How to sync/transfer/drag files from MacBook Pro to Ipad Pro and vice versa w/o using cloud(s)?

To answer your question about syncing files using iTunes, yes you can do that via File a Sharing as explained here.

Use iTunes to share files between your computer and your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Regarding those mobile flash devices, I don’t know of them will store files and documents. I believe that they are built to store photos and videos, though I admit I am no expert on any of them. So check them out carefully before you spend even more money. If they don’t store files and documents, they might not be right for you.

A side note and my own two cents .....I think that you might be disappointed even more trying to use the iPad as a more limited laptop version. It might not be right for you. The iPad is a wonderful device, but it just isn’t a computer no matter how hard it tries to be. You already mentioned not having a File System like a computer. You should have an AirPrint printer if you want to print with it. Most printers on the market are AirPrint capable, but if you don’t have one now, it might be another piece of hardware that you will need to buy. If I am correct about the flash drives only being good for photos and videos, that might be a turn off for you.

If you purchased the iPad from Apple, you have 14 days to return it for a full refund no questions asked. I don’t know what your return options on the keyboard are but you can find that out whe beer you purchased it.

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch - Apple Support. Bear in mind that MacBooks and iPads are not the same platforms and cannot run the same software. Word on an iPad is different than Word on the computer. If you open your Books app on your Mac you can search for instructional material for iPads and Macs.

MacBook Pro Essentials

iPad User Guide for iOS 12.1.1

Yeah,

I was deciding what to post to try and help you with using that iPad Pro as I can clearly see that you are not very happy with how iPads and iOS work and, already, seem disappointed with your purchase.

It is good to do proper research ahead of time, before deciding to purchase such an expensive computing device.

iPads, even an iPad Pro, are companion tablet computing devices. NOT a smaller laptop computer replacement!

iPads CAN be laptop computer replacements for those users whose computer needs are simple/basic/modest and do not want the complication/complexity that a full fledged laptop/desktop computer brings.

iOS is a more simplified, less complicated/complex, mobile tablet operating system, designed to make computing life far easier for non-computer savvy users to use for everyday computing tasks, like surfing the Web, doing email and messaging, video communication to family and friends, watching online video content, listening to music, reading books amd magazines, online shopping, simple note taking, and the like.

iPads/iOS CAN DO more sophisticated tasks, but does this very differently than on a Mac and, usually, takes a longer time to accomplish and at that level, the user must delve deeper into how iOS works and learn more sophisticated iOS app and procedures to effectively use an iPad/iOS more like a regular computer.

It CAN be done and IS done, but effort has to be applied.

iOS does NOT work and function like macOS.

There is going to be a learning curve to using iOS and iPads.

There is NO native mouse or trackpad support for iPads/iOS and, more than likely, never will be.

Just your finger and/or Apple Pencil and keyboard for device input options, ONLY!

I still love my iPad Pro after over 3 years, but iPads and iOS are not for everyone.

I do both mundane computing tasks and lots of creative tasks and projects on my iPad Pro, but I have been using iPads and iOS for nearly 9 years, now and learned to use all of my iPads as a cheaper, psuedo laptop computer replacements.

I would have to agree with Demo, if before 14 days expire, you have tried to learn and use this iPad Pro and think that the iPad Pro is not the device/tablet for you, you can return everything for a full refund.

Best of Luck to You!

There are a few special storage devices for mobile devices. There are portable, bulit-in WiFi hotspot hard drives for mobile devices made by Western Digital and Seagate.

You need to install and use the mobile device maker’s iOS App, in this entire list, to take advantage of all these mobile storage drive features.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1330

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1660

https://www.seagate.com/consumer/backup/wireless-plus/#features

There are special mobile lightning connected and built in WiFi Hot spot, USB flash drives made by SanDisk (now owned by Western Digital)

https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/ixpand

https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/ixpand-mini

https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/connect-wireless-stick

http://www.adamelements.com/iKlips/iklips.html

This listing maybe incomplete and somewhat outdated, now. So do an online search for similar external data storage devices for iPads

Kingston Electronics makes some data storage devices for iPads/iDevices, now, too!

https://www.kingstongo.com/us/usb/datatraveler-bolt-duo-flash-drive-for-iphone

Someone mentioned, just recently, using on one these with an iPad that uses a wired Lightning cable from drive to iPad for faster data transfers of photos and videos.

LaCie DJI Copilot BOSS LACSTGU2000400 Computer-Free in-Field Direct Backup 2TB Rugged Hard Drive and Power Bank with SD Reader - with 2X Polaroid 8GB MicroSD Card, Memory Wallet

Direct LaCie Website link to drive below

https://www.lacie.com/products/dji-copilot/

Amazon link to same drive below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FWB4Q13/?coliid=I2R9QWNHQABQJA&colid=20AIQPDUUWU9G&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Best of Luck to You!