Dear Aunt TUAW: Transferring iWork files from iPad without iTunes

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Wait... transferring iWork documents to a computer that doesn't have iTunes installed? I'd assume this is a Mac, since Windows doesn't read iWork documents anyway, and how old is your Mac if it didn't come preloaded with iTunes?

I know this question is theoretical anyway. It's just a ruse to demonstrate how to share iWork documents. There is no Jack. You don't fool me...

I just tried logging into iWork.com and it didn't work with either of my Apple IDs. Lame

I preordered a WiFi + 3G iPad and have been loving it for the past two weeks.

My sole source of frustration is exactly this topic. I desire a cloud-based solution to store my key documents, and edit those on iPad, and upload the revised document once complete.

I expected MobileMe to provide this type of functionality. It does not.

I find GoodReader and Dropbox can OPEN documents in Pages, etc - but once you're done saving, there's no good way to get those docs back to the cloud (i.e., export to Dropbox).

Oddly, Box.net has an email-based upload feature (meaning it can do what Dropbox can't), but it can't do what Dropbox can (i.e., open a document in Pages from the Box app).

From what I understand, the ability to open a doc is open to developers - which is why I am not sure why Box.net hasn't integrated this yet. The ability to export back to a cloud (export edited doc back to Dropbox, etc) through native app functionality is a bottleneck created by Apple. The only other solution I can think of is export via email (like Box.net has).

I know Dropbox has an externally-developed-but-compatible workaround to upload via email but I would prefer something a little more native.

If anyone has answers, I'm listening eagerly.

Living outside the US, I have yet to get my hands on an iPad.

I intend to use my iPad (when I ultimately get it - shipment is already delayed to 7 June 10) for business with intense Keynote usage.

As a norm I dislike any workaround that costs money in the form of data transfer by email or connection to a service like iWork.

I am surprised and disappointed to hear that Apple does not permit 'drag & drop' on the Finder level when an iPad is connected to a Mac.

jv1979 said: 'Well that's because they pretty much tout it as a laptop computer.' I don't think so. Apple has never claimed that the iPad could/should replace a laptop. However, many tech writers have. See more here - http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=iPad+as+laptop&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

You said: 'Take out the apps that 'create content'...like iWork.' That might work for most people. But there will always be a small percentage that will insist on pigeonholing the iPad into a laptop's space.

Walt Mossberg (of WSJ fame) concluded his review with this: "My verdict is that, while it has compromises and drawbacks, the iPad can indeed replace a laptop for most data communication, content consumption and even limited content creation, a lot of the time. But it all depends on how you use your computer."

Dropbox.

But on iTunes and documents -- dumb, dumb, dumb.

Having used the iPad for a week now, this thing ROCKS for my work. It's got some warts, but this is the way of the future, no doubt.

But, competitors (if they get here) could certainly take a slice from Apple IF Apple insists on using that lame, lame, lame iTunes interface. It's great for music, but I think it blows for TV and movies, and for docs? Fuggadaboutit.

Why is it some many people want to remake the iPad into a laptop computer? It's not, you know. Apple designed the iPad as a 'content consuming' device, not a 'content creation' device.

Will Apple make it easier to create content and transfer it off the iPad to another device (like your desktop)? Maybe. But I see it in the same vein as transferring music from your iPod to another computer that's not yours. It CAN be done, but Apple's not going to make it any easier than it has to.

Apple doesn't want to create a $500 laptop. Want a laptop with all the functionality that comes with it? Buy a laptop. Want something to enjoy content (movies, video, pictures, music, games, surfing the web, e-mail, etc)? Get an iPad.

Haven't tried it yet because I don't have any iWork apps installed on my iPad, but if you use Google Docs you should be able to upload whatever file you have to that location.
Till Apple goes cloud based intergrating all the Google products works nicely.

Drag & Drop from iPad to iMac and visa versa is unfortunately only possible through jailbreak.

I know why apple has taken this most obvious functionality out of its idevices, it's because from a hacking point of view, they simpy prefer to restrict access to the file system so directly, which has the adverse effect of making a simple task quite cumbersome and/or slow through other means (like syncing or emailing). Ironic since apple is king of making things simpler normally.