xplorer² 1.6.5.3 Review

xplorer² 1.6.5.3 detailed review

A cool replacement for Explorer

Here’s a utility that claims it has the features to make file handling and disk exploring much simpler and less repetitive than with Windows Explorer.

When the program is first run, you are informed about some plugins that might be required to display information on formats such as PDF and MP3. Unlike the classic Windows Explorer view where you have two panes, xplorer² gives you three, which means more flexibility. You do have the option to revert to two panes.

The interface, like in Windows Explorer, is modular, so you can disable toolbars you don’t need. xplorer² keeps track of all the locations you’ve been visiting, and you can easily jump back to any of them with two clicks. Filters are implemented in the program, so you can choose to only view files of a certain format, such as Excel spreadsheets. If you find any files interesting and want to access them later, you can do so by dragging and dropping them into a temporary location called a scrap container, which creates within it links to those files.

Other features include file and folder comparison, and the option to collapse all folders so only the files from all the subdirectories are listed together. For example, if you have separate folders full of images, xplorer² will let you view all the images as if they were in one big folder. A feature called Sticky Selection lets you click all the files you want to select without having to hold down the [Ctrl] or [Shift] keys. Quick Viewer is a panel that allows you to view the contents of a file without having to open it. Data transfer rates are displayed during copying and moving as well.

Memory consumption is very low, at around 500 to 700 KB when minimised and around 3 MB when maximised.

We can sum up xplorer² as being Windows Explorer on steroids. It is priced at $29.95 (Rs 1,350), which might be worth it if you’re willing to make the jump considering it will take some time to get used to it.

RATINGS
Performance  : 4
Features : 4
Ease of Use : 3.5
Value for Money : 3.5
Overall : 3.5

Web site: www.zabkat.com
Price: $29.95 (Rs 1,350)