HyperLink Review – Your iPad and your Mac can become one

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By: Molten Mango Pty Ltd

Version #: 1.0

Date Released: 2012-07-09

Developer: Molten Mango Pty Ltd

Price: 7.99

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You’ll be forgiven for assuming — incorrectly at that — that HyperLink, a relatively new iPad app, is yet another mobile browser for iOS. After all, isn’t a hyperlink (or two or more) what we’re almost always certain to deal with when using a Web browser? HyperLink is a browser, to some extent, but it is so named because, in my view, it establishes a strong connection, i.e, a “hyper link” between your iPad and your Mac.

That’s right, HyperLink is a remote desktop and file access tool optimized for iPad. But, mind you, it’s not your usual remote desktop and file access tool. HyperLink‘s being equipped with a powerful search function is an exciting feature in and of itself. Even more exciting, though, is its ability to search for files on your Mac even when you’re offline or when your Mac is asleep. Add awesomeness: HyperLink can access all devices attached to your Mac. Yeah, right within HyperLink you can access your Mac’s USB drives, CDs/DVDs and external hard-drives.

How is this possible, you ask? The answer to that is quite simple: indexing.

Indexing is actually one of the first things you have to do in order to properly use HyperLink on your iPad. Once a working connection is made between your iPad and your Mac, the indexing can be performed. The process may take a long while, depending on the size of your Mac’s file system, but you’re good to go with HyperLink as soon as it’s done.

With HyperLink‘s familiar pane- and toolbar-based interface, searching for files is easy. And if you find a file you’re interested in, just double-tap that file’s icon to download it onto your iPad. You can then work on that file in-app or open it with other compatible third-party apps for further actions.

As a file browser, HyperLink offers three types of views, namely icon view, list view, and Cover Flow view à la iTunes. In addition, HyperLink can also serve as a second-screen device for your Mac. As such, it lets you flick files from your iPad to your Mac “automagically.”

HyperLink has a myriad more features, many of which are bound to reveal themselves as you continually use the app. But one particular feature that I deem worth noting is the included option to index mail attachments. By default, this option is disabled. But if enabled, it offers a much quicker alternative to searching for attachments than Apple’s stock Mail app does.

It’s also worth noting that HyperLink has Terminal, too, effectively giving you remote command line control of your Mac. Use it very carefully, though, as working with Terminal is always a tricky affair, whether remotely or not.

HyperLink for iPad is available on the App Store for $7.99. The app’s iPhone version is not yet available, but it’s already in the pipeline. For now, I suggest you download the more than capable iPad version for your remote desktop and file access needs.