10-10-2011, 03:02 PM
Quick comparison of Disk Inventory X and Grand Perspective. Note that both programs are universal (PowerPC and Intel)
Disk Inventory X
- most Mac-like in interface feel
- shows list of both folders and files as well as graphic of space used. I found the lists easier to use for the main purpose of seeing what's taking up the most space, but the graphic works too.
- option to show free space on drive as well as files
- option for a Finder plugin that allows you to easily review a file in the program
- basic info on files
- Can drag files from Finder-like list, which makes a copy. Not sure what the value of this is. Cannot drag a file to the trash.
- Can move a file to trash by Control-clicking in Finder-like list
- cannot save a scan. Scans can take several minutes to complete, so this can be a hassle.
- graphic is slow to show name of a file when you point to it with a cursor. Have to move cursor off of graphic to refresh. Makes this feature almost unusable. (Might not be an issue with a modern Mac. This was on a 1 GHz G4 iMac.)
Grand Perspective
- interface slightly less Mac-like
- more customization available. For example, several themes for file colors in tree map
- can enable file removal, so can manage files directly from the program
- can save a scan for use later
- very fast to show file names when you cursor across the graphic
- larger tree map is easier to navigate, but you don't have lists as an alternative
Both are handy. If I had to pick one, Grand Perspective has far more features and in particular has a much faster interface for file names on the graphic and the ability to remove files directly. The failure in Disk Inventory X to be able to point to files and quickly see what they are is a critical issue.
- Winston
Disk Inventory X
- most Mac-like in interface feel
- shows list of both folders and files as well as graphic of space used. I found the lists easier to use for the main purpose of seeing what's taking up the most space, but the graphic works too.
- option to show free space on drive as well as files
- option for a Finder plugin that allows you to easily review a file in the program
- basic info on files
- Can drag files from Finder-like list, which makes a copy. Not sure what the value of this is. Cannot drag a file to the trash.
- Can move a file to trash by Control-clicking in Finder-like list
- cannot save a scan. Scans can take several minutes to complete, so this can be a hassle.
- graphic is slow to show name of a file when you point to it with a cursor. Have to move cursor off of graphic to refresh. Makes this feature almost unusable. (Might not be an issue with a modern Mac. This was on a 1 GHz G4 iMac.)
Grand Perspective
- interface slightly less Mac-like
- more customization available. For example, several themes for file colors in tree map
- can enable file removal, so can manage files directly from the program
- can save a scan for use later
- very fast to show file names when you cursor across the graphic
- larger tree map is easier to navigate, but you don't have lists as an alternative
Both are handy. If I had to pick one, Grand Perspective has far more features and in particular has a much faster interface for file names on the graphic and the ability to remove files directly. The failure in Disk Inventory X to be able to point to files and quickly see what they are is a critical issue.
- Winston