I have a 7MB pdf file, mapping my journey. My aim is to switch between the pdf file and gps maps to guide me. I transfer the pdf file to the Nokia E72 which has Adobe pdf reader in-built. I drag and drop the pdf file to the iPhone (I am not sure where it goes, so I assume its an application and drop-it in the application section of iTunes.
No problems with the E72, it arrives safely and I go into the reader and click to open. It loads quickly and I am ready to travel. I set zoom level to 300%. However, it takes far too long, forever and a day to pan around the pdf file in fits of starts and stops following my d-pad instructions up-down-left-right, with the map loading the off-screen areas each time.
I figure it would be easier if the zoom level were saved for future use. Unsuccessfully, save has no such affect. It saves the file at the default zoom level. Why would I want to re-save the file at its default zoom level? Who knows!
I change to the iPhone but unfortunately, the pdf file is nowhere to be found. I realise, perhaps I need a pdf reader as I could not find one in-built. I head to the AppStore and choose Documents to Go, as it has the complete package of office apps and more. I open Docs to Go but there is no sign of the pdf file I had dragged and dropped earlier. On further investigation, it seems files have to be synchronised with your desktop to get files on to your iPhone via Docs to Go and only offered me Gmail and Mail for Exchange. Hotmail did not appear as an option.
I like my mobile to be as cable-free as possible, except for when I am forced otherwise. I was wanting to head out and did not have time to install plug-ins and applications on my desktop for a simple pdf file. Finally, it was DropBox that came to my aid. I had installed it a while ago upon pressure from the bf so he could UP his own account 
and I had never used it. I was able to upload the pdf file to dropbox via my pc and then download it to my iPhone via Docs to Go. Phew, finally it was on the iPhone and I was able to zoom in and out quickly and the complete page loaded at once, with my waiting a very few seconds for clarity.
Upon exiting the application and returning, it returns me to my open pdf file at its default zoom, requiring a simple double click to zoom-in again.
So… eventually I did get my pdf map up and running. But, is there an easier way? I had thought, things could be kept simple enough by sending myself an email with the pdf attachment and opening it on the iPhone or E72 and have the phone handle the pdf interaction? Too simple? Or is pdf to remain the sacrificial lamb within mobile phone technology?
Oops, I have since found out that I can send myself an email with the pdf file as an attachment to both phones. The E72 opens the attachment within the Adobe reader – fantastic. but the iPhone opens it within its own email client with no direct connection with the pdf reader – hence limited zoom capability and the problem as the E72 with map loading the off-screen areas with each touch movement.
Tags: apps, iPhone
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