So it really does have a USB.... well kind of.

[Drag'nGT]

So the iPad does 95% of what I want it to do. But I see others who, like me have wondered about moving files back and forth with it but it seems to lack a USB...well almost.

According to Apple "using the camera's USB cable. Or the SD card reader." See pic.

So the one on the left is a USB port... what keeps this from mounting a drive from it or using it for anything else, say printing from it. *cough* Jailbreak* We can debate whether or not it should have been put directly into the device but the real question is to what extent does this 30pin to USB adapter work? This and confirmation that Pages and Keynote can read and edit Word and Powerpoint files.

 

[Steve686]

These plugs are why I am getting an iPad and leaving my UMBP home when I go to World Cup this year.

I do wonder about using an iPhone camera plugged into the iPad as a remote camera. Or trading movies and pictures directly between iPhone and iPad.

 

[bozzykid]

I love how Apple renames an accessory and people think they are new.

 

[mrgreen4242]

I love how Apple renames an accessory and people think they are new.

Hehe. You have to remember that Apple picked up ALOT of new users/fans after the iPhone/touch were released, so it's new to them.

I'm curious about the adaptor, though. It will be interesting to see if they allow developers to access the media connected through it or if it will be exclusively used for the Photo app...

 

[MikeyTree]

I'm curious about the adaptor, though. It will be interesting to see if they allow developers to access the media connected through it or if it will be exclusively used for the Photo app...

That's the big question on my mind. If the media in the card or usb drive can be read by apps - as if the data were inside the "shared directory" that the SDK revealed - then one of my biggest concerns about the iPad would disappear.

 

[DoFoT9]

That's the big question on my mind. If the media in the card or usb drive can be read by apps - as if the data were inside the "shared directory" that the SDK revealed - then one of my biggest concerns about the iPad would disappear.

you would think that compatibility would be built in for "mounting" drives. SURELY you dont have to sync your documents with itunes

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Just subscribe to MobileMe.

 

[mrgreen4242]

Just subscribe to MobileMe.

$100 per year for Mobile me and $360 for 3G. So $460 per year, and $130 upfront investment, for a problem that a $20 adaptor and a $20 SD card can solve?

 

[cmaier]

you would think that compatibility would be built in for "mounting" drives. SURELY you dont have to sync your documents with itunes

the iPad mounts on your PC/Mac as a drive, and each application has its own documents/shared folder (if it wants one) which show up in the mounted drive.

 

[RazHyena]

Would a webcam work with that USB adapter?

If so, then................. -->

 

[fenman]

If this thing will be able to display and do light touch-up on raw image files, not just jpegs, that would almost be worth the price on its own. With IPS screen its even possible to half-decently calibrate it.

 

[cmaier]

Would a webcam work with that USB adapter?

If so, then................. -->

No indication that it would.

 

[PracticalMac]

Would a webcam work with that USB adapter?

If so, then................. -->

It depends:

Is the iPad a USB host, or a client?

if it is a client, then there is no way.

One of the major failings of USB

 

[DoFoT9]

the iPad mounts on your PC/Mac as a drive, and each application has its own documents/shared folder (if it wants one) which show up in the mounted drive.

ahh that makes sense. it better! hehe

i wonder if you can save to an external drive from the iPad.

 

[cmaier]

ahh that makes sense. it better! hehe

i wonder if you can save to an external drive from the iPad.

According to appleinsider, you'll be able to move things to bonjour shares, ...

 

[DoFoT9]

According to appleinsider, you'll be able to move things to bonjour shares, ...

right, thanks. better then nothing i spose.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

$100 per year for Mobile me and $360 for 3G. So $460 per year, and $130 upfront investment, for a problem that a $20 adaptor and a $20 SD card can solve?

You don't have a phone? $100 per year (actually less than that if you shop around) is totally worth it for over the air syncing of iCal and Address Book.

 

[cmaier]

You don't have a phone? $100 per year (actually less than that if you shop around) is totally worth it for over the air syncing of iCal and Address Book.

Google does it for free

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Google does it for free

MM also has iDisk, which renders having a USB port moot for the purpose of the OP.

 

[8CoreWhore]

I wonder... will these only be recognized by the photo and video importer? It could be they can't be used in any other way.

 

[cmaier]

MM also has iDisk, which renders having a USB port moot for the purpose of the OP.

True. Dropbox, anyone? ;-)