File management?

[andiwm2003]

Palm handhelds had no file system. All data were tied to the applications and the user had no way to directly access them. File transfer was only possible through the Palm desktop sync.

I loved my Paln Zire but hated the limited file system. Most people I know stopped using the Palm because of the lack of a filesystem. Without a filesystem it was simply a overpriced calendar.

Eventually there was a third party file system and then Palm released their update with a file system. However at that point it was too late because too many programs were not using it because they were developed for the "non-file-sytem" and the potential of the Palm was never realized.

Then Palm went down the drain.....

Apple is in a much better situation than Palm of course. But this example clearly shows that there is a broad need and desire of users to organize and control their data the way they want. I think it is a mistake that Apple does not support an open file system.

 

[Arelunde]

Don't overestimate the tech savvy of the average consumer. My previous job was going to homes and fixing their computers and networks and to troubleshoot networks for small and large businesses. Most were clueless, even IT guys at some businesses were clueless. They just knew the bare minimal, and regular folks seem only as smart as the last tech article they read.

Do you think it's an age-related "illness"? I've found older people indeed are clueless with little to no desire to learn anything other than maybe writing and sending email. And they consider that an accomplishment.

Younger people, though, are exposed to computers and tech early on. For example, our elementary school has a beautiful Mac lab with at least 20 desktop Macs for about 200 students. Colleges and universities demand at least basic computer savvy to get through the courses.

However, I agree that only a few people really ENJOY "tech" stuff. I can totally bore someone in less than 2 minutes - just talking smartphones! And yet, guess who they ask when they can't figure out how to do something? Can't win.

 

[anthonymoody]

Do you think it's an age-related "illness"? I've found older people indeed are clueless with little to no desire to learn anything other than maybe writing and sending email. And they consider that an accomplishment.

Younger people, though, are exposed to computers and tech early on. For example, our elementary school has a beautiful Mac lab with at least 20 desktop Macs for about 200 students. Colleges and universities demand at least basic computer savvy to get through the courses.

However, I agree that only a few people really ENJOY "tech" stuff. I can totally bore someone in less than 2 minutes - just talking smartphones! And yet, guess who they ask when they can't figure out how to do something? Can't win.

All part of why the iPad is taking over the world

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Do you think it's an age-related "illness"? I've found older people indeed are clueless with little to no desire to learn anything other than maybe writing and sending email. And they consider that an accomplishment.

Younger people, though, are exposed to computers and tech early on. For example, our elementary school has a beautiful Mac lab with at least 20 desktop Macs for about 200 students. Colleges and universities demand at least basic computer savvy to get through the courses.

However, I agree that only a few people really ENJOY "tech" stuff. I can totally bore someone in less than 2 minutes - just talking smartphones! And yet, guess who they ask when they can't figure out how to do something? Can't win.

All part of why the iPad is taking over the world

Ha Ha ... So true.

And probably why geeks have less of a say so vs the average consumer when it comes to iDevices. Geeks do have sort of an influence on average consumers by informing, but Apple is very good at having the pros vs cons always weighted in it's favor. This is why Apple has the luxury of doing things on it's own timeline and giving the average consumer something to play with between time.

 

[brand]

64gb of space for nothing!

No you not keep any apps or media on your iPad?

 

[Stealthipad]

No you not keep any apps or media on your iPad?

I do but without my company files and if no WiFi, it is a WASTE!

 

[G77]

I do but without my company files and if no WiFi, it is a WASTE!

Again there are tons of applications (iFiles, Files Connect etc) you can use as your file manager when you dont like area of use approach to information management.

You can put tens GB of data, make your folder structure, open and edit files in app or open it in another app via open in...

I dont say it is ideal if you need you folder structure and I hope they can bring some better co-operation between apps but they will not come back to folders and such...

 

[MacAttacka]

Full on file management isnt a big requirement for me but it would be handy to have a centralised shared folder where documents and files can be saved.

Also being unable to upload files on line is a big bug bear for me. Its all very well having a design philosophy but many websites that i need to use arent designed around IOS. Despite being a Post-PC device we still live in a PC world where a lot of the functionality requires PC level of access.

In our business we use a lot of shared files through extensive networks and folders shared by multiple departments and personell. There is no way in hell we could suddenly shift all of this to the iPad with all its constraints.

If Apple want to win over the business market IOS is going to have change.

 

[The Phazer]

It's desperately needed.

Moving files between computers and iPads is an awful, awful experience. iCloud is, if anything, even worse than MobileMe iDisk was.

Create a documents folder that all apps (including the web browser) can access, and mount it under USB the same as the photo folder. That's literally all that's needed.

If Apple think they can invent something better then they should do both at the same time. When they actually have created something better people will voluntarily use it. At the moment they've created something that actively conspires against all users.

Phazer

 

[Redjericho]

SIMPLE SOLUTION:

Jailbreak, get iFile

Here's iFile: http://moreinfo.thebigboss.org/moreinfo/depiction.php?file=ifileData

 

[brand]

SIMPLE SOLUTION:

Jailbreak

Not as simple as you try to make it out to be.

 

[Redjericho]

Not as simple as you try to make it out to be.

I fail to see the difficulty in plugging your device into your computer, holding the home and power buttons, then basically using a second app store to find what you want.

People try and make jailbreaking seem difficult, but the truth is, if you don't screw around too much with it it's a very simple process.

I successfully jailbroke my first gen iPad, also my first apple device, the day after I bought it with absolutely no previous knowledge.

 

[whtrbt7]

Another one of these threads? Trolling? This has been discussed many times. File browsers are a thing of the past. If you need one then JB and dl iFile. problem solved. If you aren't a power user and can JB the iPad yourself, you don't need a file browser.

 

[Cynicalone]

I think more than a file system they need a way for apps to communicate data. Then they can work on a documents folder, downloads folder, photos etc.


Mountain Lion has the beginnings of iCloud folders. Wait for WWDC when iOS 6 is revealed and we'll probably see more. I don't think we will ever see a true "Finder", but I think something is coming.

 

[Redjericho]

It'd be as simple as creating a folder called "App Files" and giving all apps permission to save and edit in that directory.

 

[APlotdevice]

Another one of these threads? Trolling? This has been discussed many times. File browsers are a thing of the past. If you need one then JB and dl iFile. problem solved. If you aren't a power user and can JB the iPad yourself, you don't need a file browser.

You're missing the point. The file browser itself isn't what's important. It's being able to share files between apps. Currently you either have to use the "open in" option, which creates a seperate copy for the destination app, or upload them to and download from Dropbox. Either option is clumsy workaround at best.