Hyperspace: Reclaim Disk Space 4+

For a lot of reasons, it is pretty easy to wind up with multiple identical copies of the same file spread out throughout the filesystem — especially if you are a heavy Mac user. Obviously, this wastes space, which sooner or later you’re probably going to need for something else. Since they are identical, Hyperspace is able to take advantage of a built-in feature of the Apple File System called “cloning” to reclaim the space from all of the copies except one — while still keeping all of the “extra” names and apparent locations available. This is important because different programs are still going to expect the any particular file to still be in the same “location” last seen. This works because every filename does exactly the same thing. It just tells the underlying program where the data bits are physically stored. As long as the right data (or an identical clone) is accessed, then everything works the same as it always has. 

This might save you a lot of space or maybe not, but you don’t have to pay anything unless you feel the space reclaimed is worthwhile. The pricing is unusual because it does NOT automatically renew unless you want it to. Which is perfect for this application. You can check as often as you like for no charge, and only do a temporary unlock when enough duplicates accumulate to make it worthwhile.

In contrast to another review I see up here, I think Hyperspace is an example of an incredibly well done pricing model. For 100% completely free you can run the app and it will tell you exactly how much disk space it can clear up. Not much? Then you’re done and you’ve spent nothing. There’s zero risk. But if it finds a bunch of duplicates, then you can pay the very reasonable $9.99 for one month of access. You can do subscriptions or one-time payments for various periods, but a one-time payment for one month of access without having to worry about remembering to cancel a subscription? Fantastic! Also, the app works, so Thank You!

The pricing is egregious frankly. This is where we are as a society. Once simple utilities are now pay as you go. You want to clean out that drive? that’s going to be 9.99. You want to get rid of system junk? that’s going to be five dollars. The greed that comes across with these monthly subscriptions is just insane. I would pay five dollars max and that’s only because I would use this maybe twice a year. Yes, you can make the argument that the high subscription rates are to steer the user towards a purchase but this just comes across as unfettered greed. Soaking the pocketbook of the customer with yet another subscription service. As much as I would like to use hyperspace, I am quite sure there is a cheaper alternative that has a pricing scheme that reflects reality. Until then, I (along with many others I suspect) will not be participating in this racket.