Mobile Ministry Magazine

This is a format that I'll try to stick to in respect to talking about devices. Basically where I'll talk about some device that I might be reviewing, along with some newly released ones. There'll be some links to more in depth articles for those, but the key with this kind of segment is to let you know what is out there, and do our best not to lead anyone into covetiousness. Let us know if this is something that works, or where it can be tweaked.

More Nokia E71 Thoughts

That being said, we can get into some chatting. A device that I've talked about before and is in my possession is the Nokia E71. I still find that this device is one of the most solid QWERTY smartphones to date. Between the battery life (aided by the fact that I don't have the North American 3G version) and the simple optimizations to the browser and Active Standby, its a really hard device to beat in terms of ability.

The only real downside, if you can call it that on a business-oriented device, is that the multimedia abilities are not top-notch. The issues range from difficulty in doing some simple tasks, to just the complexity of the menu structure. Sure, you can learn it and be fine, but you have to learn it to be fine. The camera is regarded by many as an aspect that needs improvement, but I've had success with it in all except night conditions.

From a software side its chock full of everything. QuickOffice, barcode scanner, world class browser, and can integrate easily with Microsoft Exchange. For those in larger churches looking for the best solution not sold by a carrier (but usable on any GSM carrier such as AT&T and TMobile), the E71 is tough to beat.

The TMobile G1

Google and TMobile have released the G1, a smartphone that uses Google's Android operating system. This is a touchscreen device similar to the iPhone and Palm Treo models, but also features a sliding keyboard. The appeal of this device is that it plugs into most of Google's services (Mail, Maps, etc.) pretty easily.

Developers will like that its pretty easy to build applications, and there's an Application Market, similar to Apple's AppStore, which will enable developers to sell their wares. So far, I've not heard any Bible-related software for Android, but as soon as we do, we'll note it.

Both Matt Miller and Brighthand have done some solid previews of the G1.

Verizon Adds A Month-to-Month Option

I am a strong advocate of choosing your own mobile phone, its like choosing a car: Exxon or Shell should not choose the phone for you because you use their gas. So it was a great thing to see that in addition to supporting phones from Sprint and Alltel networks on their network, Verizon Wireless has also added a month-to-month plan option. For those of you looking to try out the service or have needs that are not in line with needing a full contract, this will save you a ton. And even if you are not with Verizon Wireless, you might want to do a cost breakdown of pre-pay versus post-pay. Its eye opening.

Labels: E71, G1, Google, Noka, plans, smartphone, T-Mobile, Verizon