I know, it's been a while since either of us have written an actual post about something we like, but I just couldn't help myself with this gem.  Path Finder 5 is out and it's all kinds of awesome.

I've always found the Finder to be a little bit lacking, such as the missing 'tabs' functionality.  Path Finder has always interested me, but I could never use it.  It just didn't integrate well enough with the operating system.  That's not so anymore.  Path Finder offers functionality that replaces Finder's desktop with it's own more customizable desktop.  Commanding Path Finder is now even more seamless and offers everything that Finder is capable of, and boasts a plethora of additional features that will satisfy even the most picky power user.

One of the most notable features, for me, was the 'Smart Sort' feature, which groups folders and files together in addition to your specified means of arranging files.  I like to sort things by labels and being able to group folders together put the icing on the cake.  I've also found myself making heavy use of the 'drop stack' functionality, enabling me to move files between drastically different file paths without opening a new Finder window.  Lastly, the sheer amount of customization options is simply overwhelming.  Font size, how to sort your items, even modifiable contextual menus, it's all there.

There are two features that stood out to me the most, the terminal plug-in and application launcher.  Having a terminal present at any given time is really handy and crucial for someone like me, who spends far too much time in the magical land of text.  As for the application launcher: I really hate to say it, but the application launcher might replace Quicksilver for me.  I know, that's an awful thing to say, but with most of my applications becoming web-based, I've mostly been using it to launch applications and Path Finder offers the same functionality.

Path Finder is powerful and wicked fast.  It features the functionality and integration with Mac OS X that I've only dreamed of.  I look forward to spending many productive hours with this application.  If you consider yourself a power user and consistently gripe about Finder, then give this gem a go.  It may not be free, but it's worth it.  Stop reading this and go download it. Now.

Homepage: http://www.cocoatech.com/