Mobile Ministry Magazine

Here's part two of one user's experience with mobile devices and its intersection with their life. Check out Part One of this story and then submit yours.

Then I heard about the upcoming [Nokia] N95. And I wanted it. That wasn't ideal as I found that Orange had sneakily locked me in for an extra 6 months (actually, they've gone and done that again this time, now I think about it, by a different method). I bought out of the contract and got me a new Nokia N95 on the day of release. Some people had all sorts of problems with the device, but mine has been going strong with regular daily use for over two and a half years. There's no silver left on some of the buttons (and hasn't been for a long time). But it's still up and running.

The N95 uses the Symbian operating system, which brought me back into the realm of available software: Olive Tree Bible means I can always turn up a reference when requested. E-Reader saves me taking a case full of books when I travel (or it did – these days everything I want seems to require a US credit card). A card full of MP3 files means I am never without a range of music (and I have a cable to connect it to the car radio). I don't carry files - data protection is a hot topic within my circles.

Then last autumn, I invested in a netbook. In conjunction with a phone dongle, I now have the full internet anywhere there's a signal. I chose the netbook with windows on because of the dongle plug and play, and it has given me access to anything I can possibly need: Open Office, Firefox browser, email, and I can run the Methodist liturgy programme and such things. I even use it as a music player for dance practice. On holiday, I carry a camera cable, and turn my blog into a travelogue. The netbook nicely fits into my handbag.

And these days my primary phone is a c905. (The N95 has my work sim-card). I have to say I am not impressed. It has all the limitations of the k750i but has none of the advantages: the build quality extremely poor, and the camera, while boasting a wealth of megapixels lacks either the excellent software of the k750i or the optical lens of the N95.

Which brings me to where I am now... looking for something to replace the c905 as my primary phone (because the case it broken, the earpiece doesn't work and it's now having problems charging). I've looked at the Sony Ericsson Satio (but I'm wary of SE after the c905), I've looked at the HTC HD2 (But I actively dislike the capacitive screen, and the camera is weak). So I've almost settled on a Nokia N900. If I could just get the nerve up to click that 'buy now' button.

As for using devices for 'my ministry', I suppose I'm not sure how that works for two reasons. Firstly because I'm nervous of pretending that my history of gadgets is anything other than a closet materialism that just enjoys toys. It can be easy to make 'holy' noises to cover up the bits of our humanity we're less proud of, and I wouldn't want to do that. And secondly, I'm not sure I make a distinction between my 'ministry' and other aspects of my life. If I support someone who's having a tough time over Twitter or Skype, is that 'ministry'?

If my teddy bear chats to children struggling with understanding a death in the family, or offers his stories free for worship leaders and teachers on his website, is that ministry? Is my presence in various communities 'ministry'? To me, it's all just me, being the person I am called to be wherever I am, online or off. Loving people and God to the best of my (limited) ability in whatever environment. And enjoying playing with the tools God has blessed me with. ;-)

Labels: communication, community, HTC, minister, N95, Olivetree, sony ericsson

This is just a bit of a summary look at a few mobiles that have been in my pocket recently. Feel free to ask questions on any of them, and concerning the Nokia devices, stay tuned for feature articles about them.

HTC Diamond from Sprint

This is a model that I just finished reviewing for Brighthand. Its designed similar to the iPhone, Sprint Instinct, and LG Prada, but offers a smaller design than all of those. It has Windows Mobile and a custom user interface called TouchFlo3D. This custom interface, combines with the Opera Mobile browser, VGA (640x480 pixel) screen, and several pieces of additional software to make for a solid device. Some of my knocks on it were the battery life and polish of some of the software, but overall, its not a bad device to have.

Nokia N96 (Euro version)

The N96 is a newer Nokia model that I have received from Nokia Blogger Relations to review. It features 16GB of internal memory, a digital TV-Tuner, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, TV-Out, GPS... (breathe) ...a 2.8in screen, and Symbian S60 3.2 as the operating system. I've actually been swapped out to a different model since initially getting it due to some missing software and an update. So far, its not been too bad, but this newly updated model hasn't yet seen much time in the pocket due to the Diamond review taking priority. I have taken a slew of pictures of it though :)

Nokia N95 (North American version)

The N95 is the model that I received as the prize for the Mobile Web Server competition. Given the applications that I have for it, memory, system stability, and what is not out yet that could be better, this has been pretty solid. As usual, I wish that I could get more battery life out of it, but that's only because I really do everything with it. I'm not looking for a new model though, this one really meets the needs I have, the explorations that I've been wanting to do with mobiles in ministry.

Labels: Hardware, HTC, HTC Diamond, mobiles, N95, N96, Nokia, review

I don't want to fall behind too much in some of the current news as there is a slew of things going on these days that would be of interest to many of you looking at mobile devices, web services, and in general those things on tap for the side of tech called mobile.

• Evernote has left the beta stage and now has a few options for those looking for a solid note solution that can be done on several types of mobile devices, with and without inking/natural handwriting support. There's a free version as well as a pay version that offers a slew of options (via JK on the Run).
• An interview posted recently at the Adaptive Path Blog talks about an effort going on at Nokia called Homegrown where mobile devices are being looked at towards not only communication tools, but their impact on social and natural envrionments. Its a really impressive thing this group is doing, and speaks well towards a piece we posted earlier about sustaining the earth with our technology choices.
• The Nokia Internet Tablet has seen an update to the operating system for the N800 and N810 models. I'm still avidly using mine and despite some issues I run into, its still a genre changing kind of device. This latest update paves the way for several features and a new type of Internet Tablet device. Stay tuned here on that note.
• Nokia, Palm, and HTC have also introduced several new smartphones hitting all types of budgets.
  
  On Nokia's side, the E71, E66, and N78 all come in as nice lifestyle devices for business and entertainment use. Each of these also has GPS built-in. The N78 comes in a North American 3G compatable mode as well.
  
  Palm has introduced an unlocked Palm Centro - meaning that you can purchase it to be used on GSM carriers without needing a mobile plan to do so.
  
  And HTC has unveiled the HTC Diamond. A very impressive mobile device. Its a lot like the iPhone, a lot like nothing you've ever seen, and powerful as all get out. According to Palmsolo/Matt Miller, the HTC Diamond seems to really look and work nice with Laridian's PocketBible 4.
  
  Any of these mobiles would be suitable for engaging in a mobile lifestyle in my opinion. Do write in if you have had experience with any of these mobiles.
• Carnival of the Mobilists #129 is packed as usual.
• Logos Bible Software is doing a Show Us Your Work thing via their blog for those using Logos in notes, sermons, and other applications.

Pretty neat if you ask me. Tons out there on the mobile side of life just waiting to be applied in ways that are innovative and can speak towards meeting the needs of various communities around us if we use them as we are being Spirit-led.

Labels: Carnival of the Mobilists, Evernote, HTC, Laridian, Logos, mobiles, Nokia, Palm, sustainability