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Question

Traveling with an iPad instead of a laptop

by May 23, 2013 7:48AM PDT

I have recently been given an ipad as a gift. Version 6.1.3, 64G storage from what I can tell. I am about spend 3 months traveling and doing research in the Amazon and I'm thinking about using my ipad instead of taking my much heavier and bulkier laptop. I know there are some limitations but as long as I can access external storage, I think I can cope with those. I'll need to be able to access files from an mp3 recorder and from my camera, ideally on an external hard drive. I'll also be taking notes but I think the notes app will be fine for that initially. Goes without saying I won't be able to use the cloud, and internet access will be occasional. Any input?

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Answer
I don't think.....
by Forum moderator May 23, 2013 7:59AM PDT

....that the iPad can plug via a cord to an external storage device, only wirelessly.

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Answer
As mentioned, the iPad will not drive an external
by Forum moderator May 23, 2013 8:18AM PDT

hard drive, just not enough power in the USB channel.

However, it does have enough to power a large capacity Flash Drive.

All you need it the camera attachment, available from the Apple Store, which connects to the bottom of your iPad and has a USB connector on it.
Make sure you have the right connector for your particular iPad. The new iPads have the Lightning connector, like the iPhone5, and not the wide connector that is on all the other older iDevices.

Just checked the Store and find that they only make the one adapter so, if you have the small lightning connector, both the camera kit: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A/apple-ipad-camera-connection-kit?fnode=3a There are two devices in the kit. One has a USB connector and the other has an SD card reader.
AND the
Lightning to 30 Pin adapter kit: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD823ZM/A/lightning-to-30-pin-adapter?fnode=3a

Hope this helps

P

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External hard drive vs. Flash drive
by christina_call May 26, 2013 3:12AM PDT

I liked this idea of using a flash drive to store files. I went over to the apple store the other day to see what they thought about the whole sitch and they pointed out that there's no way to access files stored on a flash drive, or to move those files back and forth.

However, they did some quick (very quick) research and came back very excited about the idea of using the Seagate wireless external harddrive for this purpose. Seagate has a free app that provides file access to its wireless server. I think I'm going to go invest the money and check it out, since my laptop might be on the fritz anyway. I'll let y'all know how it works. Thanks for all the input!

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Not true
by Pepe7 May 28, 2013 7:22AM PDT

You most certainly *can* access <most> files on the flash drive, you just cannot *save* to that location, only to internal memory or to the cloud. This just proves that the Apple stores have just as many 'knowledge' issues <ahem> about using their own products as other shops (LOL).

cheers

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Answer
If you can, backup more critical files twice
by May 24, 2013 1:41AM PDT

My experience supporting researchers working 'off the grid' per se leads me to always create redundant backups, especially when travelling/staying in more rustic settings. I suggest also placing more critical files on a simple flash drive too, since they are much less susceptible to breakdown, unlike externals. Redundancy is king.

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