Transforming an iPad into a Functional Computer with File Managers
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Chapter 1: Understanding the iPad's Limitations
Many individuals hesitate to recognize the iPad as a legitimate computer, often citing its absence of a traditional file system as a major flaw. The ability to manage various file types—such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, and drawings—is crucial for productivity, whether stored locally or in the cloud.
Apple's design philosophy for the iPad emphasizes an app-centered approach rather than a file-centered one. For Steve Jobs, the functionality of the device outweighed concerns about data storage. While this design works well for content consumption, it has led many to dismiss the iPad as merely a toy. However, as users expressed a desire to create content on their iPads, the lack of a robust file system became a significant hurdle.
Projects often require the integration of various data types across different applications. In response to this demand, Apple introduced the Files app and iCloud Drive with iOS 11 in 2017. Although the initial reception was positive, users quickly identified shortcomings, such as limited support for external drives. Consequently, third-party file management applications emerged to fill these gaps, while Apple continued to enhance the Files app in subsequent iOS and iPadOS updates.
This raises the question: Has Apple successfully narrowed the productivity gap for the iPad through a combination of the Files app and third-party file managers? To explore this, I will examine two popular file management apps: Documents and FileBrowser. Note that I have no affiliations with the developers of either application.
Section 1.1: What’s Missing?
A key question arises: What tasks can a laptop perform that an iPad cannot? In theory, none, since iPadOS operates on a BSD UNIX foundation. However, Apple conceals this underlying system, much like a car manufacturer might obscure the specifics of an engine from its users.
Typically, effective productivity on a computer hinges on file manipulation across various applications. The more control users have, the better their experience. Apple needed to find a way to incorporate these capabilities into the iPad without compromising its strengths in content consumption. The introduction of Files in iOS 11 was a pivotal step. Unlike Windows or macOS, where the file system is integral to the operating system, the Files app functions more like any other application.
Before Files, developers had to create their own file systems. With the introduction of iCloud Drive, developers could integrate their file hierarchies into the Files app, enabling cross-access among different apps. While Apple could have chosen to expose the UNIX file system, doing so would have jeopardized the security of iOS/iPadOS, making it comparable to Windows or macOS.
Despite these advancements, gaps remain. For instance, early versions of Files did not fully support external drives, and the UNIX file manipulation capabilities were not replicated in iCloud Drive.
Subsection 1.1.1: Can File Manager Apps Fill the Gap?
Can file manager applications offer the functionalities that users expect from laptops, desktops, and system administration tools? Is it possible for a file manager to allow for the creation and editing of files across various apps? Could it enable file manipulation akin to that of Windows or Mac? Additionally, could a sysadmin manage iPads through scripting?
Chapter 2: Exploring Documents and FileBrowser
To investigate these questions, I've used Readle's Documents app for several years and selected FileBrowser based on its App Store ratings and reviews.
Section 2.1: What Can Documents Do?
The primary interface of Documents displays a section labeled "My Files." By tapping the three dots at the bottom right of each file icon, users can access various file commands.
Documents enables file sharing with other computers on the same network that also have the app installed, although AirDrop has made this functionality somewhat redundant. In addition to managing files, Documents features a browser reminiscent of standard web browsers, which was particularly useful before iPads supported multi-window features.
The app also provides a VPN service for secure connections, although free usage is limited to 50 MB of data daily. Users can connect to a variety of cloud services and networks, as well as to computers running the Readle app.
However, the options for file creation are somewhat limited. Users can primarily create PDFs and text files, with Documents offering a competent PDF editor. Unfortunately, to edit PDFs and text files, users often need to transfer them to and from iCloud Drive.
File manipulation in Documents allows for selection and basic operations like copying, but lacks the ability to rename multiple files simultaneously—an option available in Windows or Mac.
Subsection 2.1.1: Sysadmin Capabilities
Documents does not significantly aid system administration. While you can create scripts as text files and upload them to another computer, direct management of your iPad is not feasible.
Section 2.2: The Role of FileBrowser
Upon launching FileBrowser for the first time, users are greeted with a network file service interface. iCloud is integrated by default, and additional services can be added, such as Google Drive. FileBrowser provides various quick-access options for folders, including voice shortcuts and a favorites section.
Unlike Documents, FileBrowser allows for in-place editing of files within its designated folders on iCloud Drive. While this requires moving files into the FileBrowser subdirectory, it permits editing of Word and Excel files directly, a feature absent in the Files app.
Users can view files in multiple formats—list, column, or grid—and can easily resize the grid to view text files and PDFs. FileBrowser also allows users to manage images in their Camera Roll.
Section 2.3: File Manipulation in FileBrowser
FileBrowser offers similar file manipulation options as Documents but includes the added ability to rename multiple files. Although it doesn't provide a full UNIX shell experience, this feature is a welcome addition.
Subsection 2.3.1: Sysadmin Functions
Similar to Documents, FileBrowser does not offer robust sysadmin capabilities or scripting solutions for managing iPads.
Chapter 3: Revisiting the Files App
The Files app has significantly evolved since its introduction, now incorporating many features that were previously lacking. It serves as a critical framework for iOS/iPadOS to manage multiple cloud-based file systems. Without this integration, third-party apps like Documents and FileBrowser would struggle to function effectively within the iOS/iPadOS ecosystem.
Apple is likely to continue refining the Files app, gradually enhancing its capabilities, though it is improbable that it will evolve into something as comprehensive as Finder.
Conclusions: Can the iPad Compete as a Real Computer?
Initially, I questioned whether a file manager app could facilitate file creation and editing across various applications. To my surprise, it appears feasible for apps adopting the Files framework. For example, FileBrowser allows for in-place editing of Word and Excel documents, alongside managing text files and PDFs.
Despite these capabilities, the process remains somewhat cumbersome. Users must ensure files are placed correctly and permissions are set appropriately—steps that can be easily overlooked compared to using Finder or Windows Explorer.
Apple could streamline this experience by standardizing how file types associate with apps. Though limited, there are indications that such improvements are in the works.
Ultimately, while file manager apps can enhance the iPad's functionality, they do not replicate the full capabilities of traditional desktop systems. The iPad may not yet be seen as a genuine computer by everyone, but it offers a unique experience that allows users to focus less on file management.