iPad does not have very good data management when used as a solo device. To be honest, if you plan to go this route I would recommend either a Windows tablet or Android tablet. Both Windows and Android have far superior data management options including true file manager support.
Tablets are not very good for multitasking but as single task devices they are fine and can be used for productivity quite well. There are plenty of great office suites for iOS, including iWorks. If you combine it with a keyboard case (I use a
HP Stream) and keep iTunes installed on it. You'll only need to power it up when you want to move data around or reorganize it.