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How to visualize file size

It will be a little subjective, I'm afraid, but I would appreciate the advice of the Collective.

Our web application lists documents that users can download; standard file file:

Type Name Created Size
-----------------------------------
PDF Doc 1 01/04/2010 15 KB
PDF Doc 2 04/01/2010 15 MB

We are currently specifying the file size as text, but I would like to improve it by specifying a way to visually show if the file is tiny, normal or huge.

The reason for this is that users can quickly browse through the list and find files that are likely to require a long download.

My options are currently:

  • Large font sizes for large files (flaw: the layout may become untidy)
  • Icons (e.g. wi-fi signal strength indicator, drawback: harder to scan)
  • Store all sizes in KB, so the number of zeros indicates the size (drawback: users must calculate the "friendly" size in their heads).

I know this is a pretty minor thing, but I would appreciate any thoughts on this!

Edit: Thanks for the answers!

From what you said, I think that:

  • I really like Robert’s idea to tell users about how long it takes to download a file
  • As someone remarked, if I use the bar or the “signal strength” icon, which gives the impression of a “maximum” file size
  • I like text shading - stronger for large files

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Type   Name     Created       Size
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PDF    Doc 0    01/04/2010    15  B 
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PDF    Doc 2    01/04/2010    15 MB ::
PDF    Doc 3    01/04/2010    15 GB |||
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