best way to import pdf via USB

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best way to import pdf via USB

Hello all.

I have a question regarding importing PDF files into the ipad to use in iBooks (or other free applications if they are more suitable, please advise).

I have about 100 PDF files (at the moment, it will increase in the future) on my computer. They are NOT novels, they are flyers/catalogues for our products.

we distributed ipads to sales reps and are currently setting up the devices.

Before launching this initiative, we need to import the PDF files into ipads. The only way I know how to do this is via Itunes. HOwever, when the file sizes are this big, its very time consuming. (100 files x 50 devices)

I tried conerting the pdfs into EPUB files, however these files did not work on the ipad for some reason.

What would be the fastest way to transfer these files onto these devices before handing out these devices to sales reps?

I considered dropbox and other cloud based ones, but where i am, China, there is no unlimited internet connection servcie available, in other words telecomm fees will be too much if we use cloud based services, so I would prefer a method that does not require internet connection.

please advise and let me know. If you know alternative methods that will yield the same reuslts (ultimately, if we can distribute these pdfs onto ipads and sales can view them without trouble, it is not crucial that the app used to view these are ibook.)

thank you in advance.

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Aug 29, 2012 6:00 PM

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Answer 1

Demo

Level 10

166,501 points

Aug 29, 2012 6:12 PM in response to yo5hi

You cannot use a thumb drive via USB on the iPad. It does not work. If you have no unlimited WiFi access, and cant use a cloud based solution, you have no choice but to add the files via iTunes. The app that you use doesn't really matter since the process is basically the same when you use iTunes.

You can look at Adobe Reader and use file sharing for iOS but you are still using iTunes.

iOS: About File Sharing

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094

But since you have that many devices that you must set up, you might be better off looking for some help in the iPad in the enterprise discussion site. Those users are probably better equipped to help you.

https://discussions.apple.com/community/ipad/ipad_in_the_enterprise

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Answer 2

yo5hi Author

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Aug 29, 2012 6:21 PM in response to Demo

Demo,

Thank you for your reply.

I will repost in the enterprise section as well.

I have one question regarding the term you used, what do you mean when you say;

"You cannot use a thumb drive via USB on the iPad"?

Would you mind rephrasing this?

Thanks again.

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Answer 3

Skydiver119

Level 9

53,405 points

Aug 29, 2012 6:30 PM in response to yo5hi

You can use the camera connection kit to connect thumb drives, however they have about a 50/50 success rate, in addition, even if you do get a thumb drive to connect, the only protocol that's supported is the import of photos and videos, and even those have to follow a strict naming convention.

The import of documents or music etc are not supported via USB

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Answer 4

Demo

Level 10

166,501 points

Aug 29, 2012 6:32 PM in response to yo5hi

Sorry - maybe I misunderstood you. Your main question was "best way to import PDF via USB. I interpreted that to mean that you wanted to connect an external thumb drive or flash drive to the iPad. Some users want to connect an external drive directly to the iPad. It is not possible to do that.

Is that what you meant or did I misunderstand you?

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Answer 5

yo5hi Author

Level 1

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Aug 29, 2012 6:54 PM in response to Demo

Ah, i see.

I meant to say, best way to import PDF files on my PC through USB cable for ipad. Sorry for the confusion.

I think, as you advised, I will transfer my pdfs on my HD to ipad via itunes upon preparation of devices.

I have an additional question if i may.

> As i mentioned, these are flyers for use by sales reps ultimately. I found apps like pdf notes, which I found interesting and useful upon talking with cusomers. However, i cannot figure out a) how to transfer pdfs in ibooks to pdf notes b) how to directly import pdfs on my computer into pdf-note app

Is this not possible?

Sorry for the multiple questions, and thanks for your help.

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Answer 6

Jan 6, 2013 5:18 PM in response to yo5hi

Hi Yoshi

I may answer a bit late and I'm sure you found a solution. (please share if that's the case as i'm in similar situation).

Not to mention the new i-Tunes is horrible and make file transfer even harder.

Anyways, I would send emails with a set of couple PDF documents in attachment.

Once your rep receive those emails (you may have to send 10/15 of emails... yeah I know thanks Apple...), your rep can open those PDF in iBook or Perfect Reader. They have to do this operation one by one ... I have not found a batch process solution to address this situation...

Hope it helped a bit.

Cheers

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