How to access Windows share from an iPad?
I didn't find any iPad app that's supporting samba.
What is the best way to access Windows shares from an iPad?
Because there is no normally-accessible local filesystem on an iOS device, an app that "supports SMB" doesn't tell us enough. Because you can't simply copy files from a SMB share onto the iOS device.
There are plenty of apps that support SMB shares, three I can think of off the top of my head (at least as far as I recall) are: Goodreader, OPlayer, and Air Sharing.
Air Sharing is probably the most compatible for whatever you want to do, as it opens almost anything. Goodreader is primarily a document reader (txt, pdf, etc.), and OPlayer is a multi-format video player. It plays almost anything, MPEGs, AVIs, MKVs, etc.
What you want to accomplish beyond merely 'connecting to a SMB Share' will dictate the app you'll be able to use.
Additionally to the OPlayer app suggested by @Jason Salaz I've found several other apps that can connect to Windows smb shares:
- Cloud Connect Pro $14.99
- FileBrowser $3.99
- Files Connect $3.99
- NetPortal $2.39
- ezShare Pro $15.99
Unfortunately I couldn't find any free apps.
It's easy to hook up dropbox--not quite the same as you are asking but supported on pc/mac/iphone/ipad/android/linux/... and really does a great job of syncing your files together.
I haven't seen any other apps that would allow you to accomplish the goal you are after, but you will find some that will let you stream media from a certain type of media share--but that's not what you asked.