We've been syncing devices for years before the CC was involved. Why can't we sync using a Cable or WiFi to the iMac? Why do I need to send it 'up there' when I only want to use it 'down here'
Cletus, the very of definition of mobile devices is that we use them elsewhere. It doesn't necessarily mean we need an internet connection. It's not that I have limited web access, it's that I have VERY expensive and limited web access at HOME. Web access elsewhere is not an issue.
I take issue with your definition of "mobile" I think you are confusing "Mobile" with "Portable" Laptops were portable. Smart phones are mobile. Tablets are an extension of that mobility concept. Mobile means to move. Sitting at home is not moving.
Cloud computing is the "next big thing" Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon. It means you can access your Data for anywhere in the world on any mobile (not just portable) device. Adobe has embraced the technology as have Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and others. It is a different paradigm from sitting in your living room accessing your data on your workstation in the next room. If your workflow does not fit the cloud computing model developing at Adobe, then LR for iPad is not for you.
But don't feel slighted. It is not for me either. The whole iPad thing is pretty much useless for me. i bought one and then migrated to OSX from windows so that I could better integrate my iPhone, iPad, and computer. My intention was to replace my laptop with an iPad. For many things it can be a replacement. The iPad that I have has 32GB of storage and RAM combined. This is expected to hold all of my applications and data and space to run my apps. I can check email, browse with Chrome, and run Keynote presentations, Numbers spreadsheets, and Pages documents. But I can't import a camera card full of images or do much with the 40Mb NEFs when I do get the images onto the iPad. For these things I need a
real computer even a small one like my 13"rMBP. Working with Smart previews might be possible on LR for the iPad, BUT I first need to get the images off of the card and into the LR catalog So I either take a
real computer with me or wait until I finish my travels and use the
real computer at home.
I'm not sure Adobe has given the real world use of iPads a thorough thinking through. The iPad needs to be an extension of the camera first as well as an extension of the data cloud.