If you read his post, he just got his first iPad a year ago. Not everybody visits tech sites every day.
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Apple iOS and the new iPad are very limited.
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If you read his post, he just got his first iPad a year ago. Not everybody visits tech sites every day.
Computers should make your life simpler. Offload mundane tasks.
You should not have to preselect file types and locations.
You should not have to keep track of revisions.
You should not have to search for where you last left your data.
You should not have a catastrophic file or system failure if you make the wrong choice, like opening a text file in a photo editor.
Data and data type sharing will improve without the quick fix of adding import export functions but it will be a slow process.
Remember the time it took to get copy, paste limping along.
In the mean time total abandon will require a tradition computer and OS.
Tablet computers are an exception to what I've said above. In my opinion I feel they fulfil different needs than traditional pcs.
I would "suggest" this comment to be a large leap beyond your abilities to really asses anothers development capabilities from only reading this thread. Some may even think a touch of ignorance would be required to suggest such a thing.
But its ok, I'm not offended by your premature aggressive suggestion.
You obviously took offense to a comment that intended none. Regardless, your offense doesn't in any way negate the facts that I stated. In fact, your reaction supports my premise. You are personally unable (or unwilling) to live beyond the files-based OS models instituted by Microsoft, Linux and perhaps even OSX. You see the iPad as nothing more than a touch-based PC.
The limitation is your own biases and inability to understand a paradigm shift. The iPad wasn't designed to be an extension of your PC. It was designed for an entirely different user experience. It has succeeded brilliantly in this regards, as evidenced by sales and a healthy app development ecosystem for same. Just read the two comments preceding mine above for examples of users that understand this better than you.
It succeeds BECAUSE it has no file system. Your biases do not promote further success of iOS. They hinder it. Your biases only support your own comfort level with outdated technology concepts that would destroy the intended user experience for the iPad.
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The point you're making about the most common kind of user is key. I think the app-based model is more intuitive and transparent than the file system. I remember for years trying to help my parents with their Windows computers. I'd ask where they saved something. "In Word." "In Excel." They're smart people, but it took a fair bit of work to get them in the habit of paying attention to where their files go. Yet they always knew what program they'd used. The app-based model is what seemed natural, and I think Apple would see itself as doing users like them a service by taking away the unnecessary complication of the file system.
I can understand how it can be limiting for some users, but I suspect that the number of people who really, truly need to open and edit the same content in more than one app is rather small.
But we can be forward thinking without cutting basic abilities that converlut the workflow. The world cannot adopt a new system overnight. Apple's infrastructure is not solid enough to manage this huge leap seamlessly.
The result is I own an iPad that is not as functional or user freindly as it could be. It kinda defeats the Apple 'easy to use' policy and replaces it with a 'cannot achieve with the iPad so use a PC' policy. Not very forward thinking.
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You obviously know little about development cycles. I can ignor your comments based on this.
That seems reasonable on the surface, because most of the time the computer is a necessary evil and and not the primary focus of their activity. But, just to take one example, think of photography. All of a sudden when it's something you're personally interested in then you learn all about it and find advanced uses that don't fit the mold. You need some kind of general-purpose mechanism that unfortunately iOS doesn't provide yet.
Considering I've designed and written an app that specifically exploits the iPads unique UX model, I think I have about 100% more confidence in my position than you do.
But given your obvious inability to debate your position professionally, it's fairly obvious you have an agenda here. Good luck on your short posting future here.
If you don't know by now, I will inform you, Apple is not going allow you to browse the file structure out of the box anytime soon. It is an issue for some, but so was the lack of flash and yet here we all are. If you must have this feature then obtain an app that accomplishes this, I use Filebrowser, its great. Or switch to an android device.
I have owned every iteration of the iPad and I do agree with the OP to an extent.
The iPad is limited in the sense of what you can do. It is not built for production, but rather, consumption.
I love my iPad for what it can do, not what it can't. It obviously can't do everything that my Mac can, but what it does - it does well.
I will say that I can't really see any point in iMovie and iPhoto for iPad. If I have to go through a computer anyway to get any photo I consider worth editing, why not just open up Lightroom or iMovie for OSX? It just seems like an extra step that is pointless. I understand that the apps are fairly cheap, relative to a more professional option, but from a business standpoint these apps don't add anything to the table.
The same goes for business/school related documents. If I have to load the documents through Dropbox, or some other third party method, via a computer before I can even work with them on the iPad, why go through the hassle?
Defining the iPad is very hard for me. I don't really consider it a computer since it is undeniably limited out of the box. It shines for media consumption.
The iPad is limited in the sense of what you can do. It is not built for production, but rather, consumption.
I love my iPad for what it can do, not what it can't. It obviously can't do everything that my Mac can, but what it does - it does well.
I will say that I can't really see any point in iMovie and iPhoto for iPad. If I have to go through a computer anyway to get any photo I consider worth editing, why not just open up Lightroom or iMovie for OSX? It just seems like an extra step that is pointless. I understand that the apps are fairly cheap, relative to a more professional option, but from a business standpoint these apps don't add anything to the table.
The same goes for business/school related documents. If I have to load the documents through Dropbox, or some other third party method, via a computer before I can even work with them on the iPad, why go through the hassle?
Defining the iPad is very hard for me. I don't really consider it a computer since it is undeniably limited out of the box. It shines for media consumption.
I totally don't know anything about app development, period, so maybe I missed something, but what did the comment you responded to have to do with development cycles?
And this is a general form, people are here with all sorts of backgrounds, if you ignore comments from people who don't have some specific set of technical background, I doubt you will have a constructive discussion, which you claim to want.
As for no file system on the iPad, yes, it can be frustrating when I find I've got multiple copies of the same file in different apps, or I can't upload a pic directly from my iPad to this forum. But as other posters have pointed out, having no file system makes iPad so much more easier to use for the non-technical users. People who need a file system will find the work-arounds like GoodReader, FileBrowser and DropBox. People who don't need it don't have to bother dealing with the complexity. It sounds like a win-win to me.
So I can take the documents with me and leave my laptop at home.
You have two extremes.
The PC power user can do anything with anything.
And
The iPad.
Apple did a flash cut World ready or not.
First iPhone, NO Apps, Web Apps, Sand-boxed Apps.
If you knew Who or what is doing development this stuff takes time.
iPad will continue to evolve.
Forward thinking ?
Children love it, check.
People who are clumsy around PC's love it, check.
Educators love it, check.
Business movers and shakers love it, check.
All of the people all of the time love it ???
They are working on it just as long as it doesn't impact sales in a negative way.
Considering I've designed and written an app that specifically exploits the iPads unique UX model, I think I have about 100% more confidence in my position than you do.
But given your obvious inability to debate your position professionally, it's fairly obvious you have an agenda here. Good luck on your short posting future here.
People will not respond negativly towards you if you don't send aggressive posts accusing people of limitations you have no ability to asses accurately. It's also not polite!
On this note, I have no interest in your abilities as a developer, your arrogance super seeds any ability you may or may not have in this field, arrogant developers only work well in isolated enviroments, because of this, no debate with you is nesasary.
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Good advice. Thank you.
Generally speaking, intelligent and sincere posters don't respond negatively to posts on these forums.
Fools, the immature and deliberate trolls however tend to incite negativity by default.
I think it's fairly obvious to most that you belong in the latter categories.
I totally don't know anything about app development, period, so maybe I missed something, but what did the comment you responded to have to do with development cycles?
I'm responding to 'Reallybigfeet' who made suggestions that my questions were based on dated mindset. I found his post aggressive in nature and not poticualy relevant considering the lack of knowledge he/she have around the development I may be doing.
I'm finding some people are lacking in social skills when posting replays that are either, I'll informed or simply I'll mannered. As others have suggested, some peope are biased toward Apple being perfect in everyway. I feel it's a little weird.
Are you by any chance posting from an iPad? I ask because the auto-correct seems to be killing you...
I think that the term file system is very misused and misunderstood by many here.
iOS has a file system and a very good one at that, but what people really want is a place to put all their stuff and sort it.
In essence what they really want is a document folder where they can sort their stuff such as docs, word files pics and so on.
Apple decided instead that each app keeps their stuff within.
Now there are many apps that will let you do what you want to do like File Browser and such that let you put all your files and also let you sort them and open with other apps or email them.
If apple where to make this app everyone would say we finally have a file system but they don't.
So really take your time and think about what you really want from your so called file system and I bet you will come to the same conclusion that all you really want is a folder or place to but your files and have access to them.
A real file system is just not needed because there is no reasons for you to go in and change anything in the library or app support files, core system files and so on but that is what the file system really is, and most people don't even really use the file system in their computer either because there is really no need for it for 99% of the people out there.
iOS has a file system and a very good one at that, but what people really want is a place to put all their stuff and sort it.
In essence what they really want is a document folder where they can sort their stuff such as docs, word files pics and so on.
Apple decided instead that each app keeps their stuff within.
Now there are many apps that will let you do what you want to do like File Browser and such that let you put all your files and also let you sort them and open with other apps or email them.
If apple where to make this app everyone would say we finally have a file system but they don't.
So really take your time and think about what you really want from your so called file system and I bet you will come to the same conclusion that all you really want is a folder or place to but your files and have access to them.
A real file system is just not needed because there is no reasons for you to go in and change anything in the library or app support files, core system files and so on but that is what the file system really is, and most people don't even really use the file system in their computer either because there is really no need for it for 99% of the people out there.
And here am I, thinking that your questions _are_ coming from a dated mindset. You may be trained in putting things into the right places in a file system, but why? Why would you want to do that? Some people have been fighting iTunes for years, trying to arrange their music in the file system in some particular way, and the question is why? Other people just go with the flow, and let iTunes keep track of artists and albums. The file system is a crutch. On the iPad, it is an unnecessary crutch. Why would you want your crutches back?
Are you by any chance posting from an iPad? I ask because the auto-correct seems to be killing you...
yes I am. And it is.
I am so happy that your 50 year old mother has found peace with Apple. But each user may have different needs.
I am a happy long time user of DropBox but there are time that connecting via WiFi or cellular are to an option. I need about 1900 Word files and 60-70 Excel files on my device for access ALL THE TIME. Until Apple allows this on the IPad, it will never be but an Internet appliance next to my lazy boy.
My laptop in the field still rules.
This right here says it all.
If apple decides to add other functionality to the iPad such as simple file access on a LAN, they will implement these as features in future upgrades.
IMO, apple is trying to force everything to the iCloud so they can have access to their customer base files, profiles and personal info to obtain "research information" to make better products to sell them.
Actually my concerns outlined are greater than just the file system. This is only part of the problem. Apple have locked certain abilities within the iOS, for example the ability to locate and analyse a music mp4 file. I own the file, it's a legal purchased file, but outside of iTunes any program developed cannot gain access to the file to analyze the data for its own use. This is only one example.
Your iTunes concept is great. But as soon as you leave iTunes your in a mess.
I've tried switching to android and ultimately came back to the iPad for its more refined user experience. Though the android does provide more access, it really doesn't make all that much sense for mobile computing. It made me just want to jump on the computer where iOS is perfect for simple tasks and perfect for media consumption.
Definitley give android a shot. You might like it. Doesn't matter what people on a forum say, try it for yourself.
Definitley give android a shot. You might like it. Doesn't matter what people on a forum say, try it for yourself.
What paradigm shift? What iOS is doing is an equivalent of an application for a real OS (like OS/X) that always saves files in the same directory. On OS/X such application design in most cases would be considered a very poor implementation and this is exactly what this "paradigm" is on iOS. It's just a shortsighted decision n Apple's part which was excusable in 2007 because phone usages were still rather limited. Apple did not even have an intention of allowing native apps in iOS at that time. Bu that was 2007. It's 2012 now and iOS is clearly a very outdated OS precisely because of the missing file system. Lack of file system does not bring any advantages but plenty of limitations.