You can do that in many ways. Dropbox app lets you mark files as favorites, which stores a copy of the file on the iPad. There's an app called File Browser that lets you browse shared network folders and copy the files to your iPad. From there, if you have an app that opens that file type, you can open them.
Yes, i know that. I actually use Dropbox for my iPhone.
You didn't quote the next line of my post, which talks about the lack of internet connection.
I don't think cloud is the answer.
It might never replace a laptop for you but I guarantee it will for a lot of people.
I barely use my MacBook Pro anymore, it never leaves my desk and I have never had one problem with downloading/saving/accessing files from the iPad. All the files I need are on my Dropbox account and I can favorite the ones I may need when I don't have internet (and let's face it, how often is that these days if you have the 3G model). Even if you are overseas wifi hotspots are ubiquitous.
It's obviously not perfect and I'm hoping to see some form of integrated cloud based file system in the OS soon.
BTW if youre interested to know how I download files, I use iCab Mobile (a web browser) which allows you to download a file from the Internet to it's downloads manager. From here you can upload it straight to Dropbox which syncs with the cloud and with my computer. Amazing stuff...
I agree, for a lot of people it did replace laptops. Which is good!
Again, i don't think cloud computing is the answer, but it'll do for now. I use Dropbox for my iPhone too.
But, what happens when you're in a location without internet? What if you're in the subway and you realized that you need to transfer your powerpoint cue card from your MacBook into your iPad?
As much as we'd like to think that the whole world has at least 3G network everywhere you go, that's not really the case.
Btw, thanks for the tip for iCab Mobile, i just bought it!
Having to download sth first and then uploading to Dropbox just to have access to the file indirectly from other apps works but it is obscure. There is no denying that iOS needs a user and app accessible file system.
A file system for the iDevices? This would render MacBooks even more useless to consumers. I don't think Apple would want that. As OllyW stated, they want you to use both Mac and iPad.
Would i like a file system for iDevices? Of course. Is it going to happen? Probably not.