

It connects via a dedicated Wi-Fi network, holds 500 GB, and is simple and pleasant to use, with a dedicated app to access the files.īesides the question of where to store and how to access all your individual files, there's the issue of how to back up the tablet itself, which is tough to do without a computer (though tablet-specific hard drives like the Seagate can do it).

You can't group things by, say, project or time period.įor larger files, you might consider a tablet-specific external drive, like Seagate's Wireless Mobile Storage drive ($129).

With only iCloud, you're stuck throwing all your word-processing documents in one place, all your spreadsheets in another, and so on. On the iPad, it's best to use one of these apps rather than Apple's iCloud if you want to be able to browse files just as you would on a computer. Both of those services let you keep your files arranged just as they were on your computer. Luckily, the days of emailing yourself documents are long gone, and there are plenty of cloud storage services to choose from, with Dropbox and Google Drive coming out on top. Tablets have considerably less storage space than new laptop- even laptops with SSDs instead of hard drives.
#USE IPAD AS MOUSE TABLET PLUS#
Plus there's the simple issue of storage space. You can't use external dongles like thumb drives on most of them, and iPads, in particular, make getting at the internal file structure a chore. For one thing, it's tough to get files on a tablet. You'll definitely need to store stuff in the cloud when you use a tablet. Here's what you need to know to live with a tablet as your primary device. If you're between computers and need to get by on a tablet for a while, or if you realized you don't use 90 percent of your expensive computer's capabilities and don't feel like buying another one, then listen up. Plus, now that both Microsoft Office and the Apple productivity programs formerly known as iWork are available and capable on tablets, basic productivity work is (almost) as easy on a tablet as on a computer-as long as you have the right setup, that is. But for many of us, honestly, those three things are all we need day-to-day. Even now, in 2015, a tablet probably won't cut it if you use your computer for much more than internet, word-processing, and email. Since the birth of the iPad especially, people have been speculating whether and when tablets would supplant laptops as our go-to, everyday machines. The tablet is lighter, has better battery life and better apps, and is easier to use lying down than the computer. It turns out that, at least for a week, replacing a laptop or desktop computer with a tablet isn't so bad.
#USE IPAD AS MOUSE TABLET PC#
At first, I assumed the PC would be the way to go, since subbing in a computer for a computer seems like less work (even if they're on different OSes). When my broken computer had to go away to Apple's mysterious depot twice in one month, I found myself with two options: Use a PC, or get by with an iPad.
