thumb drive to iPad (ios)

[FortWorthMac]

So Apple is trying to market the iPad as a laptop replacement. Maybe in Cupertino, but in the real world, doesn't work that way.

As a cop, I go to several schools a year and in most classes, we get thumb drives of the class data, notes, power points, etc.

As my fellow students are pulling the data up on their laptops, I'm stuck playing with myself as the iPad obviously doesn't have a USB port. So, I started looking on Amazon and there really aren't many options that I can tell with seamlessly allows one to, at the very least, READ from a thumb drive. I'm I missing something here?

Thanks

 

[skoosht]

This will read Micro SD cards. I use it to watch movies on a plane. You do have to use their app to read from the card, but at least you're part of the way there.

https://www.amazon.com/TIMESPA-SD-c...01J2Z88U2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[cruisin]

You can get the Camera Connection Kit, which has a USB port to pull photos from a camera. It should also work for most flash drives, as long as they don't need an outrageous amount of power (the iPad will say if the device is using too much power).

 

[ActionableMango]

I'm I missing something here?

No, there's nothing you can do other than a complete workaround like having someone copy the files to their laptop and then emailing them to you.

Don't pay any attention to the camera kit advice, that will not work for your scenario at all.

 

[FortWorthMac]

No, there's nothing you can do other than a complete workaround like having someone copy the files to their laptop and then emailing them to you.

Don't pay any attention to the camera kit advice, that will not work for your scenario at all.

Which is really a bunch of crap! What's the point of limiting a great device like that other than to screw one's customers? Sigh. Thanks for the reply.

 

[sparksd]

This is what I use in a similar situation:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016ZWS9ZE

Works great with USB storage (I generally use a 4TB HDD with it). I also use third-party file browsers on the iPad with it - FileExplorer and FileBrowser.

 

[FortWorthMac]

This is what I use in a similar situation:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016ZWS9ZE

Works great with USB storage (I generally use a 4TB HDD with it). I also use third-party file browsers on the iPad with it - FileExplorer and FileBrowser.

Interesting.....

But let me see if I understand correctly how it works. One can plug a thumb drive (or in your case, a hard drive) into the device. It then emits an adhoc wifi signal and one can connect to it and transfer files from the USB media?

Thanks

 

[FortWorthMac]

Interesting.....

But let me see if I understand correctly how it works. One can plug a thumb drive (or in your case, a hard drive) into the device. It then emits an adhoc wifi signal and one can connect to it and transfer files from the USB media?

Thanks

And to clarify, it's not media files on the thumb drives. It's generally word, PDF, power point, etc.

 

[sparksd]

Interesting.....

But let me see if I understand correctly how it works. One can plug a thumb drive (or in your case, a hard drive) into the device. It then emits an adhoc wifi signal and one can connect to it and transfer files from the USB media?

Thanks

Yes. It has its own network that you connect to from your iPad. The drive and its contents are visible using the FileHub app or by creating a connection to the FileHub in another file manager app.
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And to clarify, it's not media files on the thumb drives. It's generally word, PDF, power point, etc.

Any files work, it is not just a media device.
[doublepost=1515467627][/doublepost]

And to clarify, it's not media files on the thumb drives. It's generally word, PDF, power point, etc.

Also, it's two-way in that you can both read from and write to the attached storage from the iPad.

 

[FortWorthMac]

Thanks. This is certainly an interesting possibility.

 

[sparksd]

Thanks. This is certainly an interesting possibility.

Another option is to use your own thumb drive compatible with the iPad and USB:

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-iXpand-iPhone-Silver-SDIX30C-032G-GN6NN/dp/B01CIEBU22

 

[FortWorthMac]

That wouldn’t work generally as my problem is, getting thumb drives in class and needing to get media from it to the tablet. But thanks.

 

[sparksd]

That wouldn’t work generally as my problem is, getting thumb drives in class and needing to get media from it to the tablet. But thanks.

Got it. Something like the wireless FileHub is probably your only option. Kingston makes a similar device -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019PY0ORK

It also works well (I have one) but I prefer the RAVPower device - incredibly simple and quick to use. Once you have it set up, your iPad remembers its WiFi connection so its immediately available when powered on.

 

[Count Blah]

Which is really a bunch of crap! What's the point of limiting a great device like that other than to screw one's customers? Sigh. Thanks for the reply.

Because Apple says so.

It's a computer replacement, says Tim - It's true, except for those nagging computer type tasks.

 

[FortWorthMac]

Because Apple says so.

It's a computer replacement, says Tim - It's true, except for those nagging computer type tasks.

EXACTLY! It's a great device. That could be so, so much better, and a true laptop replacement if apple didn't handcuff it so.

 

[TinyChip]

I second sparksd’s recommendation for RAVPower FileHub Plus, only $40 on Amazon. The workaround to iOS limitation when it comes to accessing external storage is to use a device with a self-generating WIFI hotpot—such as this particular RAVPower model. It has a port for SD card and a USB port to connect thumb drive or portable HD drive. You can then connect wirelessly to these storage devices. The bonus feature is it is also a power bank.

 

[mofunk]

Technically Apple is right...if you look up the term laptop which is a computer that is mobile.


It sounds like you need a Hub to connect your Flash drive which you can then connect to your iPad? I've been looking for something for my photography but haven't pinned down what I need.

But just looking around..idk if it would work but what if you had a Hub that you could connect the Flash Drive to and in another port you connect your iPad? Contact B&H and tell them your problem. Maybe they will have a solution. I think that's another source. Pick the brains of stores that specialize in using iPads more than the average users. Another store you can ask is Sweetwater. They also are a pretty good source.


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1265184-REG/xcellon_usb_7phd2_7_port_aluminum_usb_3_0.html

 

[akash.nu]

Because Apple says so.

It's a computer replacement, says Tim - It's true, except for those nagging computer type tasks.

It is a computer replacement provided you do everything online. In OPs scenario an easy google drive folder can fix the issue where the students upload whatever they have to and then the OP can access them from his iPad.

 

[elf69]

In my opinion this very reason is the only reason some people buy android tablets for usb support.

I love my iPad but if going to work or friends I take my Samsung tablet as it has the usb and can use flash drives etc.

The iPad is far superior device but for usb support.
of course as above there are work arounds.

 

[andytiedye]

Is it not possible for an ipad to be a USB bus master? No "on the go" ?

(I do it all the time m my Samsung tablet. I just assumed an ipad would have that capability).

 

[elf69]

no OTG on iPad.

Yes I took use my Samsung with an OTG cable and my android phone too!

 

[Newtons Apple]

Which is really a bunch of crap! What's the point of limiting a great device like that other than to screw one's customers? Sigh. Thanks for the reply.

This is what does NOT make the iPad a real computer. I love my 10.5 but Apple continues to hamper its abilities.

 

[mikzn]

So Apple is trying to market the iPad as a laptop replacement. Maybe in Cupertino, but in the real world, doesn't work that way.

As a cop, I go to several schools a year and in most classes, we get thumb drives of the class data, notes, power points, etc.

Thanks

Not exactly what you're looking for but if you upload those files into iCloud Drive you'll be able to access them from your iPad on demand. I use this a lot for file access on the iPad when I don't have my laptop with me - works great.

 

[elf69]

thing is guys as OP say he gets the files when he goes to the school so he is not able to pre upload ready for class.

this is his issue.
the devices above that allow for wireless access is going to be best option.

I have one of these:

https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-optical-smart-hub-se-208bw/review/

I connect it to my router via ethernet then have access to the optical and what ever is in the USB port plus internet.
I have to say though the software for viewing the usb device is quite poorly written and a bit awkward to use.

 

[bensisko]

EXACTLY! It's a great device. That could be so, so much better, and a true laptop replacement if apple didn't handcuff it so.

You know, there are other tablets out there if the iPad doesn’t meet your needs...