importing pdfs to multiple devices, quickly!

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importing pdfs to multiple devices, quickly!

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 6:16 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 1, 2013 5:11 AM in response to yo5hi

I'm not sure if you could do them (transfer to multiple devices) simultaneously - you might need 50 USB ports! You can, however, copy all 100 PDF files across to a single device at one time. Apologies if this explanation is beneath your level of experience.

When transferring a single PDF using the Drag & Drop method, you will notice that when you hang over iTunes a 'no entry' sign is displayed near your cursor for a short moment before the 'arrow in a box' sign indicating that the file is ready to be dropped (and copied) across to your device. When transferring multiple PDFs (say, even a few gigabytes) you must hang over iTunes for longer until your computer has done processing. Do not 'drop' them into iTunes before you see the 'arrow in a box' sign near your cursor. When you first drag them from your folder into iTunes, your PC may seem to freeze up a little. Don't worry, it is processing. As long as you keep hold of them with your mouse click over iTunes t will eventually show you the sign and you can drop them. Again, it iTunes may seem to freeze up a little whilst it is copying them across. Don't worry, give it time and it will eventually transfer the files.

Hope this is of help to at least one side of your problem. As for transferring to all 50 devices at once... perhaps that's something (if you can find enough connections) to be done from a command line.

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Answer 2

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Jan 1, 2013 3:22 PM in response to yo5hi

Here are some methods that I have come across.

Consider some push method: SugarSync or dropbox addon. Depending on how often the fiels change. Most of the syncing could be done in the home office.

There are lots of ways of moving files. USB to iPad supports only "Camera" files via camera connection kit.

A simple and popular way to copy files.

http://wiki.dropbox.com

Using iTures to transfer files:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Look in the app store for accessing Windows File servers.

for example:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-access-files-on/id364738545?mt=8

Configure WebDave on your server.

This thread has good info.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3708341?tstart=0

How to transfer files from your iPad to your PC with iPad to Computer Transfer

http://www.iphone-mac.com/how-to-transfer-and-sync-contents-from-ipad-to-pc.html

More ways to transfer files and access Word documents:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4044866?tstart=0

Try the combo of:

Diskaid on your computer and FileAppPro on your iPad

Good old FTP

FileApp and FileApp Pro

I use Mac OS pureFTP server. It comes as part of PureFTPd Manager software download at this site.

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/12630

---------------------- Push methods -------------------------

For syncing pc or mac folders to iPad applications.

"Using SugarSync, you simply designate folders that you want to “sync” to the cloud and it keeps everything in sync anytime you make changes. This is the way cloud storage should be done and especially if you are using your iPad for buisness or for school."

http://www.tcgeeks.com/best-ipad-cloud-sync-app/

Doug says:

"This can be done with Dropbox as well using one of the many Dropbox addons…"

http://wiki.dropbox.com/DropboxAddons

The only potential downside is that so many apps for the iPhone/iPad come with Dropbox sync built in which makes it extremely convenient.

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