iPad as a laptop

[riverdove]

Long time reader, first time poster; thanks for your help everyone

This is what I would like to do - is it possible:
*Use my iPad essentially as a laptop. Major use is editing word, excel and powerpoint documents
*I want to use the CKK to attach a USB thumb drive and open my files (in an explorer or finder type environment) where I can directly edit them from the USB using iWorks or equivalent
*Files which I create on my iPad I want to move to my USB too
*I haven't jailbroken the iPad yet, but I want to if I can use this functionality

The reason being is I am in an environment with no WiFi so i need to move files between my computer at work and my iPad which I take with me.

Is this at all possible? Or am I dreaming?
Cheers

 

[OUTL4W]

If you have the 3G model you could use dropbox for iPad while out in the field to upload files. 2gb limit for the free aspect of dropbox...if you want more than its subscription based...which will then appear on your laptop after installing dropbox on laptop. OR goodreader from app store will work for what you want

If you don't have 3G model then jb may be the way to go...Not sure if goodreader will work without wifi/3G though...

 

[riverdove]

Yeah, No 3G - and I'm happy to JB.
Just had a look, i think iFile on Cydia might be the answer.

I dont need a usb and I can connect the iPad directly to the computer.
I havent used iFile before - does this sound like the answer?

 

[OUTL4W]

Yeah, No 3G - and I'm happy to JB.
Just had a look, i think iFile on Cydia might be the answer.

I dont need a usb and I can connect the iPad directly to the computer.
I havent used iFile before - does this sound like the answer?

Then ifile is the answer....but I believe goodreader will also work via USB
to pc as well. Very good app.

 

[riverdove]

so i dont need a program to use ifile on the computer?
the computer is work locked so i want the iPad to appear as another hard drive essentially

 

[OUTL4W]

so i dont need a program to use ifile on the computer?
the computer is work locked so i want the iPad to appear as another hard drive essentially

Ifile doesn't need a program on laptop but neither does goodreaderUSB...I think.

 

[riverdove]

is ifile compatible with a CKK and usb drive as well?

 

[f4780y]

is ifile compatible with a CKK and usb drive as well?

We've got lots of threads on this if you use the search tools, but yes it is compatible. USB drives however generally need to be powered. The iPad can only power a low proportion of USB flash drives itself so it is a bit hit and miss. However, a fully externally powered drive is should not be a problem.

Also, you said you are looking to edit Office documents. Whilst this is possible, and Documents To Go is probably the best of the Apps in that regard, it is far from perfect, particularly on documents with a degree of formatting such as tables, fonts, styles etc.
Same with Powerpoint. It works but is not perfect.