Finally a workable file system solution

I use idisk and it works perfectly. I store all my documents within the documents folder of the idisk, on the mac set it to keep a copy of my idisk on my computer (through mobileme settings) and that's it! Have access to all my files from my ipad or any other computer, and doesn't involve any work-around

Nothing 'flaky' about it at all!

 

For the record, i have a mac mini which is always on at home - otherwise i use the iPad 2 as my main work machine. Works brilliantly, if i need to access the mac at all i can just use the teamviewer app.

Before this i used to have an 'ultimate' macbook air 11" - which I sold as the ipad work perfectly for my needs!

 

This is very helpful, thank you!

Since you have mastered this topic could you elaborate how the same sync process can be performed with iDisk? I always hear that Dropbox is better but currently I have all my files in iDisk and I am reluctant to make the switch.

Also, what do you think of the sync feature in Goodreader? Couldn't this take care of syncing?

 

Thanks Anthony I am going to try your approach as I have been looking for solutions on the wiki http://wiki.dropbox.com I now use my iPad 2 as my primary computer. I meet regularly with an Apple Business Team to discuss different approaches on improving the functionality of the iPad. Apple is very proud of the their business profiles http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/profiles/ Is there a centralized location possibly on MacRumors where new ideas and solutions can be stored and feedback provided?

 

I have around 12GB's of files in my idisk, all my personal documents, work files, work software I need on the go (I work in IT for a small law firm) as well as copies of all my travel documents. Certainly at least 1,000 files, and never had a problem with idisk. I know a few people have had issues with syncing, but it's always been great for me.

You don't have to keep a copy of your documents on the desktop. I just deleted the normal documents folder on the mac, then dragged the documents folder from my disk into the sidebar and dock, then use it as my documents folder - that's it.

Regarding the Air, i already had an iPad 1 when i bought it, but it just seemed like a waste when they were very similar products. I ended up selling the air & the iPad 1, buying an iPad 2 3G and a mac mini (which i upgraded to 8GB RAM) and the setup works brilliantly for me.

 

Also, as you mentioned 'scores of gigs' - no, I would not use iDisk for this being as the iDisk is only 20GB as standard! Dropbox I think is only 2GB as standard anyway, so for the amount of files you are syncing (a score is 20, so i dread to think how many scores of gig's you mean!) I can't think of any ideal solution? I thought we were talking about syncing documents to access from the iPad (you mention iwork files) - not syncing everything you would normally store on a full size hard drive? I don't think any network are up to coping with that yet!

 

Another solution I use is Dropbox + Documents To Go. My files on my Mac are all in the Dropbox folder. Documents To Go allows me to access my documents in the cloud and will automatically sync changes back to the cloud. Does what OP is suggesting without the intermediary step. In fact, with just Documents To Go you don't really need the Dropbox app.

 

We don't want to have to use 3rd party apps and tricks to accomplish what should be there as standard.

By all means use cloud for data, however, this needs to be built in to work seamlessly with the whole OS and all the standard apps.

Also, I feel there needs to be the option of the data being on a home storage device (NAS) for fast and large data storage and not on Apple's servers.

 

I agree something needs to be built-in, and I think iOS 5 will finally bring it. But for the time being DropBox really is fantastic. I use iDisk as well but Dropbox is just faster, smoother, and more reliable. I guess if you're already paying for MobileMe and don't want to 'double-dip' paying Dropbox as well, iDisk could be a full-time solution but I much prefer Dropbox.

 

Why do you do this step? This just results in you having everything in 2 places on your Mac for no real reason.

Why not just save stuff directly to your Dropbox folder on your Mac? Seems simpler to me.

Are you worried about sync-errors erasing stuff? I make sure I have enough Time Machine space so that everything has 1 or 2 versions in the Time Machine, so those sorts of things don't scare me.

EDIT: Or...now that I think about it...does this mean you never set up a Dropbox folder on your Mac? That makes more sense, I guess, than what I originally thought.

 

Sorry for asking this - but this is the piece that eludes me also. So what in the world is dropdav? ios app? mac app? Can you explain this step a little more.

Thanks in advance

 

Seems like the easier alternative is to just use SugarSync. Then you can sync any folder you want.

 

Dropdav is an online service (www.dropdav.com). Basically, Dropbox and iPad's iWorks apps don't have a way to directly exchange info. Dropdav serves as the middleman to accomplish this, using a protocol called WebDav.

 

I think it's sad that iPad owners must resort to these types of "solutions" to get their products working as they should. There's no excuse for the iPad not to have a consumer facing file system. This is ridiculous.

 

The iPad's target audience (as in 99% of users) DON'T WANT a file system, at least not one they have to see and manage. That's the point. Keep it simple. Apple is great at that.

I personally don't like the hassle of file system management either. Perhaps the solution is really for Apple to buy Dropbox and integrate that cloud functionality in to iOS keeping the "consumer facing file system" up in the cloud as opposed to a local system that would require tedious maintenance and upkeep and no doubt be the source of many a tech support call.

 

I use Dropbox and Air Sharing.

Air Sharing is a perfect file system.

 

DropBox is a great product. It allows my entire company to view and use files no matter what platform or hardware they are using!

It has worked perfectly for me.

 

I've been using drop box on a limited basis, but the macdrop app might seal the deal.

Will definitely look this over once I get into the office today.

 

The biggest problem here is that Time Capsule does not pick up the iDisk files, so you don't get the historical archive of files over time. You delete a file or make a bad change, and the original is gone for good.