elementary OS

External Storage Management

Registered by Cassidy James Blaede

We need to consider how users are expected to interact with external storage devices, including USB hard drives, flash drives, CD/DVD drives, etc. By interacting, I mean accessing, ejecting, getting info, etc.

Currently, the file manager is used for interacting with external devices. While this makes sense for accessing the files, it may be less obvious to use it to eject devices, get info about the devices, etc.

Blueprint information

Status:
Not started
Approver:
None
Priority:
High
Drafter:
None
Direction:
Approved
Assignee:
None
Definition:
New
Series goal:
None
Implementation:
Unknown
Milestone target:
None

Related branches

Sprints

Whiteboard

mefrio from IRC mentioned https://launchpad.net/ejecter, an indicator used to eject removable storage devices. Python+GTK2.

We discussed using a right-click menu on Plank (through an icon using DockManager), but that's not very obvious.

"I think that would be introduce a new system for the device managment. An elementary version of ejecter would be a nice idea if accompanied by a plug for switchboard to manage the behavior of external device". Gusions

I dont like the idea of such an indicator by default. I like to mount/unmount it auto with marlin. If it gets implemented (an indicator) it should only be shown when such removable storage devices are connected to the PC. There is much free space in wingpanel by default, though... --gotwig

As Isaid with my blueprint I think the best it's to have the icons from the media in plank, separated from other applications and from these icons do everything (unmount, start some applications (shotwell, marlin,baetbox) ). ~sheosi

There's also https://github.com/Eugeny/indicator-usb
Python and looks like GTK3. --shnatsel

At the last contributor meeting we decided that there isn't enough time left before Luna to provide a proper solution here. We'll look into device management further for Luna +1. For now, the way to manage devices is through apps. ~DanRabbit.

What about having one indicator which shows all connected devices not only via usb but also via bluetooth. -- swizzle

+1 for putting an indicator on wingpanel, there's plenty of space. - giulio

+1 for an indicator on wingpanel next to Application button. ~sal-merone

(?)

Work Items

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