The iPad does have VPN software built in, same as the iPhone since it's running the same OS. Haven't tried to use it to connect to either Company's VPN I work with, so don't know for sure how it works. Also haven't tried the TN3270 app ($35.00 is pretty pricey for an iOS app). You can also connect a bluetooth keyboard to the iPad, so your not limited to using the screen keyboard which can take up a lot of room on the screen.
There are number of apps that will read PDF files, I use Goodreader. I have the entire CA library, VM 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, zVPS 3.7, zOS 1.8 (last release of z/OS i had to work on), camera manuals, and all other softcopy documentation files for products/software I own on mine. Works great. When in portrait mode, a full page can be viewed and read easily. This is actually the killer app for me that made the iPad something more than just a large iPod Touch. There are a number of VNC applications some free, some pay (that don't cost as much as that TN3270 app). You can attach a thumb drive to the iPad with some apps (and you have the camera connection kit, which changes the iPod dock connector into a USB connector). Without the apps, you have to do some funny stuff to connect a thumb drive to the iPad. The camera connection kit was designed only to be used for photo's, so you have to make your thumb drive look like an SD card or CF card that's been in a camera (ie. have a DCIM folder). If that's there, it will recognize the drive. I've never tried this, just read about it after the first time I tried to attach a thumb drive to my iPad and it didn't see it. I just copied all the PDF's onto the iPad via iTunes into the Goodreader app. Murphy says the time your most likely to need the thumb drive is when you have forgotten it since it's an extra piece of equipment to drag along. Just load them up on the iPad and don't worry about it. I don't have the 3G version, just the WiFi version. I do have a standalone hotspot that we use for all of us when we travel or someone is away from the house but needs an internet connection, mostly me. I used to have a PC card cell modem, the new hot spot version is much more useful. Everyone can use it, as it just creates a small person WiFi zone, the kids iPod Touch'es, the wife's PC laptop, my iPad, my Macbook Pro, the Wii, the Nintendo DSXL, it goes on and on. Anything that can do WiFi can be connected to this device that we take with us when we are not home, and be passed around to different family members when they need it during the rest of the time. Usually using your phone entails getting a phone as modem option from your cell provider, as most don't allow this without being jailbroken or cracked to allow it. It's a revenue source for them, so they don't like to give it away for free. It also ties up your cell phone when your doing it. That's the other advantage of using a separate device, but the separate device will cost you more that using your phone even paying for the additional service. Robert Reuscher NR5AR On Dec 22, 2010, at 12:35 PM, Tom Duerbusch wrote: > Has anyone tried using TN3270 on an ipad or other tablet? > I see there is a TN3270 application available for the ipad (OTC about $35). > > Does tablets have VPN available? > > As a side question, does tables have apps that use PDF files? > I assume that there is a Putty type application. > Also, can you attach, and address thumb drives on these things. Thinking > about all my mainframe manuals on a thumb drive accessible via a tablet. > > As far as communications goes, the more expensive version of the ipad had 3G > which seems to require a monthly subscription. Both the expensive one and > the cheap one have wifi capability. I would think I could make my Blackberry > a hotspot so the cheaper ipad can hitch a ride. > > I know, a little too late for Christmas, but there is always a New Year! > > Tom Duerbusch > THD Consulting
