The integration of Google Docs on the iPad is less than perfect. There are some things that work really well, some things that work sometimes, and some things that don't work at all. Here's a quick summary:
This spreadsheet is open for public editing. If you would like to add to this feature list (or save a copy for future reference), click here.
It's important to note that when you navigate to docs.google.com on your iPad you will be automatically directed to the mobile version of the site. Here's what it looks like:
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| Mobile Google Docs on iPad |
It is possible to switch to the familiar desktop view. To do so, scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen and look for the following link:
After selecting "Desktop" you will be re-directed to this page:
When using the desktop version, you will randomly be confronted with an error message and be forced to re-load the page. This is the disadvantage of using the desktop version.
- Offline Document Editing
- Easily transfer files from multiple Google accounts, Dropbox, Mobile Me, Box, SugarSync, or Huddle.
- Presentation Creation and Editing (very slick interface, worth the price by itself.)
- "Rich Text Editing": bold, italic, underline, paragraph indentation, font, type color, and type size.
- Print: requires an AirPrint enabled Printer.
- Document Sharing: supports Slideshare, Scribd, and DocStoc
- Folder creation and organization
To view an annotated screenshot of the Quick Office HD home screen, click here.
To view an annotated screenshot of the Quick Office HD document editing screen, click here.
That's the good, the bad, and the ugly on Google Docs on the iPad.
There have been rumors about a significant update to the mobile editing version of Google Docs coming soon. I hope they are true.
Ironically (or perhaps not), I'm reading this post on an iPad and the right hand column of your spreadsheet is cut off. Hmmmmmmm...
ReplyDeleteGood post. I was raveling in Europe this summer with just my iPad and had to modify a group project Google doc. It almost blew up on me. I kept getting all kinds of errors. I finally stopped, fearing that I'd destroy the document and risk the wrath of my four partners. I'm about ready to give up on Google docs on the iPad and download Pages. What a shame.
Thanks for the comment, Debbie. I wouldn't give up quite yet. Google is constantly rolling out new features for the iPad. Just last week they enabled sharing via the mobile interface.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a heavy Google Docs user I would highly recommend purchasing Quick Office HD or a similar App. It makes using Gdocs much cleaner and fills in some of the gaps that currently exist.
Try out FileReflex to access remote desktop files from mobile
ReplyDelete