iPad The Future of the iPad Does Not Include A Traditional Filesystem

[jeremiah256]

It's just Apple struggling between app-centered or file-centered. App centered is simpler and more intuitive to most users, but results in a lot of data isolation. Apple needs to implement some form of back-end data management so that apps are accessing a shared repository of data - even if the user can't directly interact with it like the Finder. As for a file system in general, I still want on for certain things. I keep my LR library organized in folders, my documents are organized in folders, etc.

I'm okay with Procreate files in Procreate, or Photos in Photos. But for my classes, I don't want my PDFs in PDF Expert, my PPs in Power Point, my Word documents in Word, etc. I want them all within one folder titled "Advanced Corporate Taxation" or something like that.

It depends on context and I wish Apple gave us more control over that. Sorry this reply is so long.

I've been using Apple's 'cloud' service offerings since iTools. I also want iCloud to be the solution, but realistically, Apple is not the best when it comes to cloud services and our only hope may be using third party apps such as DropBox, but that depends on whether the app gives us this option. The same with iCloud integration. Microsoft apps seem to allow you to save to several third party services, but not iCloud. In the end, I'm hoping that tagging files and multiple selection is expanded. Search for the name, "Advanced Corporate Taxation" and all the associate files are presented, regardless of the app. Select them all and upload to the service of your choice. Yes, you still have duplication issues, but it would be a nice step in right direction.

 

[dk001]

I've been using Apple's 'cloud' service offerings since iTools. I also want iCloud to be the solution, but realistically, Apple is not the best when it comes to cloud services and our only hope may be using third party apps such as DropBox, but that depends on whether the app gives us this option. The same with iCloud integration. Microsoft apps seem to allow you to save to several third party services, but not iCloud. In the end, I'm hoping that tagging files and multiple selection is expanded. Search for the name, "Advanced Corporate Taxation" and all the associate files are presented, regardless of the app. Select them all and upload to the service of your choice. Yes, you still have duplication issues, but it would be a nice step in right direction.

So true. I have Box for work, Dropbox for general, Google Drive for other projects and large scale endeavors, and iCloud for ... not much. It just isn't dependable.
The biggest hurdle for me with an iPad outside of a pointer device interface is that from a project perspective it is very very serial. Two displays, multiple files, etc.. is the norm. Unless I had a way to have 2+ iPads open and interfaced seamlessly for sharing live ... it's a no go. Even personal use get's into of this kind of usage. For casual consumption I have my Mini 4.
I keep hearing "replacement". Except for a very narrow scope I am just not seeing it. Look at it from a mechanics perspective (yes, I do that too ); a laptop is a chest full of tools. An iPad Pro is at best a drawer in the tool chest.

 

[Traverse]

Debate comes when people talk in absolutes. "iPad can never replace a laptop!" Yes, it can, for some people. "iPad can do 80% of what a computer can do!" Not for everybody - percentages will vary by person.

I meant possibilities by that statement. Regardless of the person, iPads can do 80% (admittance probably more) of everything that a computer can do, but it may not be the most efficient tool for the job.

Your post is kind of what I was hinting at: these debates are pointless because neither an iPad nor a Mac are an absolute replacement device.

 

[marcociccone]

Until the iPad gets a usable/accessible FS and maybe even a SDcard or USB card i wont ever be able to consider moving away from either the Mac or a PC.

Agree almost 100%. I don't think a full filesystem is necessary (I mean with the ability to access all the files(, but at least bridging the gap... I think that adding a download manager to safari, creating as someone suggested a sandboxed finder and improving icloud drive is enough.
The vision for the future (not only for Apple, but MS and Google too) is that everything lives in the cloud.

 

[bensisko]

I meant possibilities by that statement. Regardless of the person, iPads can do 80% (admittance probably more) of everything that a computer can do, but it may not be the most efficient tool for the job.

Your post is kind of what I was hinting at: these debates are pointless because neither an iPad nor a Mac are an absolute replacement device.

Well, you will never have an absolute replacement device. There isn't anybody that is 100% on a single device, and barely anybody who is 100% on a single OS (it's actually possible with Windows Continuum...).

Bottom line, the most efficient tool for the job is the most efficient tool for YOU - again, it's not absolute and comes down to preference - pure and simple (Yes, yes, before someone points out the exceptions, it's not about preference when it comes to something the iPad can't do...). Organizing photos: for some people, efficiency means having a desktop, for others it means having a touchscreen.

Personally, I'd be beyond frustrated if I had to limit myself to one tool or process. I like having options. I don't live in a world where there is (or has to be) an absolute. My personal preference is to use iOS for everything - and I do use it as much as possible - mostly because the UI and UX is so much more friendly than a bulky desktop OS and it eliminates or simplifies things I don't believe we should have to do with modern computers. And it's not because I'm not savvy, it's because I believe interfacing with a computer should continually get simpler and more natural instead of complex and heavy.

 

[RedOrchestra]

these debates are pointless because neither an iPad nor a Mac are an absolute replacement device.

And I accept that EXCEPT I can't accept the fact that Apple's iWork isn't fluid across both iOS and OS platforms

 

[dk001]

... And it's not because I'm not savvy, it's because I believe interfacing with a computer should continually get simpler and more natural instead of complex and heavy.

Your last sentence is my bane. iOS is the single OS where I have to develop work-around to accomplish some critically needed tasks. Basic stuff. Work-arounds do not simplify my use. They complicate it. So while I do enjoy using iOS, I cannot count on it being a status quo or simplifying tool.

 

[tgara]

Your MSO comment also depends on the user though. I get free Office 365 through work, and for the things I personally do with Office, the iPad works just fine. I know there are people out there who do crazy macros and stuff with Excel, but I personally don't. So Office is not necessarily a key differentiator for some users.

I get Office 365 through work as well. For me, I'm usually handling Word documents, PDF documents, some Excel files, and a ton of email (through Exchange). The iPad works great with all the Office apps. My file system for work-related documents is basically OneDrive. I can transfer a file from my office computer to a OneDrive folder on my desktop, and it shows up in the OneDrive app on my iPhone and iPad. I can edit it using the iOS version of Word, Excel, etc., and the changes move across all devices. Works great.

 

[M. Gustave]

Until the iPad gets a usable/accessible FS and maybe even a SDcard or USB card i wont ever be able to consider moving away from either the Mac or a PC.

So you're saying that until the iPad works and acts like a pc, you'll stay with a pc. LOL, thank god AAPL is ignoring your 30-year-old concept of computing.

 

[Michael Goff]

So you're saying that until the iPad works and acts like a pc, you'll stay with a pc. LOL, thank god AAPL is ignoring your 30-year-old concept of computing.

That always makes me chuckle. People want to replace the PC by making things just like the PC.

 

[AFEPPL]

So you're saying that until the iPad works and acts like a pc, you'll stay with a pc. LOL, thank god AAPL is ignoring your 30-year-old concept of computing.

Im saying that's what most people want... thats why the iPad is not a "PC replacement device".
I'm saying that's what i want, not a toy OS that's completely crippled and limited unless you just want to watch streamed content or browse the internet.

 

[M. Gustave]

Im saying that's what most people want... thats why the iPad is not a "PC replacement device".
I'm saying that's what i want, not a toy OS that's completely crippled and limited unless you just want to watch streamed content or browse the internet.

I don't think you should speak for "most people", and your comments show that you have zero understanding of how iOS devices are being used in the real world.

 

[bensisko]

I don't think you should speak for "most people", and your comments show that you have zero understanding of how iOS devices are being used in the real world.

Completely agreed. At best AFEPPL could say there are some vocal people on these boards that want it, but (A) I don't think you could even say "most people on these boards" and (b) these boards are from representative of the larger global consumer base.

As far as it being a "toy OS" - that's funny because that's what PC trolls call Mac OS.
[doublepost=1464175669][/doublepost]

Your last sentence is my bane. iOS is the single OS where I have to develop work-around to accomplish some critically needed tasks. Basic stuff. Work-arounds do not simplify my use. They complicate it. So while I do enjoy using iOS, I cannot count on it being a status quo or simplifying tool.

What is an example of a critically needed task that requires a work around?

 

[dk001]

Completely agreed. At best AFEPPL could say there are some vocal people on these boards that want it, but (A) I don't think you could even say "most people on these boards" and (b) these boards are from representative of the larger global consumer base.

As far as it being a "toy OS" - that's funny because that's what PC trolls call Mac OS.
[doublepost=1464175669][/doublepost]

What is an example of a critically needed task that requires a work around?

Filling in web based forms using data from other forms/documents.
Quick edits to attached documents in email.
Scan and send to a group.
Sending a SMS/MMS to a group.
Setting up a calendar event with attachments and notes.

I can do all of these easily on Android, OS X, and Windows. With iOS it takes a bit more work.

 

[bensisko]

Filling in web based forms using data from other forms/documents.
Quick edits to attached documents in email.
Scan and send to a group.
Sending a SMS/MMS to a group.
Setting up a calendar event with attachments and notes.

I can do all of these easily on Android, OS X, and Windows. With iOS it takes a bit more work.

Thank you for sharing! I think these are all a matter of personal workflow.

• I have no issues filling in web based forms, especially with split screen and slide over (though it was never a huge pain for me to Command-Tab to another app.
• In any other platform are you making edits in the default mail app? Personally, I've always had to open the attachment in another application so this doesn't bother me in the least on iOS.
• Scan and send to a group - easy peasy, especially with a scanner app (I actually find this to be MUCH quicker than using an actual scanner).
• Is the issue having a "Group"? You can create Groups in iCloud (yeah, I wish I could do it in the OS, but for me, it's minor).
• Calendar Meetings, especially with Exchange, is a HUGE issue and one of the things that I hate about iOS.

Different strokes for different folks - personally, I've never found any of these deal breakers, just minor annoyances (and every OS has annoyances). I can see how these things can add up for someone though.

For me, iOS is pretty great as it is because it allows me to do stuff quickly without having to bother with all the stuff a traditional computer will make you put up with (such as organizing files, having a 'desktop', etc.). I'm very much task-oriented so for me I want to concentrate on creating my training program, drawing, photography, etc. and iOS makes it very easy to do that in a way a Desktop computer can't (though Windows 8 had a HUGE potential before being ruined by Windows 10).

 

[AFEPPL]

Filling in web based forms using data from other forms/documents.
Quick edits to attached documents in email.
Scan and send to a group.
Sending a SMS/MMS to a group.
Setting up a calendar event with attachments and notes.

I can do all of these easily on Android, OS X, and Windows. With iOS it takes a bit more work.

Careful the iOS trolls will be after you!
How dare you say its not able to be a PC replacement even for basic tasks...

iOS sucks, i have all the devices, I'm given an opinion and pretty much everyone i've worked with in the tech industry shares it. Apple themselves have NOT replaced any of their employee PCs with iPads - speaks volumes!!!!!
Nor have SAP, IBM, Dell, EMC, Google, MS, Facebook...

It's a consumption device for youtube and apps, with "occasional" email thrown in.

 

[bensisko]

Careful the iOS trolls will be after you!
How dare you say its not able to be a PC replacement even for basic tasks...

iOS sucks, i have all the devices, I'm given an opinion and pretty much everyone i've worked with in the tech industry shares it. Apple themselves have NOT replaced any of their employee PCs with iPads - speaks volumes!!!!!
Nor have SAP, IBM, Dell, EMC, Google, MS, Facebook...

It's a consumption device for youtube and apps, with "occasional" email thrown in.

if iOS "sucks", then why do you have all the devices?

 

[Night Spring]

Apple themselves have NOT replaced any of their employee PCs with iPads - speaks volumes!!!!!

How do you know this?

One group of Apple employees that do use iOS devices is their store sales staff. Inventory checks, Genius Bar sign-ins, and sales processing are all done on iPads or specially equipped iPod touches.

 

[AFEPPL]

How do you know this?

One group of Apple employees that do use iOS devices is their store sales staff. Inventory checks, Genius Bar sign-ins, and sales processing are all done on iPads or specially equipped iPod touches.

I work "with" apple from time to time, so i know first hand they haven't.
The shops haven't replaced laptops at all. They never had them to start with... but iPhones could easily replace tablet - just like the sales stats show.

Can a tablet do similar things to a laptop? yes, but just because you "could", doesn't mean you should. You don't put wings on a bus and call it an aeroplane for the same reason.... its just easier to start from a different place.

However, for some they are happy with the compromise. one assumes this is why apple has a range of products in a range of sizes..

 

[Night Spring]

However, for some they are happy with the compromise. one assumes this is why apple has a range of products in a range of sizes..

This is what we've been saying all along!

 

[AFEPPL]

So you agree they are compromised
Isn't that what others have being saying all along?

 

[Christoffee]

I'm sure you'll know this, but some people might not, but in Mail if you hold down and from the pop up scroll to the right, you can choose Add Attachment.

From there you can add any Apple supported file format (txt/pdf/MP3/MP4/pages/numbers/whatever) from iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, maybe more I don't use any others.

Great tip!

 

[Night Spring]

So you agree they are compromised
Isn't that what others have being saying all along?

I don't think anyone has claimed that iPads can do everything a PC can do. So yes, in that sense, you could say they are compromised. But mostly it doesn't feel that way. To me, it feels freeing because I'm no longer tied to my desk in order to get work done. So the little workarounds I have to do on the iPad don't bother me, and don't feel like such a compromise. Working on a PC feels like being tied to a big truck and the iPad feels like a two-seat sports car. Sure, the sports car doesn't carry as much as a truck, and is totally the wrong tool if you are moving house, but if you are just driving yourself to the grocery store, you don't want to do that in a truck.

 

[Michael Goff]

So you agree they are compromised
Isn't that what others have being saying all along?

Every device out there is a compromise somehow.

 

[jeremiah256]

So you agree they are compromised
Isn't that what others have being saying all along?

Speaking only for myself, I've never worked at an organization that was ahead of the curve with regard to technology. Latest version of Windows? Nope. Office? No. Resisted using social media? Yep. Hung on to Blackberry till the bitter end? Yes. Yet, when I go to conferences, I'm seeing more and more people using their personal devices for work. And more and more, those devices are iPads. They're still in the minority, no question, but that are growing in number.

Do I think companies will be replacing PCs with iPads? No. Hell, I think even iPads are too powerful for some employees and a Chromebook, with a laptop form factor and the centralization it brings to the table, would be more appropriate. But mainly because companies lag when it comes to adoption of tech. A billion iOS devices sold. The even less powerful Chromebooks surpassing Macs in sales. The consumers are voting with their wallets and simple, yet effective is slowly beating powerful and complex.