Reading RPG PDF on a tablet

[Nikosandros]

Like many here, I have a sizable collection of RPG PDF. I keep them stored on my NAS, so that I can easily access them from any device connected to the network in my home. In order to access them on my tablets as well, I basically need a couple of things.

1) A file manager on the tablet that gives me convenient access.

2) A good PDF reader that can easily render the typically graphic-intensive PDF. The capability of opening multiple tabs would be a definite plus.

Currently, on my Android Nexus 7 ( the 1st generation model by Asus) I'm using ES File Explorer (which is perfect for my needs) and Radaee PDF Reader (which is good, but not exceptional and doesn't support multiple tabs).

I've just purchased an iPad Air and I need both kind of apps for iOS. I've looked at several file managers, but none of them supported direct access to remote directories in the network.

Have you suggestions for a good PDF reader for Android and a good one for iOS? What about a file manager/explorer for iOS? I'm not averse to paying for an app, provided that it is good.

 

[Janx]

I haven't hunted down any file managers for iOS. an app to browse files locally is pretty much out of the Apple mindset. Remote file access, seems like that'd be open game.

I hear good things about GoodReader. Seems folks prefer it to the built-in iBook app.

Regardless, to get PDFs into the iOS, yer going to have to use iTunes or email them to yourself (or maybe drop-box).

I don't use DropBox, but that's another thing to look into.

I think the key to iOS is accepting that you are NOT going to manage files in the traditional sense. So you've simple got to find the smoothest way to get files onto the iPad.

 

[Morrus]

The usual choice for IOS PDFs (and ZIPs and all sorts of things) is Goodreader. Though I've found it slightly buggy since iOS7.

iBooks, of course, handles PDFs and ebooks just fine too, and is free.

There are also various iOS browsers with built-in download/storage capability for files. I use iCab Mobile. Totally remove that whole "you can't store files on iOS" issue.

 

[Nikosandros]

I haven't hunted down any file managers for iOS. an app to browse files locally is pretty much out of the Apple mindset. Remote file access, seems like that'd be open game.

I hear good things about GoodReader. Seems folks prefer it to the built-in iBook app.

Regardless, to get PDFs into the iOS, yer going to have to use iTunes or email them to yourself (or maybe drop-box).

I don't use DropBox, but that's another thing to look into.

I think the key to iOS is accepting that you are NOT going to manage files in the traditional sense. So you've simple got to find the smoothest way to get files onto the iPad.

Yes, DropBox can work and actually I've found apps that easily let you access online storage services like DropBox, Google Drive and Sky Drive. I've also found apps that put up a temporary web server so that one can transfer files to the iPad while using a browser on a PC. All of those are not completely satisfactory, because they require using another device (typically a PC).

The great thing about the app I'm using on Android (and there are several others that do the same things) is that I can easily access all the shared directories on my network directly, without the hassle of going through another machine. Apple makes great products, but sometimes their closed mindset is mind-boggling.

 

[billd91]

The usual choice for IOS PDFs (and ZIPs and all sorts of things) is Goodreader. Though I've found it slightly buggy since iOS7.

Slightly buggy? It's been a pretty impressive crash fest if you ask me. Not completely unusable, but multiple crashes a session is pretty normal for me. It has been very disappointing considering it was a very good product before iOS7. I hope they update it soon.

 

[WhimsyTheFae]

I have been using Documents by Readdle on my iPhone and iPad for my PDF needs. I can store them on Google Drive and/or Dropbox and access those cloud locations from the application, too.

Overall, I have been satisfied with it.

 

[Janx]

The usual choice for IOS PDFs (and ZIPs and all sorts of things) is Goodreader. Though I've found it slightly buggy since iOS7.

iBooks, of course, handles PDFs and ebooks just fine too, and is free.

There are also various iOS browsers with built-in download/storage capability for files. I use iCab Mobile. Totally remove that whole "you can't store files on iOS" issue.

I think instead of storing files on his iPad, he's trying to browse the files on his PC/file server from his iPad, and then open one on his iPad directly.

I'm surprised a tool doesn't exist, as that's pretty tame (iOS can simply refuse to open file types it doesn't support/recognize the same as if it was in an email).

 

[WhimsyTheFae]

I have never used it, nor do I know if it would do what the OP wants, but I noticed this in the help text for using a Wi-Fi Drive in the Documents application:

Connecting To Documents From Your Computer
Documents uses WebDAV protocol to share its data with other computers via WiFi Network. Many popular operating systems and programs have the ability to mount WebDAV resource as a network drive. You may also connect to Documents with any modern web browser.

Detailed instructions:

Windows Vista / 7 ▶

Mac OS X ▶

Windows XP ▶

Any Browser ▶

In general case, you need to know your iPhone's IP address and port as well as login and password to access your device (you can configure them on “Settings” tab inside Documents ).

 

[Nikosandros]

I think instead of storing files on his iPad, he's trying to browse the files on his PC/file server from his iPad, and then open one on his iPad directly.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

I'm surprised a tool doesn't exist, as that's pretty tame (iOS can simply refuse to open file types it doesn't support/recognize the same as if it was in an email).

I'm surprised as well; it actually seems a bit strange that this would be something that is somehow blocked by iOS. I wonder if it's simply a case of a lack of appropriate app. After all, my Nexus 7 didn't have that capability out-of the-box.

I have never used it, nor do I know if it would do what the OP wants, but I noticed this in the help text for using a Wi-Fi Drive in the Documents application:

From a cursory reading, it seems that this allows the converse of what I'm looking for. Transferring file to/from the iPad while working from a PC. I'm instead looking for something that allows me to tranfer/access files while using the iPad.

 

[WhimsyTheFae]

From a cursory reading, it seems that this allows the converse of what I'm looking for. Transferring file to/from the iPad while working from a PC. I'm instead looking for something that allows me to tranfer/access files while using the iPad.

Yeah, I think you might be right. If I find out differently (assuming I remember to check into it), though, I shall post about it.