iPad as a laptop replacement

[Kal Madda]

Ok, looks like FileBrowser Pro does, in fact, have such a solution. WebDAV sounds like it would work. So looks promising. 👍🏻

 

[sparksd]

Yeah, I was hoping to find a solution that doesn’t require VPN or Port Forwarding. Something more like a secure web connection style solution. More like VNC, but just for File access. But it seems like it’s very hard to find a solution like that. I read though that FileBrowser Pro was supposed to have a web-based access system for files that didn’t rely on VPN or port forwarding. So maybe that’s true, I guess I’ll have to keep looking into it. 👍🏻

Email Stratospherix Support with your questions. I've had dialogues with them in the past and they were extremely responsive.

 

[Kal Madda]

Email Stratospherix Support with your questions. I've had dialogues with them in the past and they were extremely responsive.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will do that. 👍🏻

 

[salamanderjuice]

I have used the connection via the Files app, and it works great when I’m on the local network, but it doesn’t work on remote networks without a solution like TailScale as far as I understand. But I already have a VPN I use for some other things, so I’d have to pick and choose one or the other and turn the VPN on and off every time, which makes that solution less appealing. My ISP router doesn’t support port forwarding either, I think there are some workarounds for that, but they’re pretty complicated as far as I understand.

Could I set up Files to connect with my Macs native storage without a VPN or port forwarding on another network? Because if I could, that would actually be the ideal solution. 👍🏻

If not, FileBrowser Pro sounds like it would be an easy setup if it works. And I was already thinking about buying it and trying it out anyways, so that could just be more value added and a one piece solution if it works. 👍🏻

PS, I also just looked up NextCloud, looks promising. 👍🏻. I’ll continue looking into it. 👍🏻

You can do port forwarding with a program on the computer too. I think I used to use PortMap but it hasn't been updated in a while so no idea if it still works.

 

[Ludatyk]

Now that I’ve simplified and improved my storage hardware setup, I’d like to improve and streamline my software setup for accessing the storage remotely. So far I’ve been using Screens, but a complete VNC solution just for accessing files seems a tad bit excessive, and is far less efficient than I’d like. I’ve been thinking about buying FileBrowser Pro, I know several people here in this thread have talked about it, and I just realized is has a built in solution for remote access to a Mac’s storage from an iPhone or iPad. This sounds like it would be ideal for my purposes, and it would be added value for purchasing the app. Has anyone else here who owns FileBrowser Pro (@Ludatyk and @bondr006 I think you both said something about using it before) used this functionality?

I believe it's possible to use the app in this manner, but I don't do so.

I do recommend buying it... its way more useful than Files app, FileBrowser provides so much customization and extra features. And the app is constantly getting updates... Initially, was using the FileBrowser Go and added the annual subscription. But the Pro version is the better buy, saving money in the longterm.

The only time I use the Files app... is to move files among apps. But I keep FileBrowser on the dock, use it daily.

 

[sparksd]

I believe it's possible to use the app in this manner, but I don't do so.

I do recommend buying it... its way more useful than Files app, FileBrowser provides so much customization and extra features. And the app is constantly getting updates... Initially, was using the FileBrowser Go and added the annual subscription. But the Pro version is the better buy, saving money in the longterm.

The only time I use the Files app... is to move files among apps. But I keep FileBrowser on the dock, use it daily.

I just ran into a nice feature it has that Files does not - ability to view Sony RAW images. iOS does not support the format natively but FB Pro does. It is one of my most-used apps.

 

[Kal Madda]

Email Stratospherix Support with your questions. I've had dialogues with them in the past and they were extremely responsive.

I emailed them, and apparently it doesn’t work without a VPN remotely. It looks like I’ll be sticking with VNC for file access. I don’t get why it seems every single option for remote file access needs a VPN on the phone end just to access files, but VNC which can control my entire computer doesn’t… Oh well, it’s been an exercise in frustration trying to look for a “simpler” option, but the VNC works fine for file access, so I guess I’ll just stick with that…

 

[sparksd]

I emailed them, and apparently it doesn’t work without a VPN remotely. It looks like I’ll be sticking with VNC for file access. I don’t get why it seems every single option for remote file access needs a VPN on the phone end just to access files, but VNC which can control my entire computer doesn’t… Oh well, it’s been an exercise in frustration trying to look for a “simpler” option, but the VNC works fine for file access, so I guess I’ll just stick with that…

I got curious and ran "why it seems every single option for remote file access needs a VPN on the phone end just to access files, but VNC which can control my entire computer doesn’t" through the Perplexity AI engine. What it said:

The difference in remote file access requiring a VPN versus VNC not needing one stems from how these technologies operate and their intended use cases.

Why File Access Often Requires a VPN

Network-Level Access: Remote file access typically involves connecting to a private network where the files are stored. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the network, allowing secure access to shared resources like file servers without exposing them to the public internet.​

Security Concerns: File-sharing protocols, such as SMB (used for network drives), are vulnerable when exposed directly to the internet. VPNs mitigate this risk by ensuring that only authorized users can access the network securely.​

Compliance and Logging: Businesses often require VPNs for file access to meet regulatory standards, track user activity, and prevent unauthorized access or malware attacks like ransomware.​

Why VNC Doesn't Necessarily Require a VPN

Direct Device Control: VNC operates at the application level, providing direct remote access to a computer's desktop rather than the entire network. This means you only need to connect to a specific device, not an entire network infrastructure.​

Public Internet Exposure: While VNC can work without a VPN, it typically requires port forwarding or exposing the VNC server to the internet. This is less secure unless encryption is manually enabled or used alongside an SSH tunnel.​

Simpler Setup: VNC is easier to configure for individual device control without additional networking equipment like VPN servers. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of weaker security compared to VPNs​

 

[Ludatyk]

I just ran into a nice feature it has that Files does not - ability to view Sony RAW images. iOS does not support the format natively but FB Pro does. It is one of my most-used apps.

Well, I need to email them about supporting Lumix RAW images.

 

[sparksd]

Well, I need to email them about supporting Lumix RAW images.

Do - as I noted above, they're real responsive and as you said, great with the updates.

 

[Ludatyk]

Do - as I noted above, they're real responsive and as you said, great with the updates.

Oh yeah, i just did. Once you mention Sony support… I noticed my Lumix RAW images was not supported when I went into the app, will provide an update on their response.

 

[sparksd]

Oh yeah, i just did. Once you mention Sony support… I noticed my Lumix RAW images was not supported when I went into the app, will provide an update on their response.

I recently picked up the Sony and saw that it worked. Same with Canon CR1 & CR3 RAW images - no support in native iOS (e.g., Files) but they are displayed by FB Pro.

 

[salamanderjuice]

I emailed them, and apparently it doesn’t work without a VPN remotely. It looks like I’ll be sticking with VNC for file access. I don’t get why it seems every single option for remote file access needs a VPN on the phone end just to access files, but VNC which can control my entire computer doesn’t… Oh well, it’s been an exercise in frustration trying to look for a “simpler” option, but the VNC works fine for file access, so I guess I’ll just stick with that…

SCP? SFTP?

 

[Ludatyk]

I recently picked up the Sony and saw that it worked. Same with Canon CR1 & CR3 RAW images - no support in native iOS (e.g., Files) but they are displayed by FB Pro.

Received an email... they responded with a thanks for the suggestion and asked to upload a Lumix RAW image file to some Google Drive (customer test) shared album, for which I did.

I'm able to see the thumbnail for the RAW images, just when I try to open it... not supported. So, hopefully we get an update soon regarding Lumix RAW image support!

 

[Ultracyclist]

Guy’s I know I don’t responded much, but I do read (almost) everything.

As we ar on the .4 update on the OS 18 side of things, it means we get you be on the lookout for OS 19!

What would you guys want or need in the 19 update to make the iPad more of an computer than it already is?

The “must” have:
For me it definitely is the possibility to have multiple audio channels. Not so much for listening to more than one source, but more to have an external USB microphone and a bluetooth headphone at the same time.

Nice to have, maybe..:
Cursor selector. Based on pref.
Screen off when docked mode.
Screensaver features.
Full use of (mac) magickeyboard functions (like fingerprint ID) and the use of macro’s.

 

[Ludatyk]

What would you guys want or need in the 19 update to make the iPad more of an computer than it already is?

The “must” have:
For me it definitely is the possibility to have multiple audio channels. Not so much for listening to more than one source, but more to have an external USB microphone and a bluetooth headphone at the same time.

Stream Multiple Audio streams? I've been advocating this for years now! Each year... we get rumors of it coming, but the feature don't show up.

And I think partly the reason why this feature never shows is the difficulty in designing for it.... I often use it on my Galaxy Fold and it's not on by default. Galaxy users have to go and install it, which is why I think Apple has to factor in the casual iPad users.

Because not all iPad users are the same... some users will think something is wrong with their iPad if they see multiple audio sources playing at the same time. Confused on how to fix it (so many calls to family or friends), hopefully... Apple finds away to implement it in a fashion that pleases everyone.

And what do I need in an 19 update? I don't know at this point... I think virtualization is high on the list. But highly doubt Apple does that and with all this discussion on a redesign, not sure how many iPad-only features we get.

 

[Kal Madda]

Stream Multiple Audio streams? I've been advocating this for years now! Each year... we get rumors of it coming, but the feature don't show up.

And I think partly the reason why this feature never shows is the difficulty in designing for it.... I often use it on my Galaxy Fold and it's not on by default. Galaxy users have to go and install it, which is why I think Apple has to factor in the casual iPad users.

Because not all iPad users are the same... some users will think something is wrong with their iPad if they see multiple audio sources playing at the same time. Confused on how to fix it (so many calls to family or friends), hopefully... Apple finds away to implement it in a fashion that pleases everyone.

And what do I need in an 19 update? I don't know at this point... I think virtualization is high on the list. But highly doubt Apple does that and with all this discussion on a redesign, not sure how many iPad-only features we get.

Yeah, I think now with the new Control Center, they could possibly add it as a control option, and maybe have it as a setting that’s switched off by default somewhere in the Settings app. But I think the new Control Center will hopefully make multiple audio streaming easier to implement. 👍🏻

 

[Kal Madda]

I found a great solution for my private cloud setup!!! I decided to try TeamViewer, and I discovered it has a direct “File Transfer” mode! 👍🏻. This works so much faster on lower bandwidth than trying to stream the Mac’s display, doesn’t require the monitor connected to the Mac Mini to wake, and is much faster and more convenient for accessing files! The entire filesystem of my Mac Mini and connected drives are visible to me when I connect, so I can easily navigate to the files I want. And when I transfer files to my remote device, they can save to folders setup in the TeamViewer location right in the Files app! I’m so excited about this setup, this is basically exactly what I was looking for!!! 👍🏻. My “private cloud” just got so much better! 👍🏻

 

[Ludatyk]

Yeah, I think now with the new Control Center, they could possibly add it as a control option, and maybe have it as a setting that’s switched off by default somewhere in the Settings app. But I think the new Control Center will hopefully make multiple audio streaming easier to implement. 👍🏻

Possibly. Rumors were that it would be triggered by Stage Manager being enabled.

But on the topic of what @Ultracyclist mention… recording from an external microphone and using some bluetooth audio device. This particular method can be done already… Christopher Lawley discussed it in a YT video and Federico wrote an article using this device.

 

[NastyMatt]

Guy’s I know I don’t responded much, but I do read (almost) everything.

As we ar on the .4 update on the OS 18 side of things, it means we get you be on the lookout for OS 19!

What would you guys want or need in the 19 update to make the iPad more of an computer than it already is?

The “must” have:
For me it definitely is the possibility to have multiple audio channels. Not so much for listening to more than one source, but more to have an external USB microphone and a bluetooth headphone at the same time.

Nice to have, maybe..:
Cursor selector. Based on pref.
Screen off when docked mode.
Screensaver features.
Full use of (mac) magickeyboard functions (like fingerprint ID) and the use of macro’s.

For me the one feature I truly want is a desktop class browser. So many apps are web based now and the majority of the time they work fine on the iPad but there is the odd time when it just doesn’t work quite right (Wix??). Google apps in a browser would be so much better.

Everything else is a nice to have.

 

[Kal Madda]

For me the one feature I truly want is a desktop class browser. So many apps are web based now and the majority of the time they work fine on the iPad but there is the odd time when it just doesn’t work quite right (Wix??). Google apps in a browser would be so much better.

Everything else is a nice to have.

I agree with you, some improvements to Safari would be nice. One thing I thought worth mentioning though is that the Google web apps do work currently on Safari. I tested all the major ones out and compared them against the same web version running on the Mac in Safari. Both work the same in every way I tested them. 👍🏻. But word of caution, they won’t work if you have the native App Store versions of the Google apps installed. Google will automatically detect you have those apps installed and redirect you to those. That’s annoying, but Microsoft does the exact same thing for some reason. But without the native apps installed, it works just like on the Mac in Safari from everything I’ve tested in them. 👍🏻

 

[Ultracyclist]

Possibly. Rumors were that it would be triggered by Stage Manager being enabled.

But on the topic of what @Ultracyclist mention… recording from an external microphone and using some bluetooth audio device. This particular method can be done already… Christopher Lawley discussed it in a YT video and Federico wrote an article using this device.

Dispite the fact its a 1K device, its a extra device. I just want to be able to use a USB microphone and a Bluetooth headphone at the same time. Or even a Wireless mic and a wireless headphone at the same time.

 

[Ludatyk]

Dispite the fact its a 1K device, its an extra device. I just want to be able to use a USB microphone and a Bluetooth headphone at the same time. Or even a Wireless mic and a wireless headphone at the same time.

Fair enough. I’m just sharing that it’s possible.

 

[NastyMatt]

I agree with you, some improvements to Safari would be nice. One thing I thought worth mentioning though is that the Google web apps do work currently on Safari. I tested all the major ones out and compared them against the same web version running on the Mac in Safari. Both work the same in every way I tested them. 👍🏻. But word of caution, they won’t work if you have the native App Store versions of the Google apps installed. Google will automatically detect you have those apps installed and redirect you to those. That’s annoying, but Microsoft does the exact same thing for some reason. But without the native apps installed, it works just like on the Mac in Safari from everything I’ve tested in them. 👍🏻

You can still use Google apps in a browser even with the native app installed, hold the ‘cmd’ key down when you click the file (in Google Drive) and it will open in the browser. I mix between the two browser and app.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

For me the one feature I truly want is a desktop class browser. So many apps are web based now and the majority of the time they work fine on the iPad but there is the odd time when it just doesn’t work quite right (Wix??). Google apps in a browser would be so much better.

Everything else is a nice to have.

+1 for desktop class browser. Even Safari for MacOS will do. There are sites which just don’t work on iPad and it took months to find a cumbersome workaround.