Time Machine on the iPad

[EssentialParado]

I'm wondering what's missing from the iPad that stops it from being a viable "full computer" in its own right (no, this is not a thread to debate Flash, multi-tasking, or the lack of a camera, etc.).

One main thing I think that's missing without requiring another computer involved is backups. How long before anyone expects Apple to release a Time Machine app for the iPad? And how would it work? Obviously it would work over WiFi, and would likely backup all Apps, emails, and the shared folder files, but how would the *interface* actually work? Apple are being very insistent that developers can't use a file system metaphor for accessing files on the iPad, but this makes me wonder how Apple could portray the Time Machine interface on an iPad without being able to show files and folders.

 

[miles01110]

I'm wondering what's missing from the iPad that stops it from being a viable "full computer" in its own right (no, this is not a thread to debate Flash, multi-tasking, or the lack of a camera, etc.).

This defeats your entire premise, fyi.

How long before anyone expects Apple to release a Time Machine app for the iPad? And how would it work? Obviously it would work over WiFi, and would likely backup all Apps, emails, and the shared folder files, but how would the *interface* actually work? Apple are being very insistent that developers can't use a file system metaphor for accessing files on the iPad, but this makes me wonder how Apple could portray the Time Machine interface on an iPad without being able to show files and folders.

How is anyone supposed to know? Why don't you just wait and find out?

 

[DaveSW]

well you've got iTunes.

 

[melman101]

I personally don't think we will see one. We haven't for the iPhone yet.

 

[Damian.]

Same as other media devices: iTunes.

 

[EssentialParado]

^ How am I supposed to use iTunes to backup my files?

This defeats your entire premise, fyi.

Why?

 

[thejakill]

^ How am I supposed to use iTunes to backup my files?


Why?

iTunes already does a full backup of iPhone whenever you plug it in. I'm assuming it will do the same with ipad.

 

[Doju]

iTunes already does a full backup of iPhone whenever you plug it in. I'm assuming it will do the same with ipad.

This.

Or, apps on the iPad with the new SDK can make a public folder for other apps to access them. If other apps can access them, they can back them up. You just need the right app.

Dropbox could do it quite easily, I'd imagine.

 

[thejakill]

This.

Or, apps on the iPad with the new SDK can make a public folder for other apps to access them. If other apps can access them, they can back them up. You just need the right app.

Dropbox could do it quite easily, I'd imagine.

And doesn't pages have some kind of backup where it transfers files to the mac in order to keep them up to date? I think backing up ipad will be something you don't even have to think about.

 

[EssentialParado]

I think you guys must have missed this from my first post: "…without requiring another computer involved …"

 

[Julien]

I think you guys must have missed this from my first post: "…without requiring another computer involved …"

How could you have and use an iPad without "...another computer involved..."? You must have a computer to sync it with. First you must activate the iPad and this requires you to involve a PC. Then how would you update the iPad's firmware/software since this also requires you to have a PC? Plus syncing Apps, iTunes, contacts, notes, bookmarks, likely Pages, Numbers, Keynote and making a full backup require a PC.

The iPad is a dependent device to your PC and is in NO way meant to be used without a PC.

 

[miles01110]

Why?

Because you start by wondering what differentiates the iPad from a computer, but then go on to exclude everything that differentiates the iPad from a computer from the discussion. Tautological statement is tautological...

 

[maflynn]

I don't see the need for Time Machine for the iPad, after all, we are talking about an over-sized iPod touch and being such, it will sync/backup with iTunes just like any other iPod touch/iPhone.

This isn't a "full computer" but rather a device that sits between an iPhone/ipod touch and a notebook - as per Jobs' own comments. Being as such you don't need the type of backup software being offered.

Besides the only way TM would make sense is if someone owned a Time Capsule so the device could do hourly backups wirelessly. If it only backed up when connected to another computer, its really no different then what iTunes with an ipod touch does and why reinvent the wheel.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Time Machine would be overkill. However, dropbox is already available on the iPhone. That is all one really needs for protection of specific documents. iTunes already preserves apps and settings.

 

[chriszzz]

I think you guys must have missed this from my first post: "…without requiring another computer involved …"

Maybe you should look at the system requirements for using an iPad. It requires a computer.

Why would they bother to make a new backup solution when the current iPhone/iPod Touch one works fine?

 

[t0mat0]

iTunes - Apps, settings, contacts (all that the iPhone has saved)

Files in the My Documents could be part of the files saved in the iWork apps, or could be also synced with MobileMe, or have a separate sync space/backup on the Mac.

Time Machine is unlikely. If you want something like that, store your documents on something like BackBlaze or DropBo or other to get saves for a certain date/version.

 

[MythicFrost]

This won't happen because the iPad is not designed to be a full computer, it doesn't have the storage space with even the 64GB model.
The next thought is, backup to an external drive... which makes little sense since it already does it better through iTunes.

 

[EssentialParado]

I know you guys are talking mostly about the iPad as not being even remotely capable as a standalone computer, and you'll need to sync all your files, and you'll need more than 64GB, etc. But for what it does, I could easily get this for my mom. All she does is use the web, email, and chat to friends. Her current MacBook is overkill considering she has ONLY opened Safari and Mail ever.

I'd be very surprised if Apple doesn't begin marketing this as a full computer replacement at some point. But the only thing missing is over-the-air automatic backups to Time Capsule. Then, as far as my mother, and I'm sure lots of others would be concerned, this could easily act as a full computer.

 

[Niiro13]

I think if Apple did anything like this, all it would enail would be a simple wireless sync. Time machine on computers is far more complex than a regular back up as it allows you to browse each backup visually. I'm only seeing wireless sync on the iPad and that's it. This will allow you to still back up the thing without Apple allowing access to files directly.

And if your mother ONLY opened Safari and Mail ever, then why would Time Machine even be required? Mail stays on the server (assuming you use IMAP or Exchange). Unless of course you're talking about downloading files from Safari, then emailing them...if that's the case then I think file management would be more important than Time Machine seeing as you can't already download files other than images and email them.

 

[EssentialParado]

Sorry, I did forget that she does occasional word processing too. These are mainly the things she wants backed up, but also Apps and their stored data.

But yeah, I assume it will be over WiFi and will run in the background once you've turned it on.

 

[Niiro13]

Sorry, I did forget that she does occasional word processing too. These are mainly the things she wants backed up, but also Apps.

Yeah, it will probably be a wireless sync if anything. Then again, we won't know how Apple manages the files for the iWork applications until it comes out.

 

[eawmp1]

Her current MacBook is overkill considering she has ONLY opened Safari and Mail ever.

I'd be very surprised if Apple doesn't begin marketing this as a full computer replacement at some point. But the only thing missing is over-the-air automatic backups to Time Capsule. Then, as far as my mother, and I'm sure lots of others would be concerned, this could easily act as a full computer.

1) If she has a MacBook, why drop extra coin on an iPad (unless you are angling for the MacBook). Most people only use their computers for email and web browsing and word processing. Therefore most people have computers that are "overkill".

2) You miss the point that is is a dependent device. It was never designed to be used alone. Apple wants people to buy their computers and use their iTunes stores.