"The best file manager out there!"
This review is written 26.01.06, and is based on version 0.73 of CubicExplorer.
If you want to use another file manager/browser software than Windows Explorer, this is definitely the one you should switch to. If you have never given it a thought, you still should switch to CubicExplorer!!
FUNCTIONS: CubicExplorer uses an Opera-like tabbed browsing, so that you can keep multiple folders open at the same time, in different tabs. This makes it SO much easier to compare folders and to cut, copy and paste. To open, close and switch betwwen tabs is extremely easy and convenient. CE includes a built-in text editor, and an ingenious function; bookmarks! You can add your favourite folders to categories of bookmarks in a seperate window, so that you can get to your favorite folders fast. Saves you a lot of time!!(A similar possibility to bookmark favourite files seems to be ready soon, and in best case it could have some similarities to virtual folders!!)
As mentioned, CE has a seperate window for Bookmarks, and a seperate window for Folders. The windows can be moved to suit the way you work.All in all, the interface is very clear and appealing, the toolbars are nice and intuitive and aren't cluttering the view space. Also, all the toolbars and windows can be closed or opened very easily.
In addition to the functions that Windows Explorer DOESN'T have, CubicExplorer has most of the functions WE's does have; thumbnails, file search, detailed view, a.o.
UPDATES AND FORUM: Read carefully, because this is one of the main reasons why you should use this program. The author shows a complete and rare dedication to this program. Updates seem to be frequent! The forum is still small, but one of the best I have ever seen: You can expect immediate answers to your questions, comments and requests!! The forum also comes with a Bug/Request section where you can follow the work of the author; how far he has come in fixing mentioned bugs and requests, and a time schedule for new functions, for fixes and for new releases. This function is excellent, it makes it much more inspiring both to use the program and to give feedback to the author; you can immediately see that they are taken seriously!
BUGS and PROBLEMS: First of all; you can probably disregard bugs mentioned in earlier reviews, they all seem to be fixed. True; there are some bugs and shortcomings left. The search function is fast, but more limited than in W.E., the program is still a little bit too big, and a little bit too slow sometimes. Due to it's functions, though, you'll still save time using this compared to Windows Explorer!! You shouldn't worry too much about the small (!!) shortcomings, because of what is said above about the updates and the forum. Also, they don't interfere much at all with your work and you can expect them to be gone soon!
FREEWARE / SOFTWARE: The program is completely freeware, with absolutely no limitations. As far as I can see there are no indications that this might change!
LANGUAGES: Only English so far, but the author has promised to release the language files and several users have volunteered to translate the program.
SKINS: The program comes with just a few skins. They are very clear and comfotable to look at, though, so unless you want your computer to look "special", it's more than enough!
CONCLUSION: This has very fast become one of my favourite programs! It works already extremely well, and due to the forum and feedback functions, I really feel part of a project! I have made CE my favourite file manager, I haven't missed Windows Explorer for a second, and it just seems to get better, fast!! Really, you should change!!! :)
!! In spite of the panegyrical review, this writer is not in any way affiliated with the author of CE!
by: Stein Skjervold | 5 | 2006-01-26 |
