This post is more specifically geared towards users of jailbroken iPhone’s and/or iPod Touch’s that rely on SSH to transfer files back and forth between their computer and their actual device.

Why are people using SSH? I really don’t get it… Using USB and programs like DiskAid, Total Commander, or iPhoneBrowser is just a lot more practical.

For one, SSH is rather slow. When transferring a bunch of files, it can just simply be pretty freaking slow. There are ways to SSH via a USB cable, but that’s maybe 2x as fast as SSH over wifi, which is still extremely slow.

Second, it’s rather inconvenient. You have to make sure your iPhone is on wifi, you have to remember its IP address, you have to make sure SSH is enabled, you have to run a SSH client (such as WinSCP or Cyberduck), you have to enter in the IP address of the device, you have to wait for it to connect, and then you can go on with your business. Using a simple program like DiskAid will eliminate 90% of those steps. Just plug in your device via USB, open up DiskAid, and you’re done! Transferring batches of files or one big one can reach speeds of 5MB/s, which is 5x faster than SSH over USB. It’s just a win-win to me.

I guess that’s about it. Leave your thoughts below, as I want to hear them. Why would you use SSH when you have faster and more better alternatives?