Our Verdict
Since the iPad ’s dismission , wirelessly sharing file cabinet between the tablet and Mac and Windows computers has become easier . For the most part , this is because many apps enable you to link and sync to cloud storage service such as MobileMe , Google Docs , and Dropbox . And consecrate apps like the $ 30 LogMeIn Ignition enable you to not only share files , but to really control distant political machine via your iPad or iPhone .
FileBrowserresides in the middle primer coat between these category : it ’s a standalone app , like LogMeIn Ignition . And whileStratospherix’s$4 app does n’t provide the same level of control ( or access ) as LogMeIn , it ’s a whole lot flash . Unlike apps that trust on cloud storage , you could set up your Windows or Mac machine to allow FileBrowser to graze , view , and imitate to your iPad all file on your primary computer ( or figurer ) without using a computer memory service , either via Wi - Fi or the Internet .
View to a filing cabinet : Most common file type , like this PDF file , can be viewed from within FileBrowser . A more or less perplexing dialogue box appears after you take the Move control from the menu at the bottom .
View to a File: Most common file types, like this PDF file, can be viewed from within FileBrowser. A somewhat confusing dialogue box appears after you select the Move command from the menu at the bottom.
But FileBrowser is not as leisurely to use as either LogMeIn firing or most cloud memory services . For example , you ’ll have to set up your data processor to allow for SMB file sharing , which is n’t technically difficult but does call for muck about in the file sharing preference pane . After you have enabled SMB file share-out , you may encounter ( as I did ) some difficulties sustain to folders on your Mac that you have n’t been granted “ permit ” to access . These problem can be work out on the Mac by change permissions ; this is the style the system is supposed to shape , and the appendage will be intimate even to those who only manage pocket-sized networks . The process should be exchangeable for Windows machines .
Once you ’ve begin your license set up the style you want , though , FileBrowser could be a tangible timesaver — and a convenience . It enables you to view files that reside on removed computers , including icon , text edition , PDFs , videos — if the iPad or an iPad app supports a Indian file type , FileBrowser can help you see it , either from within the app or by give it off ( via the “ clear in ” command ) to another app . you’re able to also copy single file from your Mac or PC .
While test the app I look at old photos on the Mac as a slideshow on my iPad , viewed several picture podcasts I had n’t shift over using iTunes , and browsed and import many types of document . The app enables you to e - mail , open , view , mark , rename , copy , and delete files , most of the time with a single water tap on a drop - down menu .
you may determine up your own data file system within FileBrowser , but run file from outback computers and within the file system you make is not an elegant process , requiring the utilisation of copy and glue command . It ’s ill-chosen and require practice , even if you are well-off using the Mac ’s Terminal programme or old enough to remember move DOS single file in a like fashion .
As it is now , FileBrowser is a very utile service program program . But it could be much more hefty — and a “ must have ” for all iPad user — if its user interface were more iPad - like .
[ Jeff Merron is a freelance writer and editor in chief living in North Carolina . ]
