Anyone Using iPad Pro as Main Device?

[Synergie]

Where are you seeing the share option? I don't see this in ms office?

I'm not using ms office. I refuse to pay 9.99 a month USD (more like 14.99 CDN) to use it.
I'm using mobisystems Mobile Office Suite Pro. It's about 20.00 to purchase the pro version but it's only one time cost. Its got as far as I can tell as many features as MS Office iOS version does. And it's all in one app! And has PDF built in too.
In office suite pro, its under file, then share

 

[Mr_Killjoy]

How is everyone storing their photo archive so it's still accessible? This is my main hurdle. I don't wish to pay a subscription for cloud storage. Without a mac at home, a NAS would be a good solution, but is there iPad software out there to manage photos over a home network?

I keep mine on the iPad itself. My photo library is around 22GB, so not a huge chunk of my 256GB 12.9". I prefer local storage whenever possible.

 

[rui no onna]

How is everyone storing their photo archive so it's still accessible? This is my main hurdle. I don't wish to pay a subscription for cloud storage. Without a mac at home, a NAS would be a good solution, but is there iPad software out there to manage photos over a home network?

Major NAS manufacturers such as Synology, QNAP, WD, etc provide iOS and Android apps for viewing, managing and backing up files and photos. They also have a web-based interface for doing the same. You can also install add-on packages on higher end NAS models in order to expand NAS features.

Keep in mind, higher end NAS are pretty much just Linux computers custom-designed for network storage and file sharing.

 

[Phisherman81]

Have you tried FileBrowser?

I haven't tried FileBrowser, but I do have GoodReader. I'll have to check out FileBrowser and compare.

A few posts above, Synergie asks "Why not use an external SSD?"
--Honestly, can I? If I have a lightning to USB adapter or just a lightning cable, can I connect to a powered external hard drive and view/import photos? I imagine the iPad may be slow to journal the drive everytime I plug in. I guess I could though and then import what I wanted to use into the iPad Photos app, assuming it works.
[doublepost=1477681399][/doublepost]

Major NAS manufacturers such as Synology, QNAP, WD, etc provide iOS and Android apps for viewing, managing and backing up files and photos. They also have a web-based interface for doing the same. You can also install add-on packages on higher end NAS models in order to expand NAS features.

Keep in mind, higher end NAS are pretty much just Linux computers custom-designed for network storage and file sharing.

I like this idea. I could also use the NAS as my movie and music server to my AppleTV.

I have a $250 apple gift card burning a hole in my pocket, but they sell 0 affordable consumer NAS units.
[doublepost=1477681584][/doublepost]

I keep mine on the iPad itself. My photo library is around 22GB, so not a huge chunk of my 256GB 12.9". I prefer local storage whenever possible.

Me too, but my photo library is around 200GB. It wouldn't leave enough space for everything else needed on my iPad even if I had a 256GB. Right now I have a 64GB Air 2., but would really like a 128GB or 256 GB Pro 12.9 as my one computer to rule them all 🙂

 

[Mr_Killjoy]

I haven't tried FileBrowser, but I do have GoodReader. I'll have to check out FileBrowser and compare.

A few posts above, Synergie asks "Why not use an external SSD?"
--Honestly, can I? If I have a lightning to USB adapter or just a lightning cable, can I connect to a powered external hard drive and view/import photos? I imagine the iPad may be slow to journal the drive everytime I plug in. I guess I could though and then import what I wanted to use into the iPad Photos app, assuming it works.
[doublepost=1477681399][/doublepost]

I like this idea. I could also use the NAS as my movie and music server to my AppleTV.

I have a $250 apple gift card burning a hole in my pocket, but they sell 0 affordable consumer NAS units.
[doublepost=1477681584][/doublepost]

Me too, but my photo library is around 200GB. It wouldn't leave enough space for everything else needed on my iPad even if I had a 256GB. Right now I have a 64GB Air 2., but would really like a 128GB or 256 GB Pro 12.9 as my one computer to rule them all 🙂

Yeah, that makes more sense to need some sort of server or drive for them.

Personally, I love the 256GB 12.9". Best purchase I've made in a long time.

 

[Synergie]

I haven't tried FileBrowser, but I do have GoodReader. I'll have to check out FileBrowser and compare.

A few posts above, Synergie asks "Why not use an external SSD?"
--Honestly, can I? If I have a lightning to USB adapter or just a lightning cable, can I connect to a powered external hard drive and view/import photos? I imagine the iPad may be slow to journal the drive everytime I plug in. I guess I could though and then import what I wanted to use into the iPad Photos app, assuming it works.
[doublepost=1477681399][/doublepost]

I like this idea. I could also use the NAS as my movie and music server to my AppleTV.

I have a $250 apple gift card burning a hole in my pocket, but they sell 0 affordable consumer NAS units.
[doublepost=1477681584][/doublepost]

Me too, but my photo library is around 200GB. It wouldn't leave enough space for everything else needed on my iPad even if I had a 256GB. Right now I have a 64GB Air 2., but would really like a 128GB or 256 GB Pro 12.9 as my one computer to rule them all 🙂

I have never tried an external hard drive or ssd. I have tried an SD card from my camera using the lightning to SD adapter which supposedly works with USB 3.0 and it WAS fast. I mean I was able to transfer 4K videos pretty fast that way!

I know it's not ideal and of sure what the largest SD card size is, but I know sandisk has a 512 Gb high speed card. The SD cards need to be high speed now because of 4 k video recording so just make sure it's UHS II speed for read / write. The iPad Pro 12.9 CAN read the card fast because of USB 3.0, iPad Pro 9.7 can not. So keep that in mind the iPad Pro can transfer data much faster.

You could either get the 512 Gb SD card (expensive and if the card dies you lose everything) or get a few 128 Gb cards and split your photos into different categories and have a category on each card or something. All you'd need is a small accessory case to store the cards and the reader. Voila photo storage solved.

I just realized though reading from the SS card is no issue, but saving TO the SD card from the iPad may not be possible.. I've only ever gone from SD card to the iPad.

Another option is a wifi external hard drive. They will work for sure both ways and you can get 1TB or even 2 TB and they act like kinda like cloud storage I guess but obviously it's local but just connecting via wifi. Don't know about the transfer speed but can't be slower than saving to iCloud. Seagate makes one that's compatible for sure. And not sure if you need a file manager app to transfer files to/from them.

 

[Zea74]

I have tried an SD card from my camera using the lightning to SD adapter which supposedly works with USB 3.0 and it WAS fast. I mean I was able to transfer 4K videos pretty fast that way

I know one can import pics/vids via this adapter FROM an SD card, but can you push stuff from the iPad TO an SD card that way? i.e. use the SD card as external storage for the iPad?

 

[M. Gustave]

1. Running Ableton Live or Logic Pro for music production as one example.
2. DJ apps (such as djay Pro) and iPad-compatible hardware are vastly inferior to the macOS counterparts like rekordbox DJ and Serato.
3. Downloading MP3 files from my paid DJ file pool in Safari to play in the Music app - in general, downloading files from the web on an iPad sucks.
4. Playing games such as Starcraft 2 or WoW.
5. I can't stream my PS4 to my iPad and there is no way to connect a DualShock 4 controller.
6. Multitasking with two documents in MS Word/Excel is really hard (the workarounds are stupid for this, but technically it isn't IMPOSSIBLE).

Those are just a few.

All legacy applications and workflows, no arguments there, yep you need an outdated device for those.

I had to dig my Windows laptop out of the closet to update the firmware on a 16-year-old calculator recently. But how this is a dig against the iPad is beyond me.

And you should learn how to load the desktop view in Safari on your iPad.

 

[Synergie]

I know one can import pics/vids via this adapter FROM an SD card, but can you push stuff from the iPad TO an SD card that way? i.e. use the SD card as external storage for the iPad?

This is what you need:

1) Toshiba Canvio AeroMobile Wireless SSD

It works both ways, read and write. It's wireless, and also has an SD slot on it built in! It's fully compatible with iPhone and iPad and says you can use it to save space on your iPhone or iPad so I am assuming that means transfer both ways. Since apps can access the photo library I can't see why the drive and it's companion app can't access the photos to transfer them to the drive.
Transfer would be through wifi I am guessing. It's also SSD device and pocket sized. Would fit in a backpack or small tablet bag along with the iPad Pro.

Or

2) Verbatim also makes a device you can connect directly called istore n go. It does work both ways meaning you can save to it. It's basically a USB flash drive with a normal USB connector on one side and a lightning connector on the other. Verbatims site verifies you can save photos / videos etc from iPad and iPhone to it (or open from it) Catch is it only comes up to 64 Gb size right now. But guaranteed they will make larger capacity ones. It does require that you install the verbatim app from the App Store.

http://www.verbatim.com/prod/flash-...y-usb-drives/istore-n-go-usb-drive-sku-49301/

If it was larger capacity honestly I think the verbatim is the best contender!

Or

3) I just found a bunch more similar to Verbatim one and up to 256 Gb!! They all allow saving TO the stick via lightning port through their own companion apps. Leaf bridge seems to be the best with a 256 Gb option.

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/9to5mac...b-flash-drives-with-lightning-connectors/amp/

Or

4) the power company has a flash / lightning USB drive which goes up to 512 Gb storage. And has USB in one side, lightning on the other and Ana adapter kit which allows you to be backwards compatible with older iPhones!

http://www.thepower.company/store/p..._16GB,_32GB,_64GB,_128GB,_200GB,_&_512GB.html

 

[bubbleboil]

Just to check, can I use the USB stick or wireless harddisk and transfer files other than image and video to the iPad?

Eg, zip files and rar files.

 

[Abazigal]

Working with spreadsheets on an iPad is still a nightmare no matter how they spin it. Another big thing for me is being able to download MP3 files from the web in my DJ pool for my side gig. This is nearly impossible to do on an iPad due to the file restrictions without some crazy workarounds. Although the DJ apps have improved somewhat, I strongly prefer Serato and rekordbox. I also tend to have issues with certain websites in the iPad version of Safari not displaying properly. Music production apps are also limited (I use Ableton Live occasionally on my Mac).

Those are just a few reasons I need to keep a Mac...

Thinking about it now, I can't really think of anything I could ONLY do on a tablet (I don't draw). There are a few things that are somewhat easier to do on a tablet than a smartphone due to screen size (web browsing, iBooks, etc.) - but I can't justify keeping a $700 tablet for those narrow use cases. You can still do those things on a phone. Even video on the new iPhone 7 is good enough for when I can't watch a TV or use my Mac.

This I agree. I still can't freeze rows and columns in google sheets on my iOS device for some unfathomable reason.

 

[subjonas]

All legacy applications and workflows, no arguments there, yep you need an outdated device for those.

Lol did you just call all computers that are not iPads outdated??

 

[Synergie]

Just to check, can I use the USB stick or wireless harddisk and transfer files other than image and video to the iPad?

Eg, zip files and rar files.

Quoted:
What is the iPocket Drive (iPD)? The iPocket Drive (iPD) allows you to quickly and safely move all your movies, music, documents, and most files from any device to any device with ease. Get rid of those annoying: "Storage is Full" messages. With the iPD, you can increase the storage of your iPhone, Android, iPad, tablet, PC, or MAC up to 128GB. The iPocket Drive has many different names for its' use: USB, flash drive, or memory card, but it all works the same. There is no need for cellular data, the internet, wireless networks, or Cloud access when using the iPD. In addition, the iPD allows you to conserve space on all your devices while also saving you money!

That's just one.

I'm assuming that if direct file access is not available in a particular app like say garage band files or something you would still be able to select share and open in a different app. I can do this now with file explorer. So you'd open it that way in the drive own app and the save it where you want. To open the file you'd just navigate the drive and open with... and select the right app or double tap and I imagine it would know anyway. In fact I imagine all of the file transfers are done through the companion app but that's no biggie. It's just a file explorer for the USB drive essentially.

So I don't have a USB stick but I tested it with file explorer and I can successfully export just about any file to file explorer which has its own on device documents folder. I assume exporting to the USB stick own companion app would be just as easy. Once saved in the new location in file explorer local i can open it again easily from there. So yes it should work with any file type as long as the app has share option. All of apple apps do and most office apps as well. See the pics for how I did it:

First select share and then open in. Then select the app for the USB stick or a generic file explorer like I did where you can then move it around wherever you want. This was just with garage band but I tested with other file types too.

I assume importing files from the stick would be even easier. Just open the USB stick's app and then find the zip file and then same thing file share open in... then select an unzip app (is there one?) or you can open in file explorer etc and save locally in file explorers directory as the zip file.

 

[M. Gustave]

Lol did you just call all computers that are not iPads outdated??

Yes.

 

[Kostas3000]

I understand that many do not like the definition of "real computer" for non-iOS devices and I understand that. However, I do believe in the definition of real work. Real work is basically work done around MS office applications (or its equivalents) mostly for professional purposes.
I have stoped trying to find workflows around, too much wasted time. But the last time I tried I thought of the following simple solutions that COULD have made the iPad a powerful productivity device

- ability to open many instances of the same application and have two of them side by side. Then a swiping motion (e.g. with 3 fingers) should allow you to change quickly between which instances are side by side.
- improve the current swipe down function of side by side multi-tasking. It is ridiculous to have to scroll through 20 applications to find the one you are looking for.
- creation of a local iCloud-like folder app that is not online. Many of us work in industries where we are not allowed to have anything stored in cloud for security reasons.
- introduce a forced touch function or phonetic commands to decrease the number of tapping you need to get the function you want. Especially the phonetic part is definitely within the software/hardware capabilities
- improve/personalize voice recognition by adapting to the vocabulary and accent of the specific user. That would make the keyboard redundant.
- ability to open a folder from inside iCloud by a preselected app and then when you close to automatically get updated. This can be done through so many additional, unnecessary steps now.

Why they haven't done any of the above?
Either Apple wants to keep iPad slightly degraded in performance to keep the sales of MacBook up
Or they focus too much on products such as the car that draws away resources from iOS development
Or I must be the only one needing Office apps for his work

 

[M. Gustave]

- ability to open many instances of the same application and have two of them side by side. Then a swiping motion (e.g. with 3 fingers) should allow you to change quickly between which instances are side by side.

Already exists, the app switcher.

- creation of a local iCloud-like folder app that is not online. Many of us work in industries where we are not allowed to have anything stored in cloud for security reasons.

Makes no sense. iCloud is as secure as any other storage method; and if security is that critical, why allow a connected device at all?

- introduce a forced touch function or phonetic commands to decrease the number of tapping you need to get the function you want. Especially the phonetic part is definitely within the software/hardware capabilities

???

- improve/personalize voice recognition by adapting to the vocabulary and accent of the specific user. That would make the keyboard redundant.

Already exists.

- ability to open a folder from inside iCloud by a preselected app and then when you close to automatically get updated. This can be done through so many additional, unnecessary steps now.

Already exists, the app just needs to have iCloud in its share sheet functionality. This is up to individual developers, not Apple.

 

[Kostas3000]

Already exists, the app switcher.



Makes no sense. iCloud is as secure as any other storage method; and if security is that critical, why allow a connected device at all?



???



Already exists.



Already exists, the app just needs to have iCloud in its share sheet functionality. This is up to individual developers, not Apple.

You might be using an authoritative style, but this doesn't change the fact that you are writing inaccurate things.

You cannot have two windows of the same app open side by side. I might want to have two word documents side by side to compare and edit both documents. This is not feasible now.

Regardless of if it makes sense to you, many industries do not allow cloud storage. period.

Dictation of commands or force touch will be a major productivity improvement for iPad. I cannot explain that more for you.

The dictation function still doesn't recognize specialized vocabulary for science, law etc. Have you ever tried dictating anything more complex?

I already wrote that this exists, but it requires multiple clicks, it should be a straightforward process. This is iOS related, NOT developers related.

 

[M. Gustave]

You cannot have two windows of the same app open side by side.

Wrong.

https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/safari-split-view-ipad/

And other apps will follow.

Regardless of if it makes sense to you, many industries do not allow cloud storage. period.

That may be, but Apple doesn't design and build iPads or iOS to the needs of "industries".

Dictation of commands or force touch will be a major productivity improvement for iPad. I cannot explain that more for you.

Siri already handles voice commands, and more are being added all the time. You act as though this doesn't exist.

https://hey-siri.io/

The dictation function still doesn't recognize specialized vocabulary for science, law etc. Have you ever tried dictating anything more complex?

Again, so? Apple doesn't have unlimited resources, so why deploy them developing functionality for highly specialized uses?

I already wrote that this exists, but it requires multiple clicks, it should be a straightforward process.

Tapping the share sheet is too many taps for you? What are you expecting, mind control? What operating system uses fewer taps or clicks to save something?

 

[Kostas3000]

Wrong.

https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/safari-split-view-ipad/

And other apps will follow.



That may be, but Apple doesn't design and build iPads or iOS to the needs of "industries".



Siri already handles voice commands, and more are being added all the time. You act as though this doesn't exist.

https://hey-siri.io/



Again, so? Apple doesn't have unlimited resources, so why deploy them developing functionality for highly specialized uses?



Tapping the share sheet is too many taps for you? What are you expecting, mind control? What operating system uses fewer taps or clicks to save something?

Yes, you are wrong. It is only safari that does that and no other app. As you can see I specifically mentioned that I want this functionality for Word documents.

These "industries" are medicine, law and anything hi-tech. Are you saying that apple is ignoring them?

No, you can not command Siri to: copy, paste, open x document etc

There are easy ways to do it, such as entering a text, which you then dictate to the system. This way the dictation app could get both the new vocabulary and the way it is pronounced.

Mac OS and windows. Double click to open, instead of the multiple steps you are describing.

By the way have you ever tried to do real work on an iPad? Or are you just talking theoretically?

 

[M. Gustave]

By the way have you ever tried to do real work on an iPad? Or are you just talking theoretically?

Ha! You're obviously not a regular reader of this forum. I've been pc-less for almost a year, and I do Real Work™ daily on my iPad Air 1 and iPhone 6s+. But I'm not a spy or NASA rocket scientist like you.

 

[Kostas3000]

Ha! You're obviously not a regular reader of this forum. I've been pc-less for almost a year, and I do Real Work™ daily on my iPad Air 1 and iPhone 6s+. But I'm not a spy or NASA rocket scientist like you.

You must be doing some very simple work on the iPad, otherwise you would have come across the limitations of iOS.
The solution is to ask Apple to improve the iOS rather than making inaccurate claims about iOS capabilities.

 

[Night Spring]

You must be doing some very simple work on the iPad, otherwise you would have come across the limitations of iOS.
The solution is to ask Apple to improve the iOS rather than making inaccurate claims about iOS capabilities.

Let's not conflate complex with real. Some people make their living doing quite simple work -- it's still very real work to them.

And Apple has been steadily improving iOS. Unfortunately, some people find the pace of improvement frustrating, but it's not like they've never added productivity features to iOS.

 

[Synergie]

You must be doing some very simple work on the iPad, otherwise you would have come across the limitations of iOS.
The solution is to ask Apple to improve the iOS rather than making inaccurate claims about iOS capabilities.

Many restaurants are now using iPad exclusively for POS systems. Not just their point of sale system but also for processing kitchen orders too! That's not real work though Right?

Taxi drivers /Uber are using iPads or iPhones to process payments from debit / credit cards... and not just process payments but manage their customer requests. The iPad or iPhone gps providing real time data to the customer where their driver is on the way in a companion app that the customer uses to order a ride, that's also not real work though right?

I have seen interior designers arriving at clients homes or businesses armed with only an iPad, take photos on the spot and using interior design apps are able to change wall colours, curtain designs different furniture etc with simple taps. This while still standing there with the client!m, in order to come up with a design plan. Have not seen a anyone using a laptop for that... but again that's not real work I guess.

I have seen databases built for a specific company, for anything from inventory to customer accounts all on iOS. But those companies using those apps must not be doing real work.

Some shipping courier companies are exclusively using iOS apps. When they deliver a parcel the customer signs off on the touchscreen, the system connected to the worldwide network for the courier company keeping up to date shipment tracking via barcodes (which the iPhone or iPad scan at each step of the way). But that's not real work...

You have a very narrow definition of real work. Those are only a few off he top of my head where I have seen actual iOS implementation in real world usage on large scale doing 'real work' and I am sure I can think of Manu more.

 

[Kostas3000]

Many restaurants are now using iPad exclusively for POS systems. Not just their point of sale system but also for processing kitchen orders too! That's not real work though Right?

Taxi drivers /Uber are using iPads or iPhones to process payments from debit / credit cards... and not just process payments but manage their customer requests. The iPad or iPhone gps providing real time data to the customer where their driver is on the way in a companion app that the customer uses to order a ride, that's also not real work though right?

I have seen interior designers arriving at clients homes or businesses armed with only an iPad, take photos on the spot and using interior design apps are able to change wall colours, curtain designs different furniture etc with simple taps. This while still standing there with the client!m, in order to come up with a design plan. Have not seen a anyone using a laptop for that... but again that's not real work I guess.

I have seen databases built for a specific company, for anything from inventory to customer accounts all on iOS. But those companies using those apps must not be doing real work.

Some shipping courier companies are exclusively using iOS apps. When they deliver a parcel the customer signs off on the touchscreen, the system connected to the worldwide network for the courier company keeping up to date shipment tracking via barcodes (which the iPhone or iPad scan at each step of the way). But that's not real work...

You have a very narrow definition of real work. Those are only a few off he top of my head where I have seen actual iOS implementation in real world usage on large scale doing 'real work' and I am sure I can think of Manu more.

"Real work is basically work done around MS office applications (or its equivalents) mostly for professional purposes."
I just had to copy and paste from my previous comment. That is what real work means for most people. The fixes are easy, I just mentioned a couple of them in one of my previous comments. It is frustrating that Apple has not stepped forward in making these fixes.
All the examples that you mentioned are from specialized applications, not all of us are Uber drivers...

 

[Eric5273]

As long as there is all this discussion of external drives, is there a way that using my iPad I can back up the contents of a folder I have stored in the cloud to an external drive?

I've been trying to find an app that can accomplish this but it seems that all the external drives have their own iOS specific apps, and these apps usually only have the ability to backup files from your photos or music.

I currently use Documents by Readdle to access my business files from Microsoft OneDrive and iCloud Drive. How can I backup those files to an external drive? (currently I use an old PC for this, but I'd love to not have to do that)