bookmanjb

Q: Methods to transfer files from 2010 Macbook Pro to iPad Air 2?

Got a brand new iPad Air 2 with iOS8 and a 2010 MacBook Pro running the latest Yosemite. I have no experience yet with any iOS. I would like a simple list of the available methods to transfer files from the MBP to the iPad. (I understand that Airdrop is not an option with the old MBP). I've websearched this but am finding a lot of conflicting info, so a simple list of the methods that will work (no explanations needed.... yet) will be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Aug 14, 2015 8:40 AM

Close

Q: Methods to transfer files from 2010 Macbook Pro to iPad Air 2?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Demo,Helpful

    Demo Demo Aug 14, 2015 9:17 AM in response to bookmanjb
    Level 10 (95,429 points)
    iPad
    Aug 14, 2015 9:17 AM in response to bookmanjb

    Use a cloud service like DropBox

    https://www.dropbox.com/ipad

     

    For apps that support it, and many do now, use iOS file sharing.

    About File Sharing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    Apple's iCloud Drive.

    http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/icloud-drive/

  • by Courcoul,Helpful

    Courcoul Aug 14, 2015 9:51 AM in response to bookmanjb
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Aug 14, 2015 9:51 AM in response to bookmanjb

    And on the same vein, since I suspect a fair amount of the files will come from Office documents, might also be useful to explore Microsoft's cloud service, aka OneDrive which tries to "seamlessly" join your Office apps regardless of their platform.

     

    In case you haven't discovered already, Microsoft offers iOS versions of the main Office suite, which you can install and activate in "personal" mode for free. You need personal Microsoft account (Hotmail, etc.), which gets you most of the standard Office functionality. If you need the whole enchilada there is a subscription "advanced" mode of operation.

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Aug 14, 2015 10:07 AM in response to bookmanjb
    Level 10 (95,429 points)
    iPad
    Aug 14, 2015 10:07 AM in response to bookmanjb

    After reading Courcoul's suggestion it struck me that you should know that unless you have an app on the iPad that can read and save the files that you want to transfer, you wouldn't be able to transfer the files other than to email them.

     

    In other words, you can email a Word file to yourself and you can open and read it on the iPad in the mail app, but unless you have Word, Pages, Documents, Smart Office or another compatible app that can save and edit the file, you would stuck with having to save the email in order to save the document.

     

    I Suppose that should go without saying, but I felt the need to explain it just to be sure.

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Aug 14, 2015 10:36 AM in response to Demo
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Aug 14, 2015 10:36 AM in response to Demo

    A very important point, especially since the OP confesses to being a newcomer to the iOS world.

     

    There is NO filesystem per se. No Drive C:, MacintoshHD or whatever. It is a cornerstone of how iOS operates.

     

    Each app has a private filespace where it keeps its documents, that it can share with other apps capable of handling them. The user need not concern himself with the details of what, where or how the files are kept. That has been Job's Mantra on how this environment should present itself to the user.

     

    That being said, theres a veritable cornucopia of apps capable of dealing with near any type of file available for free or for fee in the App Store. One of your concerns now is how to wrap your mind around the gigantic size of the collection.

  • by bookmanjb,

    bookmanjb bookmanjb Aug 14, 2015 10:51 AM in response to Demo
    Level 2 (339 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 14, 2015 10:51 AM in response to Demo

    Thanks so much. You and the other poster have been extremely helpful. Please don't hesitate to inform me of any other info you think is pertinent.

     

    Can I transfer files from the MBP via Bluetooth?

  • by bookmanjb,

    bookmanjb bookmanjb Aug 14, 2015 10:52 AM in response to Courcoul
    Level 2 (339 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 14, 2015 10:52 AM in response to Courcoul

    As I just wrote to the other poster, thanks so much. You and he/she have been extremely helpful. Please don't hesitate to inform me of any other info you think is pertinent.

     

    Can I transfer files from the MBP via Bluetooth?

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Aug 14, 2015 12:03 PM in response to bookmanjb
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Aug 14, 2015 12:03 PM in response to bookmanjb

    No. When you attempt to pair the two, the iPad does not offer a device profile capable of dealing with files. This is consistent with the "no filesystems" architecture.

     

    However, you can manage the iPad from the Mac using iTunes, which in turn can communicate between the two either by the USB-Lightning cable or thru Wi-Fi (once configured). With the advantage of the far speedier Wi-Fi link, if wirelessness is desired. In iTunes, when the device is plugged in, you can visit its Apps section and in the bottom half of the window you have a File Sharing section where you can upload/download files between the Mac and the corresponding app installed in the iPad. This lets you manage the private filespace of each app (as explained, following the iOS paradigm). For example, this iTunes on my Mac dealing with my iPad4's Acrobat app:

     

    iPadFiles.jpg

    At the bottom of the list you find the upload/download buttons, to erase select the file and press Delete.