iPad How can I manage files on the iPad? (with "open with" option)

[s2mikey]

I think that one of the big hurdles that people need to get over is to realize that the traditional way of dealing with files is not that intuitive, and has serious issues of its own. It's just that many of us are so used to it that we don't see it that way anymore.

I would encourage you to try a cloud app like Dropbox, Skydrive, or Box. These really simplify file access from ALL of your computing devices, not just an iPad. It's well worth the learning curve.

Oh I use dropbox right now and the apple cloud. It's fine for what it is but it's not quite the same thing as local file manipulation. It kind of works the same way.... But then it doesn't. It also requires an internet connection which isn't a big deal but it's still required. And, what if these cloud storage companies go out of business or get hacked badly? Just things to think about. There is something nice about local file storage that only you have real access to.

 

[zhenya]

Oh I use dropbox right now and the apple cloud. It's fine for what it is but it's not quite the same thing as local file manipulation. It kind of works the same way.... But then it doesn't. It also requires an internet connection which isn't a big deal but it's still required. And, what if these cloud storage companies go out of business or get hacked badly? Just things to think about. There is something nice about local file storage that only you have real access to.

The thing is, there is really no such thing as files that 'only you have access to'. In all likelihood, your own personal computer is a far more accessible target than your data stored in the cloud.

And data stored with most of these systems is stored locally on your machine as well.

 

[MrGimper]

The answer is quite simple... Apple need to allow an app to request, and the user to accept/deny, access to another apps data.

They do it with things like the camera roll already.

So, use a file management app, and "open in" another app. The other app prompts for permission to use the data stored in the file management app, and the user grants it. Central filing system and no multiple copies like the current "open in" mechanism

 

[gtmac]

Personally PDF expert or Readdle Docs work for my needs. I think it's a very reasonable work around. Get as MacBook if you need a true file system.

 

[Krazy Bill]

To address the OP's query, as others have said, both GoodReader and Dropbox should be able to do what you want.

uh... No. They don't. They aren't even close to mimicking a true file management system. iOS is App-Centric. You still need to manage your files from within each app. (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc).

 

[WilliamLondon]

uh... No. They don't. They aren't even close to mimicking a true file management system. iOS is App-Centric. You still need to manage your files from within each app. (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc).

Uh, yes they do actually [rolls eyes], but they aren't intending, nor did I imply, that they are to replace or mimic exactly a file system *as exists on other OSes* (but thanks for teaching Grandma to suck eggs). The workflow might have to change slightly, but as someone else stated on here, that's only for stupid people. ;-)