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iWork on an iPhone?

S

stickybuns

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 22, 2011
384
0
I'm tired of dragging my heavy laptop to class every day and would like to find a lighter weight alternative. I'm especially interested in Keynote since I use it for almost all of my lectures.

Before anyone suggests the iPad: I'm saving up for one but am looking for an interim solution. I've been attempting to entice the department dean into adopting textbooks available in ebook form... With any luck, I'll have a much lighter load in the Spring.
 
alexreich said:
What is your question?
Click to expand...

+1

You didn't actually state a question. I'll just assume that you were going for "is it viable on the iPhone?"

That really depends on your adeptness as a typer and your ability to work small. You won't be able to access the many features that are EASILY accessible on the iPad, because your surface area is so small, but as a ~20 year old, I'm sure you can pick it up quite easily.
 
I just wanted to get some general opinions since I've only seen comments regarding iWork on the iPad and nothing about the iPhone.
 
Pages, Numbers & Keynote are universal apps, but using it on that wee iPhone screen & keyboard won't be fun.

If you plan to do lots of typing; no touchscreen keyboard is very pleasant. An 11" MBA might very well be the perfect school companion.

If you're just reading PDFs the iPad is fine, iPhone OK (but your eyes will likely fatigue in short order)
 
daooof said:
+1

You didn't actually state a question. I'll just assume that you were going for "is it viable on the iPhone?"

That really depends on your adeptness as a typer and your ability to work small. You won't be able to access the many features that are EASILY accessible on the iPad, because your surface area is so small, but as a ~20 year old, I'm sure you can pick it up quite easily.
Click to expand...
Setting aside the screen size issue for the moment, are the features the same on both the iPhone and iPad, or is there added functionality by using the iPad?
BTW, I'm no longer in my twenties, but I don't have any issues typing on my phone.
 
blueroom said:
Pages, Numbers & Keynote are universal apps, but using it on that wee iPhone screen & keyboard won't be fun.

If you plan to do lots of typing; no touchscreen keyboard is very pleasant. An 11" MBA might very well be the perfect school companion.

If you're just reading PDFs the iPad is fine, iPhone OK (but your eyes will likely fatigue in short order)
Click to expand...

I still plan to do my main prep work at home on my MacBook, but I would like to have something available for quick emergency edits. Unfortunately, I do not have an office on campus, so I have to carry everything with me.
 
stickybuns said:
Setting aside the screen size issue for the moment, are the features the same on both the iPhone and iPad, or is there added functionality by using the iPad?
BTW, I'm no longer in my twenties, but I don't have any issues typing on my phone.
Click to expand...
Let's just say that you're much better off with the iPad. :cool:
 
Thanks. I actually have enough money to buy now, but I don't want to risk jinxing myself by making a big ticket purchase before my contract is renewed.
 
stickybuns said:
Thanks. I actually have enough money to buy now, but I don't want to risk jinxing myself by making a big ticket purchase before my contract is renewed.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'd wait for the iPad 3. The iPad has no iWork functionality that the iPhone doesn't as far as I know, but it's much more comfortable to use. I don't own an iPad so I do most of my typing on my Macbook and just use my iPhone for minor edits. It has nowhere near the functionality of iWork for Mac, but it's much more convenient.
 
While iWork for the iPhone has all the same functionality as it does on the iPad, it lacks the practicality. It is far better suited to the iPad. If your goal is to open an iWork document that you synced for reading or a quick edit, then you are fine. But for actual document creation, I don't think you are going to find the iPhone a suitable format. I don't think you are going to be happy going that route, but I can appreciate the dilemma.
 
I ended up downloading Keynote. The sad thing is.... I thought it was a lot better/easier to work with on my phone than PowerPoint (iWork for OSX disc has gone AWOL) on my MacBook.
 
Well, I need to buy a 30-pin to VGA adapter for my phone... I tried emailing a PowerPoint version of my presentation to the classroom computer and ended up losing almost all of the formatting.

If I wanted to use AirPlay in the classroom, what equipment would I need to beg and plead the IT department to get? I'd really like to be able to walk around my classroom and use the iPhone and/or iPad as a tool for interaction.
 
I don't think our "smart" classrooms have HDMI connectors.... Just VGA and USB.

I think my brother has an Apple TV, so I can at least test it before making a buying decision.
 
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