I sat on the iPad fence through version one lamenting the inadequate storage and connectivity. Ultimately it was a single application, Shuttersnitch that changed the balance for me. Using an Eye-Fi card I transmit wirelessly during shoots (indoors and outdoors) to the iPad so that clients and models can see what's happening. I transmit photos selectively using the "protect" function so I control what clients see, when I want them to see it, and this avoids the potential problem of too much client direction on set.
In addition I use Shuttersnitch galleries and the terrific iPad screen to present my portfolio. Transfer jpgs at 2x (2048 x 1536) to allow zooming.
Robgalbraith has a terrific article on how to set this all up, including choosing a small battery powered router that will extend your range over the Eye-Fi card's direct capabilities.
I remain hopeful that iOS compatible wireless storage options, thunderbolt connectivity, retina display quality and a Lightoom mobile client come along soon to extend the value of the device in my workflow.
Yeah, my idea precisely. For me, my shoots are usually under 4Gb of RAW files, so, a 32Gb iPad would work, no problem. I would dumb and delete the shoots when getting home anyway. It would never be used for something such as 5 days of shooting in one go, without touching base with the notebook ( which already has an external 160Gb FW800 HD just for storing photoshoots ). I shoot food and interior design, so, I don't shoot THAT much, in brute number of clicks, usually the shoot is over in less than 100 clicks. FAR LESS usually. A step by step on how to make something, plus the end pics of the food, would not take more than 150 clicks, if I'm having a lot of trouble getting something right ( which is not usual, usually it's fairly easy and fast ).
So, even if I had to shoot RAW+JPEG, having a wireless transmitter ( I don't own one yet, because I want to jump to the 5D MK3 when it comes out, and not spending any money on the current camera in order to save... ideally, it will be Canon's wireless grip - but yeah, today I also have the USB cable to haul around ) send it all to the iPad, and Lightroom viewing capacity ( with rating ) on the iPad, and storage, would be great. Really great.
If I had to have the notebook as a "server", it could sit quietly on a small table elsewhere, while only the iPad comes around ( it's much simpler to move, much lighter, and could be on the client's hands ). The notebook would be main storage, I'd connect external storage to the notebook and so on. The iPad only has to be lightweight for viewing. Maybe storage if used SOLO ( granted the images are also stored on the camera's card ). But the freedom not to have to haul a notebook all the time, or move it when I move, is of great value ( friday I had a shoot in a kitchen, then moving a floor down for the end photos, in two separate places in the floor... moving the USB cable wasn't much of a burden compared to moving the notebook itself and finding a new table in a filling restaurant to continue the shoot ).
I moved from wired flash control with PC sync, to el-cheapo radio triggers, then to Pocket Wizard's FLEX TT5. I also moved from a wired 110V strobe to full battery OP flashes. If I go back to a generator, it will be battery powered for sure, but right now, the immense freedom to just grab the strobe stand and walk, has such a great value while on location and the clock is ticking ( sometimes, the shoot is scheduled 1h before opening... and I want to be out before the first costumer arrives, do you like eating while flashes are popping? Neither do I, and I guess not many people do, I think it's common etiquette to avoid as much as possible extending the shoot after opening hours ). For me, going full wireless is the way to go. A lighter Lightroom for the iPad for Wireless Tethering only makes sense, even if initially, it would still require a notebook.