example of ios cannot replace a computer

[ifxf]

recently I tried to file a claim using my ipad, normally I would use my mac but all the data required was available as either a email or as pdf files attached to an email. The first issue was turning an email into a pdf. Searching the web turned up a non-obvious way of doing it via print but it was not the obvious menu way used on the Mac. The resulting email ended up in Books. Going to iBooks showed no integration with Files so I emailed the file to myself so I could use Mail to save the pdf to Files. While doing this I noticed that Books has a bug in its Rename dialog where the buttons are blank (this may be due my using a larger font). Saving pdf files in emails was easy but you need to wait while email insists on opening document preview window. Finally, I can upload the documents to the web site. Accessing the files via “Choose files” option in Safari showed a default flattened via of all files on the ipad plus files on network drives such as GDrive. This forced me to change the view to files on the ipad.

So I could file my claim but it was much more painful, required more steps and like Windows required me to search the web on how to perform certain steps. In my view, Apple now prioritizes “user privacy“ over designing its apps for user friendlines.

Why does Apple not integrate the Files app with their other standard apps such as Books, Notes, Music, Voice menus, etc?

Why are last views only partially persistent? Examples, bookmarks in Safari, Library in Books and “on my ipad” in Files. All these views at what seems like a random time will reset to Apple’s default view.

 

[Krypton Deer]

The first issue was turning an email into a pdf. Searching the web turned up a non-obvious way of doing it via print but it was not the obvious menu way used on the Mac. The resulting email ended up in Books.

https://www.imore.com/how-save-email-pdf-iphone-and-ipad
You can print-save it to Files app directly

Saving pdf files in emails was easy but you need to wait while email insists on opening document preview window.

Yes default mail app doesn't have save all attachments button - one of the reasons I switched to Spark.

Accessing the files via “Choose files” option in Safari showed a default flattened via of all files

You can actually drag and drop the files on top of the "choose files" button.

iOS does require learning new workflows for many tasks and many great features are hidden, like I found out two-finger scrolling can multi-select emails in the mail app not long ago. Apple can/should communicate these better.

 

[MozMan68]

a) iOS was never designed to replace a computer

b) it CAN if you know the correct steps in most cases and/or are willing to do some extra work in some cases to make it happen

With that being said, I use my iPad instead of my work issued Windows laptop when I travel and love it...my only issue is that every once in a while, I need to use my companies VPN to access or approve certain functions. I'm certain there is a way to do that on the iPad. I've just chosen to wait until I am back at my laptop to so it...hah!

(and if anyone wants to tell me how so I don't have to research online...thanks!)

 

[NoBoMac]

The resulting email ended up in Books.

With the Share Sheet, all your cloud drives should be available to save the printed PDF to (Files, GDrive, Dropbox, etc).

True, not obvious that Print from Share Sheet is how to generate a PDF.

Not seeing the other issues, though.

 

[rui no onna]

recently I tried to file a claim using my ipad, normally I would use my mac but all the data required was available as either a email or as pdf files attached to an email. The first issue was turning an email into a pdf. Searching the web turned up a non-obvious way of doing it via print but it was not the obvious menu way used on the Mac. The resulting email ended up in Books. Going to iBooks showed no integration with Files so I emailed the file to myself so I could use Mail to save the pdf to Files. While doing this I noticed that Books has a bug in its Rename dialog where the buttons are blank (this may be due my using a larger font). Saving pdf files in emails was easy but you need to wait while email insists on opening document preview window. Finally, I can upload the documents to the web site. Accessing the files via “Choose files” option in Safari showed a default flattened via of all files on the ipad plus files on network drives such as GDrive. This forced me to change the view to files on the ipad.

So I could file my claim but it was much more painful, required more steps and like Windows required me to search the web on how to perform certain steps. In my view, Apple now prioritizes “user privacy“ over designing its apps for user friendlines.

iOS has a restricted environment by design. In the early days, it wasn’t even possible to attach non-photo files in email at all (at least not without a 3rd party app). There was no Files app or iCloud Drive. It’s a wee bit more open now but I wouldn’t expect a fully accessible system like Mac/Linux/Windows.

I believe the flattened view you’re referring to just shows Recent files (makes sense, I think). It’s easy enough to go to the folder you need.

@Krypton Deer has shown an easier way to print to PDF without going through the Books app. That’s what I’ve been using after I learned about it. Granted, it would be more user friendly if Apple either creates a dedicated Save to PDF menu item or makes PDF an available printer.

Mind you, after decades on Windows, I didn’t find MacOS particularly user-friendly either. Despite the restrictions, I found iOS far easier to learn than MacOS. I think it’s really more about what you’re used to.

Why are last views only partially persistent? Examples, bookmarks in Safari, Library in Books and “on my ipad” in Files. All these views at what seems like a random time will reset to Apple’s default view.

Not sure about the other examples but Safari bookmarks used to be persistent on iOS 14 before they added tab groups and before all the iOS 15 bugs. I’ve sent feedback to Apple but it will probably help if more people send them complaints regarding this issue.

 

[w5jck]

Despite Apple trying to present the iPads, especially the iPad Pro models, as laptop replacements, they are crippled by a pathetic iPadOS. I can do most things on a laptop (MacBook) in a very small fraction of the time it takes to accomplish the same thing on an iPad. Everything on the iPad as for as workflow is pretty much kluge and ridiculously requires a boat load of gestures and workarounds. iPadOS still doesn't even have a true file system. At the current time, the new iPad Pros and iPad Air 2022 all have more than enough processor power to replace a lot of laptops, but iPadOS is a total, useless, pathetic piece of moo-poo. Plus the USB-C ports seem to be purposely throttled.

Buy an iPad if you want to surf the internet, play games, keep up with people on social networks, view photos and videos, or even stream media. iPads are basically entertainment devices. But buy a laptop (MacBook) if you want to actually get a lot of work done without much hassle and without having to use a million gestures and workarounds, all of which are a huge waste of your time.

 

[ifxf]

It is not even a good device to play games. Get to close to the edge while swiping, you suddenly find yourself in a different app (mostly Safari). The funny thing when you try to reproduce the issue, it doesn’t happen. Searching the web it appears that this so called functionality is associated with multitasking and you can’t disable it.

 

[rui no onna]

It is not even a good device to play games. Get to close to the edge while swiping, you suddenly find yourself in a different app (mostly Safari). The funny thing when you try to reproduce the issue, it doesn’t happen. Searching the web it appears that this so called functionality is associated with multitasking and you can’t disable it.

Guess that’s another thing to send feedback to Apple about. It used to be possible to disable multitasking on iOS 14 and earlier (I disabled it for my mom and dad’s iPads). Luckily, they’re still on iOS 14.8.1 so they don’t have to bother with iOS 15’s quirks.