Mobile Ministry Magazine

Just a question to throw out there: how many of you lead or attend a church/organization meeting in which someone has an accessiblity need (and I mean anything from reprints of materials, to sign language, to special accomodiations)? Have you used any type of mobile device or service to aid your ability to be more accessible, and if so, what are those tools?

Labels: accessiblity, community, mobile accessories

Here is a small demonstration of how I use my mobile at home, thoughts?

Labels: E71, frogpad, mobile accessories, mobility, N95, Video

I am a big fan of the Ceilo Redfly because it allows the smartphone to be the computer, but then be extended with a larger keyboard and screen when needed. Add to that the battery of the Ceilo Redfly being able to last 8hrs and charge the smartphone and you have pretty much teh best accessory one could have towards making a smartphone their main computer.

The issue with it was cost. But that's not the case any ore. For a limited time the Ceilo Redfly is reduced to $199. That's pretty much a steal - if you own a Windows Mobile smartphone. I don't know how else to say it, but this is a really good deal.

And even if you could not afford one now, there's also a monthly contest where the prize is a Ceilo Redfly and a smartphone. Pretty much a win-win situation there.

So don't waste time. Who knows how long the $199 deal will last, and get also into the contest. But in light of computing solutions that are cheap and effective, you can't do much better especially if you are a on a budget and a smartphone meets your needs.

Image curtosy of Ceilo website

Labels: ceilo redfly, mobile accessories, smartphone

One of the things that I've tried to do, even before starting Mobile Ministry Magazine, has been to reduce my computing needs to the bare essentials as much as possible. A big reason for doing so is because I've been one to travel a good bit and besides taking long trips, I tend to have taken many trips. Ironically, this weekend, I hit 100,000 miles in my 3yr old Civic.

Knowing what I can do with as few physical materials as possible is something that is a bit of an aim of being mobile. To skillfully and effective utilize the environment and services offered so that one can get a job done and connect. Andy Abramson, CEO of Comunicano, Inc. (an advertising, marketing and public relations agency based in Del Mar, CA), tends to do writes a blog called Working Anywhere and in a recent post talks about some of the tools that he uses as a global nomad.

...Basically, I've built the company (and am now rebuilding my house) by being the executive who works anywhere but the traditional office, allowing for a business lifestyle that is highly productive, and mostly more effortless than many people would ever imagine. For example right now I'm in Europe, floating between Lisbon, Portugal, Barcelona, Paris and London over a two-week period. After that I’ll be on the East Coast, the West Coast, back to the East Coast, into the Midwest, all before August 9, when I finally move back into my house. Along the way I’m staying in very business executive work-friendly and amazingly artistic, modern and well run hotels, all of which offer very high-quality Internet and many of the comforts and services a business traveler needs...

That's a good deal of traveling and the really good thing about this post is that while many of us might not have his resources, we can utilize some of the behaviors and services in our own capacities to make traveling less of an issue, or in the case of missions work, less a chore of logistics and more of just going and serving.

Check out the rest of the post The Tools of The Global Nomad at Working Everywhere and let's chat about some of the tools or behaviors that you have found sufficient in those times when you've been more nomad than settler.

Disclosure: Comunicano has worked with MMM in the past through the Nokia Blogger Relations program to provide devices and notification of services that may or may not be relevant to our community.

Labels: communication, community, computer, data, devices, environment, flexibility, mobile, mobile accessories, mobility, Nokia, resources, stewardship, sustainability, tools, usability

A question that has been sitting in my head for sometime has been concerning the Ceilo Redfly. Reviewed by Matt Miller (Palmsolo) over at ZDNet some time ago, the Ceilo Redfly is a bit of an alternative look at what mobile computing can look like: instead of the laptop being the center and the smartphone walking alongside it, the Redfly plays as the the accessory to the smartphone, and basically is just a screen, keyboard, and battery so that the smartphone becomes much more of a productive device.

Now, this is what many people have problems with understanding and it begs to be said here again. If you are doing anything with a computer more than normal browsing, photo cropping, and personal information management tasks, then the Redfly and a smartphone might not be the ideal solution for you. However, if you are finding that you spend more time on your smartphone, and that your laptop largely stays put at home doing those light tasks, this might be a really good solution for you (if you own a Windows Mobile smartphone - other smartphones are not supported at this time).

Some weeks ago, I shot an email to a contact at Ceilo and he was able to get me a few answers concerning the Ceilo Redfly and a more vocational focus. If you will, I've always seen this device as being a near perfect setup for those in mission fields, those in urban ministry settings where you don't get a lot of space to setup shop; and those users who are using mainly web applications, and the use of a smartphone can save money and lead towards more efficient energy use.

Here are some of the questions (expanded a bit) along with answers from Brad Warnock, Ceilo's VP of Marketing (in the blockquote):

The Ceilo Redfly has a price point of $500. This is pretty expensive for many consumers, though I am guessing that enterprise IT departments are a bit more receptive. What has the response been towards this aspect of the Redfly?

Some enterprise buyers are pushing back a bit, but others have made direct comments as the the price being OK, even under priced at times considering the TCO benefits compared to a sub-compact laptop, netbook or UMPC. Also, we're sure that over time, scale and efficiency factors in the manufacturing process will bring some kind of price drop.

The Redfly would seem like a perfect device for mission workers due to the easy-to-attain nature of mobile phones in various places around the word, and the options towards data connectivity. Plus, the fact that the Redfly has no hard drive means that losing it would not compromise computing initiatives in places where information censorship is an issue. Can you speak on any churches/organizations that utilize the Redfly and any of their success stories?

Two very large U.S.-based churches are currently running REDFLY pilot programs, but we can't disclose the names at this time.

Could you describe the interest that has been had, instead of naming those churches/organizations?

There is a strong interest both internationally and in the U.S. from many vocations, particularly as you would expect from salespeople, field service managers, field technicians, construction, law enforcement and government. Just about anyone who is on the road or at a remote location much of the time shows an interested once exposed to REDFLY. The 8-hour battery works all day. 3G data connections let people quickly connect from just about anywhere.

The price point and data loss protection features really work to our advantage in the field. People find that work crews lose or damage laptops all the time (even the expensive ruggedized ones). REDFLY is inexpensive enough that if you break or lose it, people can quickly justify the replacement cost. Since no data or settings are stored on REDFLY, when one is lost, there's no security breach or IT hassles - just forget about it, connect another REDFLY and everything is back to normal.

As you can see, there is some advantage towards the Redfly as a data accessory option. With smartphones picking up the ability to be utilized as solo computers, and with the very present fact that connectivity and energy are expensive, making concessions such as changing one's paradigm of computing are becoming realities moreso than exceptions to the rule.

The Ceilo Redfly can be purcased for $500 from the Ceilo website. For bulk orders, please make sure to contact their representatives directly.

Do you have any other questions concerning the Redfly? Place them in the comments and we will compile them for a future posting if the volume warrants.

Thanks to Matt Miller, Clayton Blackham, and Brad Warnock of Ceilo for contributing to this posting.

Labels: ceilo redfly, mini-notebook, mission, mobile accessories, smartphone, upmc

I'm by no means a parent yet, but I do have a ton of experience with kids through various volunteer and church functions. Frankly speaking, I love kids. And one of the more enjoyable things that I get to do is that I am able to use mobile devices in ways with them to engage them, and effectivly learn from them how they interact with their world.

What got me thinking on this wise was a thread over at Internet Tablet Talk where people were talking about how they use their Internet Tablets as part of their parenting strategy. From replacing the car DVD player, to sketching and games, there's a good bit that can be done given some imagination and a child in need of activity.

So to you parents out there, do you do anything with mobile devices to bolster some of your parenting? Or, is there something that you would like to see from mobile devices in terms of software that would make it easier for you to hand a device off and then be assured that they are not just keeping busy, but learning and engaging the world a bit differently than with other media?

Labels: internet tablet, mobile accessories, mobiles, Nokia, parenting, software

An important decision that many ministries are facing right now, especially in the US, is how to conserve energy with the rising energy and gas prices. Whereas many could say that it would be of some advantage to do things such as carpooling and some virtual office tasks, another cog in the puzzle has to do with the hardware itself. Is what you are using too much for the task at hand.

It's hard to think about mobile tech in this light though. For the most part, many of use understand the concept of get it just in case. And while this motto of "be prepared" is a good one, sometimes its something that is too much for what is really needed.

What I am getting at is part of that decision process of how to go mobile if there is a change in computing lifestyle that is needed. Considering things such as resources, device ability, personal ability, and perceptions are a part of this process. We look at how going mobile will impact several aspects of our lives, and what positive and negative effects that it will have for us and others later.

In March 2006, I suffered the experience of a laptop whose motherboard fried. I was left with a computer at work that I could bring home on occasion. But mostly had the use of a Palm Treo and a wireless keyboard in order to do everything from manage this website to connect with the world around me. Because of this trimming of my computing, I found that I got work done more often - the smaller screen made me more purposeful. Also, in telling others of my situation, I began to be an evangelist towards what is possible with mobile devices. Yes, an emergency initiated my situation - just like what happened with this person at Internet Tablet Talk - but I had a choice. I chose to learn what was possible, and it influenced me to change my perceptions of what is possible.

As you engage with various aspects of mobile technology, I would hope that you take the time to challenge your perceptions as well. You might not need all that you have, or you might need more than what you have. But you need to assess and then drive the boat. You'll be surprised where it can take you and others.

Related Posts:

• Technology Strategy (MMM)
• Your Preferred Combination (MMM)
• Go Mobile to Sustain the Earth

Labels: Laptop, mobile, mobile accessories, phone, smartphone

While it is great to have a mobile Bible, or at least an electronic one that you can read or study from nearly anyplace. There are some accessories that make using those electronic Bibles a lot easier to deal with. Here are 5 mobile Bible accessories that you should not be caught without:

• Word Processor/Notes Application
  Recommendations: MemoPad (PalmOS), Notes (Windows Mobile, Internet Tablet), MS Word/Google Desktop (laptop, desktop)
• USB key/memory card
  Recommendations: several options, but the general rule is to find the largest size that you can afford, and then go for the next size up via a website like NewEgg or Buy.com. Deals and prices means that space to store and backup information can easily attained.
• Case/laptop bag
  Recommendations: You will want to stuff only so much in your pockets/hands. A nice case will not just keep your hands free, but also protect your devices. In the case of laptops, make sure to find one rated with high shock protection. NotebookReview.com has several models of laptop cases they have reviewed.
• Print Bible
  Recommendations: one small enough to fit in the glove compartment of your car, or a small pocket in your laptop bag for you never know when that power might go out and you want to continue reading.
• Prayer
  Recommendations: seriously, you cannot do anything without this accessory. Get it in when reading, studying, or just out and about (Ephesians 6:18)

What are some of the things you would consider an important accessory to have with your mobile toolkit?

Labels: Bible, desktop, Hardware, Laptop, mobile accessories, mobility, prayer, software, tech

Welcome to the third and final installment of the MMM Mobile Experiment Report. In Part One, we talked about the general setup and the reasons for doing this experiment. In Part Two, we spoke on the day to day use of it; and then started talking about why its not yet an accessible solution, but it is a versatile one. In Part Three, we talk more about what is possible with the Mobile Web Server and come to some conclusions towards its potential use.

You see, for most end and power-users of mobile devices, the Mobile Web Server is not yet a solution. There are a few too many niggles with it before it can become a solution. What it is however is a canvas, a very empty canvas. When one wants to think of what is possible with mobility, this section of the report hits on that. And specifically for the Christian church, what we do with technology will go a long way towards making divisions along digital lines a thing of the past. Innovation requires that we think outside of the box before we jump into a new one. By the end of this report, I hope that you can not just see why doing the MMM Mobile Experiment was a paradigm shift for me; but also where and why Nokia sees this as a profitable endeavor.

This section of the MMM Mobile Experiment Report contains:

• Lessons Learned
• Current and Future Applications
• Why This Is A Model for the [Digital] Church
• Appendix/Additions

Lessons Learned

At this point, the MMM Mobile Experiment seemed to be a solid idea that is just a bit further than where people want to go with interacting with websites and at the same time, its not far enough in terms of how organizations and ministry can reach out to one another. What I saw in the first few days was that in order to get people to come to MMM Mobile, I had to be proactive about advertising and up front about limitations such as loading speed and the log-in issue. After getting used to it from a lifestyle perspective, I had to come to grips with the ability of attainable technology not being up to snuff with the demands of a web server being backed up by a social network. The frame work is there, but there is a gap before this can be applicable on a broad scale.

I did learn some things that were quite positive, and gives me hope that maybe the Body is better equipped to use near-solutions in effective ways. For example, in talking to my pastors about the MMM Mobile Experiment while it was going on, they had a genuine interest in how it would pan out and how it could be relevant to them. One of the smaller experiments was to live-blog during one of the sermons and then forward them the link to get their thoughts. Live-blogging the sermon on a mobile phone brought stares from people unaware of what I was doing, despite knowing my technical bent. Getting my pastors to be able to log in without issues became a problem because I did not noticed the case-sensitive issue for logging in under the guest account. And even during the sermon, I was not prepared for the out of memory error that running the browser and mobile web server would cause, preventing users from even accessing the site. it was advantageous to try, but in light of things, could have been better planned out.

Other parts that proved positive were in just the evangelism of mobile devices and the Internet as being tools of connectivity. I found that with the MWS active that I had more time to spend on mobile devices, thereby getting me in places where I could engage people and allow various aspects of using mobile technology open the door for conversations. In one instance, interacting with a child in a coffeeshop was made more fun when I took his picture via the Web Camera feature and then showed it to him and his parents from the screen of my N800 Internet Tablet. This showed to them that technology has a way to touching us even more than we think without having to have a Star Trek moment.

Current and Future Applications

Having done this experiment, it is easy to say that it can be used. However relevance for the mobile web server has its place in only a few areas, mainly because of the hardware and connection requirements that would necessitate more affluence than the market can share at this time.

In terms of a software platform, having a web server on a mobile phone can present the opportunity to remove a few middle layers of device management and information management software that has been slow to catch on in some areas. Normally, we think of this as syncing, backup, and personal information management (PIM) software; the structure of this mobile web server platform offers a few aspects of use that previously were harder to get newer users to adopt:

• If the smartphone is online (cellular broadband or Wi-Fi) accessing it though an IP address or domain name assigned to the device (or SIM card) give the opportunity to do things such as add and remove applications, connect contacts to social networks, backup contacts to an offline storage area, or even lock down the device in case of theft;
• If the device is not online, these same tasks can be done through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi ad-hoc network where all that a person needs is a browser with a larger screen in order to extend the functionality of their device;
• Adding an email component would essentially make the MWS platform a replacement (on the consumer level) or products like MS Exchange as the device is the server and there is nothing that needs to be additionally added to the device.

This is thinking about the mobile web server as it can have present relevance in the way that people want to get the most of their devices. For this to work best however, unlimited data plans, and seamless connectivity needs to be the norm and not the exception. Also, quality of service in terms of mobile operating systems, cellular lines, and even user experience will play a larger part in letting this connectivity option be the norm rather than the exception for mobile computing.

Taking things a bit further, the mobile web server has the ability to innovate in small business and organizational communications by:

• Intranet for a low-funded ministry or non-profit organization
• Website for a traveling missionary who travels in well connected areas and has has the funds to connect frequently enough to make this viable
• Future: platform for sharing documents and calendars as a family point of contact system
• Multi-campus connector for small groups spread over a large area

This is not to say that there are not other applications; only that in using the Mobile Web Server, I spoke with and engaged with organizations where the relevance of a mobile device that can handle these connections made for opportunities to remove buildings, excess tools, and in some cases a learning curve, therefore making more time for the connections that a web server and interpersonal communication allows to happen.

Why This Is A Model for the [Digital] Church

I was asked very bluntly at the conclusion of my experiment why I felt that this was a model for computing that the Body should be receptive to. I was given the reasons about economics, device availability, and even preconceptions that a mobile device should only be used for talking. My reason for thinking and believing that the mobile web server in various forms is a suitable means to enable the digital church is simply that it is something that has not been done before. Its new ground, and puts the Body at the place of pioneering and setting the bar in terms of what is possible with communication technologies.

I do not say this to mean that there are not other organizations that would not benefit from what has been written here, but to say that because the church has a mission to connect and empower people, it should take what is available and not duplicate solutions, but create them.

The book of Acts is an account of a sledging church finding its legs after Jesus left the scene. He deposited within them the Holy Spirit to empower and equip them with the innate ability to go to the ends of the earth and be a representative of Him and carry the Gospel's message of a redeeming and justified love. Since taking the plunge with Nokia's Mobile Web Server, I can see how that would not just be a radical idea, but an attainable one. The question is, are we innovative enough to capitalize on what has already been deposited in us to do since Acts.

Appendix/Additions

There were some additional posts written during and after the creation of this report. These items will be available in a downloadable version of the MMM Mobile Experiment Report (coming soon).

Labels: community, education, email, gospel, mobile accessories, Mobile Web Server, mobility, Nokia, phone, software, tech, usability

Web Worker Daily recently posted an article titled 5 Essentials for the Mobile Web Worker where they looked at 5 pieces of hardware and software that would be essential for the mobile web worker. Here are some of mine:

• Removable memory card with backup of data
• Solio solar portable battery charger
• Bluetooth external keyboard

Given that my setup is based on a smartphone and Internet Tablet it might be different than yours. Seeing that many pastors are moving towards a similar type of setup - laptop computer, Wi-Fi- hotspot, and online applications - what are your essential tools?

Bonus: And what things do you have in place when those tools aren't working due to environment/finances/etc.?

Labels: Hardware, mobile, mobile accessories, mobility, N75, N800, software, tech

Image via Wikipedia

A friend of mine has been debating when to get the Nokia N810. He basically wants it to replace his laptop for the lighter ministry tasks that he does. He's been doing his homework, looking at his budget, and basically learning all that he can about it before he makes the jump, but the question that he has is "when?" You see, for him it is not so much that its there, but when should he get it is the more important question.

For those who follow technology of any kind, you know that there is planned obsolescence for all of it. Nothing seems to be meant to last forever, and in some cases, not much longer than the 5 minutes that passed since your purchased it. However, being a good steward over our resources means that we have to take a proactive approach towards attaining mobile technology, and for many of us that leaves us in a constant wait pattern.

So how do you decide to pull the trigger? Here are some things that have helped me in the past on this side of decision making:

• Have you prayed about it or just told God that you wish that you had it?
• In investigating the device or software, have you noticed complaints for basic functionality or advanced features?
• Has the device had a major recall during its product life? Or is there a standing glitch that has not had any communication from the manufacturer that it will be addressed at some point and time?
• What devices/services are planned to come after this? How long from this point until that new device/service is released?
• Have you checked the Buy/Sell threads at the fan sites for this item (usually used, but the price is a lot lower than purchasing new)?

What about you, what kinds of decisions do you go through before making a purchase?

Labels: mobile accessories, mobiles, mobility, N810, Nokia, purchasing, tech

I am one part a member of Nokia's Blogger Relations team, and have recently been invited to be an S60 Ambassador. Essentially, I speak about Nokia's products to people when I see that there's a need for them. In some cases, I'll get devices or services to try out and then report those findings back to Nokia. For them, it's an effort to see how people are using their devices and services. For me, it's a chance to see how mobile technology can enrich and empower lives.

The better part is that there are relationships that happen. Being able to live in Christ around them makes having opportunities like these presented by Nokia and other companies kinda neat. Here are a few of the recent reports that I filed to Nokia's S60 Ambassador's program. For those of you looking at ways to see how mobile tech fits, this is how I go about learning and applying.

Episode 1: The Young Mother

I went to visit a friend of mine on the other side of Charlotte as she has a 1yr old kid who has provided for several great photo opportunities. She and I talked about her e-learning class that she is taking and some directions that she could go with content for her blog. I recommended the idea of the phone as the literal center of the Internet for the school by using the Mobile Web Server.

First, I had to explain to her what the Mobile Web Server is and what kind of functionality that it opens up. Then, I told her that I could show her what it would look like. So I pulled out my N75 and turned on the Mobile Web Server. We navigated through each of the pages on her laptop that was in front of us, and I showed her how such a setup would make for a different take on distance learning ventures.

She was amazed that my phone could do that and asked why it was that her 3555 was not able to do the same things even though it was a Nokia phone as well. I explained to her that while they were from the same company, that they used different operating systems. One of the applications that she'd become a bit intrigued about is Jaiku; especially its ability to link with the address book for presence notification. That was something that she wanted for her phone. I led her to Yahoo, and there she learned about Yahoo's oneConnect service. Unfortunately, she does not have a mobile [data] plan, and does not see getting one; so downloading that was out of the question.

he problem that she posed to me was how to get more out of a phone like mine without being online. Considering that I do so much online via my N75, that really left me without many words. Other than the Bible, voice, and SMS, the rest really is the Internet. Making my phone compelling towards those who don't need that functionality will have to become another search of mine.

Episode 2: The Church Admin

Monday night is usually bible study at It's a Grind Coffeehouse and that is where I was again this Monday. Having had a successful demonstration of the Mobile Web Server running on my N75 earlier Monday, I decided to pique the interest of one of the administrative workers of my church and get her idea on such a solution.

First, I gave her a small demonstration of the software on my device, and then used my N800 Internet Tablet to show what the site actually works like in a web browser. At that she was impressed, but I could see not convinced at its usefulness. I then changed modes to talking about how there is always some information that one wants to keep personal, but other things, like pictures and availability that would come in handy for some people to know.

I then set my Gallery to show the pictures from my memory card and showed her how that page could be set with permissions. I then showed the Contact, Presence, and Calendar screens and showed that these can be controlled with a simple group that is created on the phone.

She looked at the phone and said "that's interesting. Your phone is a powerful little thing." Powerful indeed, but as a device that connects, its hard to beat.

Related Items:

• Nokia's S60 Ambassador Program
• Nokia's Mobile Web Server
• N75 Live-in Review Update
• MMM's N95 (via Nokia Blogger Relations) Review
• Yahoo's oneConnect service

Labels: Bible, church, community, device, family, Jaiku, mission, mobile, mobile accessories, Mobile Web Server, mobility, N75, Nokia, phone, software, tech, urban, usability, Yahoo

I unintentionally tend to sit on some news stories. Hoping to speak about some things when there is an open slot or the chatter on the interwebs isn't so loud about it that it would get lost in the shuffle; some things just get pushed to the back a bit. Here's some of those items that aren't too flaccid in terms of timing, but definitely useful for various applications.

• Logos post address Spanish-oriented resources.
• The latest GMPSoft newsletter has several deals on various electronic resources for your PDA or smartphone including a Bible Bundle which includes the Greek UBS4 module.
• Something to make you think on how to approach little ones with the subject of hearing God and prayer even when its something that the Bible may/may not talk about ;)
• Palm Addict has a random giveaway of a 15 inch Mac PowerBook going on right now. The rules are to send in a post relevant to how you are using mobile tech. If not something that you need, definitely enter for someone in your circle who could use a computer but may not have the means to attain one.
• Swerve, a ministry of Lifechurch.tv, has two post titled 10 Things.... The first deals with Introspection and the second Ministry. Hands down, a very solid read and meditation piece for the weekend.
• And finally, the Carnival of the Mobilists at Mobilestance has plenty of readings from the past week in mobile tech.
• Forgot this one: YouVersion has done some updates that have improved performance and added a few new versions to the fray. Unless you are on an Internet Tablet like me, it really should work very well in connected settings as both a journaling and group Bible study tool.

Don't forget that we published MMM Issue 5 earlier this week. Several articles and insights there as well for your own mental scratchpad.

Labels: accessiblity, Apple, Bible, Carnival of the Mobilists, community, devotion, family, issue 5, mobile accessories, mobility, Spanish, stewardship, study, tech, worship

The last two posts, we've talked about extending your mobile office to help mangage the tasks of doing ministry easier. But there's nothing like real world examples.

So what do you do to extend your office capabilities? And what hurdles have you encountered either personally or with your team?

(Lord willing, a question like this in the future can be met with some kind of giveaway to help some of you on who are doing this already)

Labels: church, community, mission, mobile accessories, mobility, tech, urban, usability

Image from Wikipedia

For many of you, its not an issue of "if" to extend your offices, by using web and mobile technology, its a matter of "how."

To answer the "how" we are going to look at a few areas: engaging people to use the tools and selecting what works best with your budget.

Engaging the Team

A major hurdle to using anything new is getting people sold on the idea that it would work best for them. Unfortunately, we are creatures of habit. Doing something different, especially when it comes to utilizing mobile devices, services, or applications can be a bear.

One thing you want to have in place before you roll out a solution is some type of easy to access help system. This should be in two layers (simple): knowledge base and people (in that order). The first questions people ask are the "how do I do this" ones, so making sure that this is populated, and constantly maintained, is of great importance. This resources should be emphasized during any training, and a part of a weekly routine of checking on the progress of implementing a solution.

What this looks like to the minister's on-the-go-office could be a wiki that is saved on the mobile device with common topics. It could be a contact entry that is constantly synced with a note detailing how to do immediate problem solving.

The people resource should be the second and final one. This is where one asks for assistance in doing a feature, or needs a refresher in what was taught originally. Everyone needs a point of contact, and assuring them that there is a person that can be contacted makes it easier for people to accept that there's a change in the workflow in the mist.

Actually getting the team to use those new tools might be less difficult if it could be implemented into the normal routine. For example, in one SharePoint installation I was a part of, instead of making the entire enterprise use it all at once, we made the departments use it only for announcements. We left it open for individuals to play with, but made them know that the only way to know about what was going on was to visit the SharePoint website. Over time, we rolled out more and more SharePoint-only features, backed up with training key users on more features so they would talk about it, getting others involved into using it on a more consistent basis. Basically speaking, giving it to them in small bits is better than force-feeding.

Budget Concerns

One of the questions that is always asked when talking about extending one's office using mobile tech is the cost. Cost doesn't just include the money, its also inclusive of the time, the administration, and any thing else that is not actively using the tech. Balancing cost versus use is hard, but here are some things to think about when evaluating cost:

• Are those providing support or those building the system a volunteer who may leave at any given time?
• Does using a mobile device require additional learning outside of just using office tools, such as user interface and system maintenance issues?
• What is the backup plan? Will implementing a backup plan cost as much as implementing the primary plan? Can using the backup be easier for users than using the primary?
• What are the cost savings/expenses of an entire ministry team being online? Are subsidies or grants available to offset the costs of running/not running a physical office?
• In extending the office, what are the costs to family, friends, and ministry endeavors? Can appropriate boundaries be kept?

Addressing Smaller Offices

Some of you reading this might see these as all well and good, but you are part of a 5-man or smaller team. Things just aren't that deep (in scope or budget). So what can you do?

Take advantage of web suites like Google Apps or Zoho Office. While providing a centralized interface for work, it will also keep things manageable in one area. Using smartphones, Internet Tablets, and UMPC devices are a good means to take light work on the go. Remember though that more devices are more things to manage. Choose the device carefully, basing the costs and engagement on what you already do and what you need to do better.

Labels: browser, community, device, email, family, Google, mission, mobile accessories, mobility, networking, SharePoint, stewardship, study, tech

This "conversation" is actially a report that I've filed recently to the Nokia S60 Ambassadors Program. While this fits their purposes, I hope that it sheds some light as to the conversations that mobile technoogy can involve us into, and if we be willing listeners, we can learn something that would help shape mobile use and community engagement on Gospel levels.

This Monday even started out similar to ones in the past where I met members of my church for Bible study. They have become accustomed to me using mobile technology during the study. This week, I had the Sony Mylo along with the N800 and was using the Wi-Fi and coffeehouse environment to compare the user interfaces towards using public Wi-Fi connections and what kind of web-usability is possible with the Mylo compared to what I know with the N800.

The Community Life pastor first asked me about the devices in seeing both tablets. He mentioned that something in the size of an Internet Tablet was appealing to him because he notices that he doesn't so much need the laptop as much as he needs access to the information. I gave him the Mylo to play with first and just looked at some general impressions he had while using it. After some play with it, and a few bits of frustration, he then moved to playing with the N800. He remarked that the N800 had a better feel and felt more polished in the touchscreen and user interface. The conversation with him then moved towards speaking about open source software - as that is an area that he is learning about - and how the Internet Tablet fits in this philosophy, especially in ministry settings with small churches.

The senior pastor came in and also took to trying the Mylo first. Like the first pastor, he had difficulty in navigating the user interface. However, because he had not had any type of hands on with the tablet devices before, he was filled with more questions (cost, availability, applications, etc.). After some frustrating moments in looking up some information with Gmail, he then moved to the N800. Like the first pastor, he said that he felt more comfortable. During the course of the conversation, he asked about the cost of the wireless service. He also wanted to know some websites that he could take advantage of (Google Apps being the most important). The conversation then led into how we could better use our church website and where a device like the Internet Tablets could come in handy.

Both said that they came away with a better understanding of how handheld tech could fit, but they were both looking at things from different vantage points. The first pastor was familiar with the Palm M125 and liked that kind of simplicity, but wanted the free-form of the Moleskin notebook that he uses for writing notes. The senior pastor was more impressed that such technology was available and said that it would be something that he would look into purchasing as it would fill a connectivity need.

Labels: community, internet tablet, mobile, mobile accessories, mobility, Mylo, N800, Nokia, tech

As much as I harp on my Internet Tablet and what doesn't work, I like to also talk about when things come along that are just neat, and have the benefit of having a positive effect on ministry pursuits.

Here's the news, in a few posts, we'll chat about how this has implications for one particular area of ministry where mobile tech and affluence tend to leave behind.

Here's the snippet from Internet Tablet Talk:

The opposite trend has started in the Smartphone world. The desire is to have more content, more details, thus more pixels on the display. The human eyes, especially of elderly people are limited in useable pixel-density. Thus, the size of the display increases. The physical dimensions of mobile devices are not allowed to increase further due to the pocketability constraint. Therefore the display resolution of the built-in display will remain limited. This leads in comparison Smartphone to PC to a disappointing feeling: Overview is still too limited! Alternative form factors such as rollable, foldable and any other kind of flexible display still need to mature for future deployment.

noBounds demonstrates the optimal way out of this dilemma to have a tiny Smartphone, AND utilize high definition (HD) displays by introducing a versatile and highly efficient interaction with external high resolution displays!

Read the rest at Internet Tablet Talk and watch the video below.

Labels: internet tablet, mobile, mobile accessories, N800, N810, Nokia, tech

One of the most involved questions that comes this way is how to attain a solid mobile device or service, and do so without breaking the bank. And while one can easily find devices and services on any kind of search, what kinds of principles are in place that help guide these purchases?

God's Ownership Policy

The overall policy that one should understand that finances of any kind are the Lord's. What we do with those things are a part of how we honor and respect those things that He's given us to steward. While the allure of modern devices and services is strong, we have to first establish and understand that God's best is not always that we get the thing that we want - especially if in what we have we are not serving Him well.

The What and Why

After that, we look at our usage. Many people see my setup and say that they have no need for a smartphone, or the use of a bluetooth keyboard. I say that I have a vested interest in having the immediacy of solid calendaring and contact options (and the immediacy of turning them off [wink]); that I have a vested interest in an ergonomic solution when typing (rather than relying on that ole health care system to fix my wrists). If the technology can in the short and long term prove its usability, then its a solid purchase.

Addressing the Cost

After that, its a matter of setting a budget, and not running towards the most expensive thing. For example, Nokia recently announced a model called the 6220 Classic. This model has all of the same features of the N95, but will cost less once it is introduced. So instead of getting the high end now, when it is most expensive, one can wait until later until it, or another better version, comes out that is cheaper.

Consider that You Are A Steward, Not Just A Consumer

Part of being a good steward over newly acquired mobile tech is knowing how to place boundaries on its use. For example, I used to be a big fan of showing everyone that I have something new to play with. Unfortunately, this is pride and causes strife and envy amongst the brethren. If what I am doing is to be a reflection of God, then I have to allow God room to exhalt Himself and not the new device. This is difficult for many of us because we are accustomed to "showing off the shiny." But just as we are called to humble ourselves, we should also be willing to just use the device, and allow its use to make God more evident than its new gleam.

Meditate and Consider

So as you can see, there is more to making a new purchase than just having the funds for it. As a believer, we have to consider that our actions will have an effect on the Body and people around us in areas more than just getting something new. Being a good steward means evaluating all those things, and then responding to God with obedience and wisdom towards Him in it.

Labels: community, devotion, mobile accessories, mobiles

Cynthia Ware has taken a look look at how Christian missionaries are using new media as parts of their efforts to connect and share news of their connections when away from their "roots." Here's a snippet:

...Today's missionaries are using blogs, facebook, shutterfly and other social media to extend their connectedness, reward their supporters and create archived memories of their unique adventures. Whether missionaries are serving on short term teams or serving in long term posts, they need no longer be disconnected from their points of origin, hometowns, partners, sending churches, extended families, etc. In fact, if they have internet access, there's virtually (no pun intended) no reason they can't be very connected...

Read the rest at Digital.Leadnet and also check out Cynthia's site Digital Sanctuary for more views on ministry, media, and their convergance.

Labels: accessiblity, Bible, church, community, email, gospel, mission, mobile, mobile accessories, mobiles, networking, phone, podcast, software, tech, usability, worship

So I finally have been able to get a Bible onto my N800 Internet Tablet. And this is a good thing, except that I should have done this Monday when I made the decision that I wanted to blog a bible study. In thinking about how to expand the ability to spread the wealth (so to speak) when it comes to a Bible study; I wanted to blog the study and then go back and link the verses and highlight the notes in order to have something that is not just good for me, but for any who decide that they are studying on a particular piece of the Bible and wanted to have some modern commentary along with their study.

So instead of a study that was done with Rapier and posted via Wordply; I just rolled along with a simple study using BibleGateway and the browser, along with the built in Notes application. Simple on both accounts and mostly effective. The following are the lightly edited notes of the study as I intended to post them:

Title: Blogging A Bible Study Via A Tablet

Tool: Maemo WordPly beta

Purpose: To investigate the ability to blog a Bible study, and the hypertext social constructs of meeting in a place where mobility is now an assumed cultural norm.

Some goals: To outline, write personal and community notes (annotated properly), and to later insert links to relevant verses that pertain to the discussion; to then share the entire study as a blog posting on Mobile Ministry Magazine

Ironically, I am starting this offline because I am having issues getting connected via the network here in the coffeehouse (It's A Grind). Not that I am complaining, because I have a really good drink. But this doesn't bode well as a start.

Study of Leviticus
Chapter 8 to (hopefully) the end

Where did it take place: Sinai
How Long; About 14 months
Types of offerings (he used candy analogies to describe these): chocolate and bitter
- what was also required on a guilt offering: pay the person back 120%
- Some sins have different consequences, but all are sin in the same weight

Chapter 8-10: The Priesthood
Chpt. 8: do this, o
Chapter 9:1-7, 22-24
- one of the signs to be completed consumes means that it was accepted
- There was a specific order, and now instead of there just being Moses as the priest, now Aaron and the sons take over those responsibilities
- the theme of Leviticus being holiness
Chapter 10: incorrect offering by the sons of Aaron
- how we do things is more important than what weee do

Clean and Unclean (Chapters 11-19)
- usually those things temp clean or unclean had to do with humans
- this was done for distinction from other cultures
- an aspect of hygiene that was not observed (personal note)
- What did God have in mind about this that it was not so much the rules, but the consequences behind what we do that effect other people
- year of jubilee
- these principles are in place for a specific order; are we distinctly set apart as Christians because of these

Chapter 19
v9-19: the justice of God; this hierarchy is for order

Chapter 20
penalties for social and family disobedience

Feasts
- there were seven feasts
- God was a hands on God who engaged the senses of the faithful
- passover; feast of unleavened bread; feast of first-fruits; Pentecost (50 days after the 7th sabbath); feast of the trumpets; day of atonement; feast of booths/tabernacles

Chapter 24, Year of jubilee

Chapter 26:
v3-5: if you do these things then you will prosper; the reason to bless them was to display God's holiness, for them to be distinct and bring fame to God not themselves
- cannot have the mindset that the blessings is for you, but meant to make you distinct for God
[end]

I should mention here that the study we are doing is a light OT survey. For such a study, its good to have the ability to annotate/tag items for reference, but also relate them to other resources so that one is adept in discussions later. My setup with the IT did not maximize on these points, but the building blocks are there for such integration.

A big thanks too DWatts and all the rest who have been very encouraging in helping me to get Rapier installed on the IT; now let's see what can be done to change things up a bit.

Labels: Bible, community, internet tablet, mobile accessories, mobiles, N800, software, Sword Project

As more and more people are using, and wanting to know about smarpthones. I am realizing that many of the things that I tend to take for granted, people just do not know. The following is a post from my personal website that speaks on how I am using the N75 as a music device (in addition to it being a phone and a few other tools). As much as it looks like the regular phone, its not. And its my hope that such a post can get you thinking of simple ways where you can maximize things like a phone, laptop, MP3 player when you learn more about what it can do for you.
-----

As I've gone on (and on) a few times, I am in the mist of a bit of a mobile computing shift. I've been using the N75 and really haven't had too bad of a time with it. For the most part its good, and like I said before, I can totally understand the dissappointment people have with mobiles - even those that don't know that they are. But today I did come across some goodness that I knew about, but had not thought to put into play until now.

That goodness is in the use of bluetooth headphones with the N75. Most of you are familiar with using a bluetooth headset with your phone. And that's great when speaking on the phone (I even have a really good headset that I use). But have you ever considered what it would be like to have a music player where you could listen to music without that wire? Now, if you are anything like me, those wires go dead within 3-6 months and you need to get a new pair. But if the headset is wireless, all you have to do is charge it and go.

Well, that is the case with my headphones. I have a pair of Moto BT headphones and they are ok (for a few hours anyways). With the Treo, I had to download software to use the BT ability, or purchase an adapter if I wanted to use it wired. With the N75, no adapter needed. Just pair it like one would a headset and just go. That's a good thing.

Sure, I have to charge them once a week. But they can also be used wired, which is great. At the moment I don't have but a 2GB microSD memory card, so the amount of music I have is quite small. But its enough to enjoy some solid sounds while at work or biking.

This lil phone is really capable. I might have to trumpet it a bit more (can I be like Rita and request one from Santa or the next holiday wish-granter, lol). Its a lot more accesssible to people than an N95 is in the US (cost more than anything), and not so far out there with what I am able to do that it puts people off. Uhmmm...

Labels: mobile accessories, N75, tech

From Brighthand:

One of the things that I've always liked best about smartphones has been their ability to pretty much do everything that one needs to do, and do it just about anywhere. Of course, its not perfect. Sometimes when browsing, one would like something a good bit larger so that the screen is better; or in the case of those who write a lot, a larger screen makes it a bit easier to work with formatting and multiple windows.

I've spoken at length before on how I think the Foleo is a solid prospect for many of those in ministry. I feel this way because I see that a smartphone really gets down to the kernal of what many want to do with computing, and because of its ease of use (in most cases) keeps us from absuing the computers that we've come to rely on for work and entertainment.

So you can imagine the gleem in my eye when I saw the news posting about the Redfly Mobile Companion. Much like the Palm Foleo, it works along with the smartphone (in this case Windows Mobile smartphones). But all it adds is the ability to work big when needed, and then just fold and get out of the way when not needed.

Considering the amount of people who use mobile devices on this site, is this a solution that you could see a a productivty enhancement in terms of how you can do work, and a life enhancement in terms of cutting down the amount of devices that you'd have to admin/service/use on a daily basis - making time for other people and issues that need your time?

The other thought that I have about something like this is if software, Bible software in particular, is good enough to be used in such a dual role. Accoridng to one part of my brain, I would hope so, but one never knows considering the way devices are.

Labels: mobile accessories, tech

In airing last week that I am moving to a new device, there's also a bit of a change that I'd like to do that is a lot more far reaching. I'd like to make an effort in this coming year to be a almost-always mobile blogger. Meaning that I'd like to not just post the occasional post to the blog, but even go as far as produce and admin all the content for it.

Doing this is going to be a good bit of a challenge. The major hurdle will be getting the devices and accessories needed to make this happen. Right now I have the 3G phone, but looking at either expanding that to the N95-3 (US 3G super phone) or just getting an Internet Tablet and running from there.

Sidenote: the N95 would allow a good bit more play in terms of creating multimedia-themed aspects to things (here and elsewhere), while making outreach something that will challenge perceptions. The Internet Tablet aspect is more personal and would allow for the investigation of reading and study solutions that haven't been pursued as much.

I've gotten a keyboard ($30 at Amazon). But then I'll need to make sure that my charging solutions are together (car and solar are already on tap).

After that, it will be a matter of just doing it. And by it I mean everything. As it stands right now, there is not a suitable web/offline application that works as a great reading, studying, and journaling Bible (still). That's something that I'd like to see (and would help develop if time permits). I'd need a suitable platform to admin this blog, and might even have to move to another platform to make that easier. And then there is the web/offline office apps that I'd use. Its a lot that I'd be pushing to happen on this move, much of which I've aired in part before, but will be a bit louder about making happen.

In a recent Brighthand editorial, I mentioned that moving away from the the Treo the the N75 was like changing into a new relationship. And in a lot of ways it is. But the kicker is that I've made this change so that I can walk even more fully into the mobile life that will probably define most of the rest of my 20s (not that many more to go there). I think there is value enough in what's to come that I'm willing to push out and try something not-yet-done.

My only hope is that I don't reach too far, else no-one benefits from this, and I end up with a nice sized empty wallet. I've already seen this happen with my inability to get to BibleTech 2008. I've got to make sure that this move is a good bit more planned, and then executed so that the intersection of what works and what doesn't in terms of faith and tech, is made clear.

Labels: Bible, BibleTech, internet tablet, mobile, mobile accessories, N800, N95, software, tech

This week Olive Tree Bible Software announces the release of 11 new software collections, specifically designed to meet a variety of Bible reading and study needs. These new bundles group together different types of related products into packages that are easy to download, install, and use on many different handheld mobile devices. The collections include groupings of eBooks, Bible commentaries, devotionals, study tools, biographies, and sermons. For a full list of new collections, visit the Collections section on Olive Tree's website, at http://www.olivetree.com/resources/collections/. Olive Tree offers a total of 33 different collections available for download, as well as 14 collections that are available on CD. Collection prices range from free to several hundred dollars, depending on the amount and type of material.

Olive Tree's customizable BibleReader(TM) application makes it easy to use these resources. With an intuitive feature called the "verse chooser" all versified material such as Bibles and commentaries can be easily navigated by selecting the book/chapter/verse of the specific reference location. Many resources also support searching and bookmarks; and on Palm and Pocket PC, personal notes can be written on each verse of the Bible. The text is easy to navigate, with 5-way support, scrollbars, and a toolbar and shortcut keys that can be customized. The BibleReader is a full-featured eBook reader that is designed to make Bible reading and study an excellent experience on the mobile handheld platform.

About Olive Tree Bible Software
Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, iPods, and BlackBerry devices. Web and online Bible search engines are also available. The BibleReader(TM) application enables users to read Bibles and other resources, quickly navigate to new references, search documents, bookmark passages, create personalized notes, and much more. The company publishes over 450 electronic resources, including commentaries, dictionaries, devotionals, Christian eBooks, and over 100 translations of the Bible. The Bible is offered in many languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, and Spanish. Original Hebrew and Greek texts with parsing tools are also available. Visit www.OliveTree.com.

Labels: Bible, mobile, mobile accessories, Olivetree

Laridian introduces the first PC Bible software that can be run from a USB flash drive

Cedar Rapids, IA (MobilityNewswire) December 13, 2007 -- Laridian, Inc., the leading developer of Bible software applications for mobile devices, today announces the release of its acclaimed PocketBible for Windows. The Windows version is available as a download from the company's website, or on a USB flash drive - the first PC Bible software that can run from a USB flash drive and also synchronize personal data with a mobile version on a Windows Mobile or Palm OS device.

Laridian designed the new Windows version of PocketBible to make studying the Bible easier than ever. It is distinguished from other PC-based Bibles as it was developed with mobile users in mind. The PocketBible program and library can be used from a USB flash drive so it can easily be run from any computer. Further, any Bibles and books purchased with PocketBible for Windows are compatible with the mobile versions of Laridian software.

"Electronic Bibles should be as portable as those who use them, and PocketBible is designed for those who want to study their Bibles whether they are at home, on the subway, on break at work, or at church," said Craig Rairdin, President of Laridian, Inc. "Our aim is to not only make PocketBible the most portable Bible software, but also the easiest to use. From the moment you open the program, you'll find it does everything you want to do with a Bible software program - without the learning curve."

Bible software like PocketBible for Windows contains the complete text of several versions of the Bible along with dozens of Bible reference books, allowing users to search for passages, find historical and cultural background information, look up the meaning of words, and copy passages into sermons, lessons, and research papers.

A key advantage of purchasing electronic Bibles or books from Laridian is customers will not have to purchase them for another platform when they upgrade to a new device. All Laridian Bible translations and books purchased for one platform can be viewed on any other platform.

A new feature for users of the PC and Windows Mobile Pocket PC versions, and soon to be expanded to other platforms, is the ability to synchronize personal data (such as notes, bookmarks and highlights) between devices. For example, notes entered with a particular Bible passage on the Pocket PC will synchronize and appear when the PC version is being used.

The PocketBible program is priced at $10 for mobile versions and $29.99 for Windows. Bibles and reference books range in price from free to $129.99. PocketBible Libraries, which combine the PocketBible program and a selection of popular Bibles and reference books at a discount, are also available. Complete pricing and product information can be found at Laridian's Web site: http://www.laridian.com.

Labels: Bible, Laridian, mobile accessories

The nice folks at WMExperts have done a compairson (with video) of some popular Bluetooth keyboards. Here is a snippet:

Really, we're pretty big fans of folding keyboards, we just wish that the drivers for them were a little more standardized. All three worked with our Motorola Q9h "out of the box" without any drivers ....except for the "enter" key. The enter key, it's kind of important, it turns out. So downloading drivers from the manufacturers is a must. Fortunately, the drivers work pretty well.

While this article is slanted towards Windows Mobile devices, the keyboards can work with a variety of mobiles, laptops, and even desktops in some cases. As a mobile option, you cannot beat pulling out one of these and getting a good deal of work done.

Labels: mobile accessories, review

When people are out and about in a place that they have never been, its pretty much normal to consult a map. Occasionally, people will look at a map before they even take a trip, getting an idea of the lay of the land and important places.

But what about those of us who just do things on more of a whim. Where we use our GPS and mobile devices to find not just what is around us, but where we are in relation to those places/people? Take a look at the updated Google Maps Mobile application today had me asking the question "where are you in relation to me" rather than just "where are you."

The latest version of Google Maps Mobile acts a lot like a GPS, except it is not extra hardware, and it uses your mobile phone. The MyLocation feature is the new aspect and basically its a "blue dot" that shows roughly where you are. It basically uses cell tower information to approximate where you are. Cool right? I like it, and for the cost of free it is a great way to get out of a jam.

There's a discussion at GigaOm that's talking on this, and why it is great for consumers and the mobile industry as a whole. But what if you are a ministry that is looking to attract people who are looking for a place to fellowship, or a place to call a solid, Christian church-home? Is your contact information updated and easy to find on your website so that search engines such as Google can pick this information up and make you findable on such a mobile map? Have you invested in any directory services that will assist you in putting your information on search engines for churches and other non-profit organizations?

Because, as it stands now, if you are not easily findable on the map, a person might not make your "blue dot" a home for them.

Note: The MyLocation feature of Google Maps Mobile is available in version 2.0 of the Google Maps Mobile application. At this time, not all mobile devices are supported. To download the latest version for your mobile device, visit http://www.google.com/gmm.

Labels: mobile accessories, mobiles, networking, software, tech

I cannot speak for most, but I tend to do a lot less shopping during this time of year. Maybe it's because I tend to shop online and get the deals all year around. Nevertheless, this is a great time of year to go shopping, especially if you are looking at mobile devices.

If you are looking for a smartphone, start by looking at all of your needs. I like to use the smartphone compairson tool as a starting point. And then from there look at whatever deals a carrier is offering (if you want to go that route).

On the laptop and tablet PC side of things, I tend to use the resources at Notebook Review.com and TabletPCReview.com. Both of those sites have price compairson pages and tons of product page info that can just make a nice difference in making a solid purchase.

From the software side of things, I recommend you take a look at the various newsletter offers that might be going on. While there are sales everywhere, there might be other offers that can be combined for better savings.

Lastly, the who...
Give to those who need, not just to those who already have. Its great to get new things, but its also better to give a piece of tech to someone who might have a greater use for it than you or I.

Labels: mobile accessories, mobiles, tech

A little while back, I posted that I had purchased a new laptop and was going to pretty much use it just the same way that I was intending to use the now defunct Palm Foleo mobile computer. Essentially, because I work from a smartphone all of the time, I do not need all of the processing power of a laptop or desktop, and in the same vein, I do sometimes need the ability to type on a larger keyboard, or have a larger screen at my disposal.

So how have things been going? Well, for one, I am actually on my smartphone a bit less. Because I have the larger screen, I have reserved much of what I use it for (writing articles and posts) for this device. However, I have been looking for more mobile applications and services that would enable me to keep the same type of information on both, but not have to worry about syncing.

Probably the most used applications and services on the laptop has been Opera and Google Docs. Before this experiment, I have not had as much of a reason to use Google Docs; but now, I find that it is a bit freeing to have some documents stored there.

What is really missing on my mobile's side is the ability to just pull down documents to share and edit via Documents to Go, rather than the one way create and leave in DTG on the smartphone, then upload to GDocs, then have to reupload from the smartphone if any changes. A few less steps there would be a lot better.

I am noticing that sharing some documents seems to be a whole lot easier than adding attachments. Also, knowing that I have a copy locally on my smartphone, and then another on a server also easies the mind just in case something goes awry. I am not sure that everyone is ready for such a kind of life, but it seems simple enough to move from attachments to links that I think sharing information like this, even over a text message, is pretty neat.

That's all for this update. I am looking for other ways to break into using browser-based applications on this laptop. Seeing that I am in a study of the OT now, I am in the hopes that something could be worked out with one of the several online Bible services out there. But the key is mobile, if it doesn't work on mobile, then its a good bit behind what is needed.

Labels: mobile, mobile accessories, tech

This is one of the news items that came across my eyes today, and while it doesn't speak towards mobile ministry in the sense of how many think of ministry, I learned from the SilentImages.org website that many times, giving a voice to those who do not have one is indeed a ministry effort that deserves to be taken up.

...Nokia
(NYSE:NOK) Research Center (NRC) and Reuters are working together on a mobile journalism project that could transform the way journalists file news reports when on the move. The new mobile application is the first project to be showcased from a long term research collaboration that has been established between NRC and Reuters. It centres around a lightweight toolkit that provides everything journalists need to file and publish stories from even the most remote regions of the world.

Through an ongoing trial that started this summer, select Reuters journalists around the world made use of the mobile journalism application in their everyday work to edit, combine and file text, images, sound and live and recorded video streams, producing and publishing multi-media stories of broadcast quality without needing to return to the studio or office...

Read the rest of this press release, then check out the Reuters Mobile Journalism website and mobile journalism toolkit.

Considering the ability of devices and people, now is as good a time as any for both citizens and journalists to take up a role towards making others aware of the states of our human condition. One does not even need this much of a solution to get started. A mobile device, a means to type content, and the ability to upload to a website or send a MMS/email should be all that is needed.

One of the questions that I have to answer in posting something like this "why is this relevant?" Considering the differing opinions on the role of tech in our lives, I cannot make the case that this is relevant to everyone. But I can make the case that if you are in the business of identifying those who might be in need of the Light of Christ in their lives, then this is not only relevant from the point of what tech can do, but also how we can respond with tech in a way to bring light to darker issues.

Labels: mission, mobile, mobile accessories, Nokia, tech, usability

I wanted to keep this kinda short so we are hitting two items in a post today.

The first is a well written article at JKontheRun talking about the use and benefits of MS Exchange Servers to manage various devices. The thing I like best about an Exchange server is that it works with laptops, desktops, and mobile devices alike. Depending on whether you are in a home with several devices, or an enterprise with dozens, an Exchange server can prove to be a solid investment. Read the article at JKontheRun for the well rounded opinion of this aspect of tech.

The second item is about a new development coming for PocketBible from Laridian. For both Windows and Windows Mobile versions of PocketBible, there will be atlas maps available. The screens shown on the blog posting look towards this being a really good addition towards Laridian's Bible offerings. And in terms of understanding context and times, maps are great. Read more at the Laridian blog, and download for yourself to see the benefits.

Labels: Bible, Laridian, mobile, mobile accessories, software, tech

Palmsolo (aka Matt Miller) has posted recently about Dell coupon codes being usable for purchasing Nokia devices in the US. Unlike many phones, mid-tier and high-end devices are rarely sold through a carrier, and so getting your hands on one usually requires importing or seeking out a good deal from a site such as Expansis/Mobile Planet. News of coupon codes from Dell is a heck of a good deal and one that I recommend taking advantage of if you are on AT&T or T-Mobile (Nokia's Sprint and VZW offerings are sold thru the respective carriers).

Labels: mobile, mobile accessories, Nokia

I recently was blessed by the gift of a desktop charger for my Treo 750. I thought a review of the charger would be in order since there are not many reviews of this product. Thanks Antoine and JAVOedge for the cool charger.

Enjoy.

Labels: JAVOEdge, mobile accessories