I'm sure there are apps which can patch across the different platforms and thanks for the suggestions, guys.
My position is that I'm quite happy with my own solutions which are simple enough for what I want to do. I use dropbox for most transfers to the iPad but you can't access it from the photo app to transfer pictures up to it.
I host my own pictures on my own webspace so I don't use photobucket or whatever so it's dead easy with an iPad pic just to email it to myself and pick it up on the laptop for upload. Just as easy as using another app really
Not having an iPad or even a working mobile these days, I find it hard to contribute much, but I've got an itchy typing finger.
I can say that our old mobile uploaded pix via a dongle OK. Also, our daughter is always posting phone pix. I'll ask her if I can find her in a non grumpy mood.