new features, I would give it one star, and overall I would give it three stars, and that is in comparison to the 5 stars I would give PF4. I really hate slamming a product that I really like, and use everyday, but this upgrade is almost worthless.

"Download version 5 and stumble over the same bugs as in version 4 after roughly five minutes?"

Can you be more specific? Which bugs?

Downloaded it, playing with it now. I can't find a changelog - anyone?

I'm a bit disappointed they're following the Finder's lead with the Sidebar. The Shared computers list is a mess on a big network (too long!). Nice to see saved searches (smart folders) make their way in, though - those are super handy.

I like the two-pane action. I like their search tools. But, it is a bit steep. I'd like to see more customizability, too. I'll play with the trial and see how it goes.

I am disappointed, because the built-in terminal drawer still doesn't have anything to do with the browser. I've been asking for years for a feature where one can synchronize the path between the two.

I had been using Macs part time since 2001. Mostly to play around with OS 9 and OS X.I decided to dump XP after a slew of disasters 2 years ago. Pathfinder is the ONE app that allowed me to switch to Macs permanently. Finder is garbage, plain and simple. I live in Pathfinder its always running. If I could get rid of Finder, I would do it. So thanks Cocoatech for setting me from from Microsoft.

Having said that I am having a hard time adjusting to version 5. I played around with it for a few hours today but I am back to version 4 for the time being.

I love it. It has it quirks and should be even more customizable but generally I prefer it above Forklift which was my previous file manager of choice. For simple day to day chores it might be overkill but when managing three different computers from one location a tool like this is simply wonderful.

Agreed about the price though: quite stiff for the offering. Still, if it helps me be more productive, I buy it.

I've tried using Path Finder since before version 4. Now that was a big upgrade. I'm testing out Path Finder 5 now but I feel I'll once again return to the native Finder. I honestly feel there are no new features in this version. And what's been my biggest problem with the program, the U.I. is their most-touted feature. Except, the only visual change is the sidebar is a so-so imitation of Finder's sidebar.

But, I understand someone that doesn't care about that and likes a more powerful file-browser. I just find myself not liking how it feels and works. Not worth the price.