Mobile Ministry Magazine

Tomi Ahonen has written a piece called "Smartphone Realism Part 2; What is biggest factor to global market success" where he talks about several factors relating to why smartphones are different than the rest of the mobile segment. One part of the (long) post that got my attention was his careful and detailed telling of the true cost for mobile phones - whether subsidized or not. Here's a snippet of what was said:

...I can tell you that the real consumer price for the iPhone 3GS is about 700 dollars which is what customers pay in those markets where there are no subsidies, like Italy. Yes, anyone who thinks in America that the price of the iPhone 3GS is 200 dollars, has been fooled. Exactly like the 25,000 dollar car that you bought paying 5,000 dollars up front, did not transform into a "5,000 dollar car" the real cost 700 dollar iPhone 3GS is not somehow with a magic wand converted to a "200 dollar smartphone".

The iPhone 3GS is and continues to be a 700 dollar phone, in every country, whatever the actual payment plan. (Same is true of the N97 which in Italy costs about 700 dollars and in the UK is available "for free" with contract). Hidden within your two year contract, AT&T has factored in the monthly installment payment of about 21 dollars per month for 24 months (plus interest). AT&T then gives you some package or bundle of voice minutes, text messages and data access, and estimates how much that would cost; then adds some factor for fraud and delinquent customers; then adds a healthy profit margin, and forces you to pay that amount. Say 100 dollars per month. ..

Read the rest of the post at the Communities Dominate Brands blog.

The important take away here is that you don't get what you pay for, you actually get less. Make sure that when you are considering a mobile, that you are not just looking at the purchase price, but the entire price of the device, especially if there is a contact involved.

While we've talked about this in the MMM Smartphone Guide, its great to hear someone else plainly state the truth here.

Labels: cost, purchasing, smartphone

A really neat experiement has just concluded over at GearDiary. One of their writers has done a week long experiment where she's repalced using a MacBook for a week with her Samsung Epix Windows Mobile smartphone and the Celio Redfly Mobile Computing Companion. Here's a snippet from part 2 of her report:

...I found myself pushing off doing things so I could use the Redfly. Not just big things like emails, but little ones like adding tomorrow's task list, or just balancing my checkbook in Splash Money. The experience on the Redfly is just that smooth, especially over USB. And it is nice to have the bigger screen. Since I wasn't going to take care of anything on my MacBook, I found that I was better at doing things on the go with the Redfly since I did not have the excuse of "I'll send that email/update that appointment/check that website later when I am at my laptop..."

You can read Parts One, Two, and Three at Gear Diary

Labels: ceilo redfly, Samsung, smartphone, Windows Moible

If you want more people to purchase your software, you don't need an AppStore, you need to design your websites better.

Now that the important part of this post is out of the way, please, for the love of those people who are not using an iPhone and would like to purchase from you, if you run any kind of website where people can sell and download bibles and associated materials, please make sure that your websites have the following:

• A mobile version that is a three step process from the front page to having an installed bible on their device
• A conventional website that simply notes what's free, what's for pay, and what can be downloaded
• And a very visible search box that uses JavaScript to offer search suggessions so that a person would not spend a lot of time wandering through a site just to find the 'download for my device' link.

I say all of this after watching my mother stumble through three sites that I recommended to her to check out for a a bible for her Samsung Omina (a Windows Mobile smartphone). She still doesn't have a bible on her device. Aren't we supposed to have this down by now?

Labels: Bible, smartphone, software

I said earlier that I would continue to drop some hints towards the contents of my presentation at BibleTech. Here's the latest hint, and this one I didn't even have to write up:

...The folks attending this show are generally ahead of the computing trends in the general population, so while I don't foresee folks dumping their notebooks in favor of smartphones, I do think people are more comfortable with letting their smartphone be their computer for a longer amount of time. The willingness of these attendees to rely mainly on their phones on the floor of the conference is a shift from years before. I bet it's a shift that continues as mobile phones get smarter and mobile broadband gets better.

This is part of an article posted at GigaOM concerning the SXSW Conference that went on this past week.

A hint or two more to come until the big event ;)

Labels: BibleTech, Laptop, mobility, smartphone

Just a few more questions that came to mind:

• What kind of value do you see or not see in the types of Bible software used on PDAs and other mobile devices?
• Is there anything about current mobile Bible software that you'd like to see done better (or introduced)?

Labels: Bible, PDA, smartphone, software

Just a few mobile-oriented questions that have been stirring in my head today:

• I see more and more pastor-teachers opting to carry information-centric mobiles such as BlackBerries. What are some of the top reasons that you use such a device, and what would make using it more effective for your needs?
• To those of you who use a smartphone in addition to other office software, what do you to manage information that is ministry/business in nature, but you are notified during personal times (days-off, evening family time, etc.)?

Labels: BlackBerry, communication, mobility, Personal, smartphone

Over the past few years, I've really come a long way with my usage of mobile devices. I remember back in December 2005 when I bought my first handheld device, which was the Palm Z22. That was my first exposure to the PalmOS and PDAs. I was immediately impressed and hooked. I loved the fact that I could keep track of my calendar, to do list, important numbers, take notes, and even carry around a small biblical library with me.

I used that device until I upgraded to the T-Mobile Dash, a Windows Mobile device, in February 2007. It was at that time that I moved to Texas and decided it was time to invest in a smartphone with more storage and capability. I had wanted to get a Palm Treo to remain with the PalmOS, but T-Mobile didn't carry them, and the carriers that did wanted a hefty security deposit. With that in mind I opted to go the WinMobile route with the Dash and take my chances. Again, I was very pleased with its capabilities and especially enjoyed having the full keyboard on which to type. I made good use of it, purchasing software as needed, getting to the point where I had all the functionality that I had in my Z22, and then some. I was able to connect via Wi-Fi, removing the need for a data plan, and rocked that device until a week ago today.

It was last Friday, just one week ago, that I decided to go to Wal-Mart and purchase the T-Mobile G1 aka the Google Phone. I had been pondering the purchase since its initial release back in September/October of last year, but hadn't fully made up my mind on the matter. Then my pastor got one, along with a few co-workers, so I decided to do my research and read just about everything I could to see if this was the device for me. I read all of the positive reviews, and most of them didn't sway me one way or the other. I was particularly interested in the negative reviews and their feedback, to which I was unable to find anything that would hinder me from enjoying & using the phone.

In deciding to make the purchase, there were a few things about the phone that really piqued my interest. First, I really liked the touch screen. When I moved to the T-Mobile Dash, that was one of the things that I really missed about the Z22; I missed having the touch screen, with or without the stylus. So, having that capability again, would really prove to be beneficial because I knew just how useful it was to me. I also liked the fact that it still had a full keyboard (that hides away), which was a major asset with my Dash. Combining the touch screen with a full QWERTY keyboard gave me the best of both worlds. The next thing was the open source factor. I really enjoyed the fact that the G1 was an "open" device and one that could be actively developed on (not that I'd be doing any development). Having that option leaves the door wide open for a world of possibilities and future enhancements. Plus, I didn't want to be tied down to Windows, as much as I appreciated their mobile OS. The final thing that really caught my attention was the syncing with Google. You see, I use a hosted Google Apps account for Trailblazin Ministries, which includes my mail, contacts, & calendar, so having those seamlessly sync with my phone was an added benefit. I never really liked syncing my Dash to my PC (only did when I absolutely needed to), so never having to sync the G1 with my computer, while still keeping my data synced, is the best thing possible for me. It'll stay synced without me even having to think about it.

So, in anticipation of buying the device, I went into my Gmail and completely organized my contacts, merging emails, adding phone numbers from my phonebook, and so on so that it would be 100% ready to sync with my phone when I got it. I had read about horror stories with people spending days trying to reorganize their contacts after buying their G1, so I wanted to be prepared for a super easy experience, plus it was something I needed to do anyway. Even in doing that, I still wasn't absolutely sure that I wanted to spend the money to buy a new phone, considering I thought I'd have to pay full price ($400). After finding out that I qualified for a discount & could get it for $179.99 (being a customer in good standing for 2 years @ T-Mobile), I still wasn't convinced that I needed a new phone.

It wasn't until my wife expressed interest in having a phone with a keyboard (for texting purposes) that we decided together to go ahead and make the purchase (with her inheriting my Dash). So, after getting the necessary funds, I went to Wal-Mart and made the purchase. So, now I'm the proud owner of a new T-Mobile G1 (black).

In the next part of this entry, I'll talk more about the device itself and my experience with it. Until then, God bless!

Labels: Android, G1, Google, smartphone, T-Mobile

I've neglected to do this for some time, but here's a small attempt to rectify to those of you who have been using the Google Android operating system on the T-Mobile G1 (and soon to come other devices).

Here are a few Bible applications found:

• AcroBible for Android
• CadreBible

Please reference the Mobile Bible Downloads page which is updated with these and other Bibles for other mobile devices.

Labels: Android, Bible, open source, smartphone, software

Still here. Busy week in hand.

Great deal going over at Expansys (both the UK and USA shops. The BenQ E72 Windows Mobile smartphone is being sold at a ridiculously low price. For US folks its $127.99. That's the price without a contract. Frankly speaking, its a steal.

Will be back in a few days, until then, thanks for the prayers and engaging conversations.

Labels: Expansys, purchasing, smartphone

I've been playing with the Nokia N96 for the past few weeks, even going as far to having it replaced with a model with a later software update, and its been pretty cool. So much so in fact that if the battery were more efficient, and it had 3G (I am using the Euro spec one), I would give up my N95 for it.

Here's a rundown of the specs of the N96:

• 320x240 pixel color screen
• 16 GB of built-in internal memory
• microSDHC card slot supporting up to 16GB microSDHC cards
• 5 megapixel digial camera with LED Flash
• VGA video camera for video calling in supported markets
• Quad-band GSM, regional support for UMTS/HSDPA (the model I have supports European 3G, though there is a North American 3G supported version)
• Accelerometer
• Built-in GPS
• Wi-Fi via 802.11b
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and Stereo Bluetooth
• DVB-H digital TV tuner
• MicroUSB cable connection to PC

Now, before your eyes glaze over and say that this is way too much for a phone, let me emphasize that the N96 (and other Nokia N-series devices) are more than just simple phones. These mobiles are designed to facilitate the kind of interactive computing that you cannot get from just voice, nor from just sitting on a table in the corner of a room. Its a "get out and see the world" kind of device. This one just happens to make video a significant part of the experience.

The long and short of things with the N96 though center around the fact that it is indeed feature packed, but there are some limitations. For example, it has already seen some major software updates to address issues such as device speed and battery life. Its not (yet) as fast as my N95 in terms of most tasks. Nokia has a tradition of tweaking and tuning things over the course of the life of a mobile device, and so hopefully the N96 will see some of this attention.

The one area though that cannot really be helped is battery life. The battery is a small one (950mAh) compared to the on in my N95, and before the end of the day (with my usage patterns) its pretty much done. Most people should not have a problem though, and get a full day out of the N96 unless they are having a media heavy day (camera, video, Wi-Fi are big drains on the battery).

All is not bad with the N96 though. I found it easily able to replace my N800 Internet Tablet because of the 16GB of internal memory space. With the memory card slot, if I were to add an 8GB card, I would have as much space as my N800 right now. Also, there is more polish on the Symbian S60 software than on the Maemo that the N800 uses. That made it easier to live with the device, and pretty much do whatever I wanted to do.

Other positives included compatibility with most of the software that I usually use. I'm looking forward towards playing more with Nokia viNe as that seems specifically tuned to the N96 as well. Doing TV-Out was also more pleasurable than the N95 with crisper video and less lagging when using the web.

The N96 is not for everyone though. At a retail price of $800, its not exactly the most ministry friendly tool to just go out and get. And at the same time, its value in a ministry context, as with most smartphones, is just hard to measure. You can duplicate just about anything that you do with a phone, mp3 player, laptop, video camera, Internet terminal, cable box, etc. And then you can share it. The only limits are your imagination and the battery.

As stated earlier, I really enjoyed the N96. In some respects, its better than I expected. The down points are really down though. Nothing that cannot be overcome, but definitely takes some of the shine off of this top of the line device.

Makes me wonder what's next, and if there's another type of application of mobile tech like this that I've not yet explored.

Thanks to Nokia Blogger Relations for sending this device.

Labels: N800, N96, Nokia, review, smartphone

Well, that was quite fast. Not long after the very popular $199 promotion, Celio has gone ahead and announced two new models, the Redfly C7 and C8N, which will be available this December. Besides boasting a bit of a refresh on the software side these two models debut considerably lower than the original Redfly came out at price wise.

The Redfly C7 has a 7-inch screen and 5-hour battery. It will retail for $229. The Redfly C8N has a media port, 8-inch screen, and the 8hr battery rating from the original Redfly.

The C7 will be available November 24 and the C8N on December 1. Preorders can be placed via the retailers listed at www.getredfly.com.

In addition, there are new beta drivers for the HTC Diamond and Touch Pro/AT&T Fuze.

This is a really good solution for many of you who might be looking to trim down this holiday season and see their smartphone as a solid and easy item to create more areas of efficiency. The new media port adds additional device compatibility, making the value for this "terminal" a bit more plausible. Check it out, MMM has.

Ed over at Brighthand has already done a review of the C8N and comes away pretty impressed with it.

Labels: ceilo redfly, Hardware, mobility, smartphone

So the big question is... "Brian, are you happy that you shelled out the cash for this device?" My answer is of course... yes! I can see you scratching your head already so I'll go ahead and preemptively address your questions and confusion (because I'm a prophet and can read thoughts. Duh). I purchased this device for $200, which is way less than the current asking price of about $400. I think for what I paid, I'm getting a good amount of usability for my money. I work with spreadsheets all day long, in an emergency I have a perfect way to email edits to word and excel documents while out and about. While the browsing is less than satisfactory, at least it's there, and if you sign up for LogMeIn (which is free) you can take advantage of a full computing experience, including browsing, whenever you need one with some obvious rendering speed drawbacks, but they're not significant with the right settings.

The real benefit to me is the larger screen and keyboard with portability. This IS available with netbooks, but I don't want a 3rd computer to have to sync my data with. I want to take my notes, bring them home and have OneNote import them without me thinking about it. I want to be able to have all the files on all my computers synchronized without any extra steps. A third computer would likely draw me to abandon using one of them eventually because of this. Also, a netbook is $400 vs. the $200 I paid. Extra features like USB and VGA-Out ports are very nice, but not likely to see much use from me save for the occasional emergency file transfer or mouse usage. For me, the idea was to get something that would allow me to type faster and more accurately, rendering apps and data on a larger screen making them easier to use, while not creating an additional place to store data. For those of us who are tech savvy, one thing we will always be if we keep multiple devices, is tech redundant (i.e. Always having more than one device that can play mp3s, videos, store files, type documents, browse the web, or clean your shoes…. Ok... I'm wishing with the last one).

What I needed, was a cheap way to do my emails, blogging, note taking, and reading. While leaving some things to aspire to, the Redfly fit the bill… quite literally.

Labels: ceilo redfly, Hardware, review, smartphone, software, wireless application

I didn't forget about the MMM Smarpthone Guide. The last section, speaking about the spiritual issues relating to device ownership, will be included in the next issue of MMM. So to that end stay tuned.

Be sure to check out the rest of the MMM Smarpthone Guide. And if there is anything that we are missing, please be sure to place it in the comments or ask questions. This is your resource.

Labels: MMM Smartphone Guide, purchasing, smartphone

The E71 is getting packed up and sent back to Nokia this weekend, but before I do so, I wanted to add some notes about it that might prove helpful to some of you who are interested in this smooth mobile.

• As a device to keep you connected, there really are few that are better. Yes, the interface might feel a lot dated compared to others, but its simple and very esily gets the job done.
• I found it pretty easy to manage contacts and calendar information with the built-in applciations; though their abilities can be extended with 3rd party software.
• For a Bible reader, I use S60 Bible Reader as that one is able to use the same Bibles that I had from the Palm OS application Bible+. It not as stout in terms of bookmarking and taking notes as other apps are, but its solid in terms of just reading while in service, study, or just when sitting and enjoying the day.
• Many people ask where you can purchase it, and your only options in the US at this point are from online retailers, or Nokia flagship stores in Chicago and NYC. You would be getting the benefit of purchasing it without a contract, which over the life of the device keeps things nice and inexpensive.
• The battery life, oh such nice battery life. Only BlackBerrys are better. But you win with much better software and hardware here in my opinion.

Feel free to ask any other questions that may come to mind about the E71. As I get other devices, look for them to be shared here as well.

Labels: Bible+, BlackBerry, E71, S60 Bible Reader, smartphone

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

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

In this section:

• What is Total Cost
• Calculating the Contract Costs
• Options

What is Total Cost

Given what we have covered so far, its apparent that mobile phones can cost more than just what that simple number advertisments would say. There is the cost of the phone, the cost of a voice plan, SMS/MMM plans, email/Internet, insurance, and numberous other add-ons that the carrier can offer. This can take a simple contract that looked very affordable, and make it not so much so - especially after any taxes are added onto it.

This is in effect that total cost that needs to be looked at when thinking about attaining a mobile device.

Calculating the Contract Costs

If you have a mobile contract, the best and easiest way to calculate the total cost of the mobile device/service is to:

• Start with the cost of the phone that was paid upon signing the contract
• Add the base contract cost (usually the voice aspect) times 12 or 24 (the months that the contract was signed for)
• Add the costs of all additional services times 12 or 24
• Add $15 per month for taxes
• Compute

This will give you a very rough, yet near accurate estimate towards what you are paying for your mobile device over the course of a contract.

Options

Given all of this, what are your options. Many people cannot afford to purchase a phone at its market price, and seeing how much a mobile really costs puts a sad note on what is looked at as a near-needed means of communication. Here are some suggestions for cutting costs for using mobile devices:

• Purchase a used or refirbished mobile from sites like eBay and Craigslist
• Decrease the number of minutes for the voice plan and exercise discretion towards what calls need immediate attention
• Purchase a mobile with Wi-Fi, cut the internet service plan, and utilize free/low-cost hotspots to get mobile data to the device
• Have a carrier that is similar to the bulk of those whom you speak to, then lower the minutes plan, since in-network calls are usually free
• Always ask about doing one year contracts
• If your contract has finished, ask about any additional fees that were related to the subsidy paid on your mobile and getting those taken out of your monthly charge.

Labels: MMM Smartphone Guide, purchasing, smartphone

In this section:

• Choosing a Phone Network
• Choosing a Phone Carrier
• Plans: Post-Pay/Contracts
• Plans: Pre-Pay/Pay-as-You-Go

Choosing a Phone Network

Phone networks - not carriers - are something that many people do not consider when looking at smartphones. Here is some advice for smartphones (in the US):

• CDMA smartphones use a faster version of 3G (DSL/cable speed wireless access) for now.
• Verizon's CDMA smartphones while later to market than other models, usually suffer from fewer network issues like dropped calls.
• GSM smartphones utilize the network more efficiently, giving better battery life.
• Some GSM smartphones can be manually toggled between using just GSM, GSM+UTMS/HSDPA, or switching automatically. The latter option uses more battery life, but gives the fastest cellular data connection when needed.
• Verizon's CDMA network is usable in some subway areas (underground); this is less so the case with GSM networks.

Choosing a Phone Carrier

Choosing a phone carrier is a bit harder. Depending on budget and region, some carriers are better than others. If you are the type of person that doesn't travel outside of your region - for example region being the Northeast US, or the West Coast - then you might score better being with a regional carrier than a larger carrier.

Other things to consider when choosing a carrier are things such as quality of service (for making and recieving calls), coverage for your area, and customer service (if any issues should arise). For the most part, the larger carriers tend to knock these out of the box, but you are merely a number to them so be mindful of their technology and abilities towards your needs.

If your purchase is moreso a business-oriented purchase than a personal one, stick with the larger carriers as they offer service more oriented to business professionals.

After all of that, its about looking past the advertisements and paying attention to what others around you have experienced. You will hear more bad opinions than good ones, but ask around and those who are having a good go of things with a particular carrier will respond as such when asked.

Post-Pay/Contracts

Now the fun part, contracts.

The advantages of going on contract include a lower inital price for the mobile device, guaranteed service, and rebates for new and renewing contract holders. Purchasing a contract usually merits a subsidised mobile - meaning that the price you pay has been in part paid by the carrier, you pay the carrier back over the life of your contract.

Pre-Pay/Pay-as-You-Go

The other side of things is that many carriers allow you to bring your own phone and then you can do a Pre-Pay/Pay-as-You-Go arrangement where you pay ahead of time for what you will use and that's it. These arrangements do not usually offer subsidized phones, are cheaper because of lower taxes and the lack of subsidy add-in, and vary in terms of what you can do with them (some offer the ability to add data services while others do not).

Between the two, you can make out cheaper with a Pre-Pay/Pay-as-You-Go, but your selection of mobile devices that the carrier will support is greater with Post-Pay/Contracts. Things such as family plans and unlimited are almost never offered on pre-pay plans. Though most pre-pay plans will offer free in-network calling, and greater flexibility with anytime minutes.

Labels: MMM Smartphone Guide, smartphone

In this section:

• Definition of a Smartphone
• Locked and Unlocked Smartphones
• QWERTY, Thumbboards, and Other Input Options
• 3rd Party Software

Definition of a Smartphone

There are a number of definitons as to what a smartphone is, but for the purposes of the guide, we will stick to this:

A mobile device with a cellular radio and mainstream operating system that allows for the creation and manipulation of information, has a web browser capable of viewing most websites, and has the ability to download 3rd party software which is developed using advanced programming languges and scripting functions.

Using this definition, we can designated smartphones being those phones that utilize the following operating systems: Windows Mobile, Symbian S60, Symbian UIQ, Palm OS, Access Linux, BlackBerry OS, and iPhone OS.

Locked and Unlocked Smartphones

Smartphones fall into two broad categories: locked and unlocked. Locked phones are traditionally sold through carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Orange, Rogers, DoMoCo, etc.) and the softawre and use is locked to that network's use only. Because carriers subsidize the cost of mobile devices, this ability to lock smartphones to their network allows them to recoup the costs of supporting the device.

CDMA phones (Verizon, Sprint-Nextel, Alltel, and a few others) are sold locked to the carrier and network. Until recently, you were not able to take a (for example) Sprint-Nextel phone to the Verizon network and activate it for use on that network. This has now changed. However, CDMA phones are not compatible with GSM networks. 3G for CDMA phones is spoken of in some variant of the term EVDO.

GSM phones (Orange, AT&T, TMobile, DoMoCo, etc.) are usually sold locked if purchased from the carrier. However, they are also in more abundance and sold unlocked because GSM carriers are much more in number than CDMA ones. The ability to take a GSM phone from one carrier to another is as simple as switching the SIM card. The SIM card holds your account information and ability to use that network. In the case that putting the SIM card in another phone does not work, a request for a SIM unlock code is usually all that is needed to have the phone work on another network. 3G data speeds for GSM phones is associated with the terms HSDPA and UMTS (expect to hear LTE added to this in a year or so)

In some cases, do use a locked phone on an unlocked phone, you will have to terminate your contract in order to fully purchase your mobile. In these cases, you normally have to ensure that you are not violating the terms of service for the manufactuer of the phone in addition to the phone carrier for moving to another network (this depends also on your country's rules for using phones on various networks).

Purchasing an unlocked phone usually means the phone does not come with a contract, and therefore also does not come at a lower price. The carrier subsidy which is added into the cost of the contract is not a part of purchasing an unlocked phone. Unlocked phones can be purchased from a carrier - but the cost is usually at or slighty above market value.

GSM and CDMA phones, whether locked or unlocked, might also have additional facilities such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth use that might be subject to the branding needs of the carrier. Check with the carrier and manufactuer for the differences here and plan your use accordingly.

I wrote a bit more about locked and unlocked phones here.

QWERTY, Thumbboards, and Other Input Options

Smartphones are characterized also by input options. QWERTY (or QWERTZ) keyboards, various forms of thumboards, and touchscreens with other types of input options such as handwriting and customized keyboards are distinctive features of smartphones. There are smartphones with normal numeric keypads, but they might not be the best for all users for responding to email and writing documents.

Smartphones also have the ability to utilize external keyboards such as those that connect to a connector at the bottom of the device, or use Bluetooth wireless keyboards. The use of these is determined by a driver that is downloaded to the device. After the said driver is downloaded, the external keyboard is usable for inputing text.

3rd Party Software

The final distinguishing feature of smartphones is the availability of third party software. A careful distinction here is made between custom written software and widgets. Some phones, called feature phones, might be able to download weather and calculator applicatoins, but these are usually widgets - designed only to give surface level functionality and do not integrate with the core system software.

Smartphones not only have the ability to use widgets, but also can use software written in a native code (C++, VB, etc.) that accesses low level system functions to enable a look, feel, and function that is consistent with the rest of the operating system.

Some smartphones are also able to use web applications (such as Google Docs) due to their more advanced web browsers. The ability to use web applications is dependent on the browser and the hardware of the mobile device. While some smartphones can view the data within web applications, not all are able to also be editing stations.

Conclusion and Next Section

Here, we talked about the basics of a smartphone. In the next section, we will look at how to choose a network, carrier, and phone plan that best fits the smartphone that you would like to purchase. There are several variables that go into each of these and you should be aware of as much as possible before going into any retailer or purchasing something online.

If you have any questions on this section here, please place those in the comments, and to the best of my ability, I'll answer what I can.

Labels: MMM Smartphone Guide, purchasing, smartphone

Got a requst for a topic area that hasn't been covered in a while and let's just call this the Mobile Ministry Magazine (MMM) Guide to Choosing A Smartphone.

Below you will see a list of links that cover various aspects. Bookmark this page as an easy means to get the entire series.

• Types of Smartphones
• Choosing a Network, Carrier, and Plans
• Evaluating Total Cost versus What the Price Tag Says
• Spiritual Software and Issues

Labels: MMM Smartphone Guide, purchasing, smartphone

As stated before, the Nokia E71 Review has been published at Brighthand for your reading. In addition, I also reviewed the new Palm Treo Pro smartphone in the same week (yea, busy one there for me).

Some general thoughts:

• The E71 is one impressive piece of device. The metal body, the battery life, and the number of features is absoutely incredible. Its amazing where mobile devices have gotten to.
• The Treo Pro is probably Palm's best Windows Mobile device yet. While it does miss some of the Palm tweaks that other Palm Treo devices have, it feels and looks the part of something that iPhone users would be willing to move to in order to be more productive.
• Both devices are a distraction during church, the Treo Pro moreso because of the color and sheen.
• Neither device is available on contract (in the US), and this works to your advantage especially of you have contract terms that are in your favor right now.

Both devices have strengths and weaknesses, but only one of them really stole the show for me. Check out both reviews at Brighthand. Feel free to ask any additional questions and look forward to some other E71 impressions in the coming weeks.

Labels: Brighthand, E71, Nokia, Palm Treo, review, smartphone, Windows Moible

Having received the Nokia N95 (North American edition) as the prize for my second place finish in Nokia's Mobile Web Server Challenge, I am now about the business of using it and its associated applicaitons and services to turn what we know about church and Bible studies on its head.

First thought, and something that I will certainely try and pull off (in some form), is using my mobile device as a learning center for a Bible study. For this we have a few items:

• My N95
• Nokia's Mobile Web Server
• JoikuSpot
• Friends with various wireless devices
• eBible or YouVersion

As you can see, we have a common contact point in the N95. The N95 will serve as the WiFi router for the other mobile devices with JokiuSpot (did you think we'd be meeting in a coffeehouse). And then we will balance having Bibles and resources with eBible and/or YouVersion, while the lesson and its comments will be placed on the Mobile Web Server.

Location: the middle of a park. There are a few reasons for this location. One, we are outside of a building and able to enjoy the beauty of God's creation while engaging His Word. Also, we put people in a place where they are less tight from sitting in a traditional church environment. Lastly, this is open enough that it would invite others to sit with us, but not feel like they cannot just pull out a pen and paper, or a laptop of their own, and jump right into the discussion.

Of course, making sure that this is something that can be found on a map would make it easier, so we use the MapSpot add-on with JokiuSpot to put the hotspot on a literal map so that people could see and engage with us, and have a means to get directions to our location.

This assumes a few things, such as connectivity issues as not being a problem, and that those involved would have the technology to engage this environment. Of both of these, I see them as being much less of an issue for the current and next generation of mobile users than what has been had previously. Devices and networks are ready for this if you will.

After all of that its just about digging into His Word. Using what we have been given in terms of His Word and Spirit to hear what God would have us learn at that moment. And then with the technology we can engage virtual audiences with audio, text, and video. We have a means for people to follow up on things as they are saved on the mobile web server and easily accessible. And then we have engagement. Its all about people and giving them avenues to engage the Word and their communities.

Thoughts (because I've not done it just yet, but I will)?

Labels: community, eBible, internet tablet, iPod Touch, Laptop, Mobile Web Server, mobility, N95, smartphone, study, YouVersion

This year, one of my biggest struggles with just about everything has been to remember that there's a good bit of relevance that must be undertaken with everything. And especially in the field of mobile technology where things just move faster than people want to even write about, its important to remember something I've been told often, technology is only relevant when it is personal. Some recent thinkings have put me in a position though where I realize that I have to do a lot more evangelism than just using this stuff in order to make this point clear.

I can start with the example of my use of Nokia's Mobile Web Server. Frankly speaking, this is probably one of the most far out things that I use and one of those things that people go "ooh" about, but just don't understand. Without repeating the entire post that I wrote up on my personal website, I will say it like this: using a web server on your mobile phone, or even just the idea of having a web server in your home gives YOU control of the information that you put on the net. Not Google, not Nokia, not anyone. You administer it, and you say how it gets anywhere, if it goes out at all.

The mobile device that's that and adds the ability to associate that personal information with the context of your environment. Its not just an IP address, its an IP address that's attached to a photo of a place or a contact person or a a mesh of all of those and more. That's not the web virtual, that's a literal web. And its already something in your hands. Imagine knitting the Body together with that kinda stuff.

Or about about mobile devices in general? Most would say that while they are enabling, that they offer no real benefit over other computing situations. That might be right, until you consider the cost of powering devices. The wastefulness that we display as a computing culture is crazy. Slimming down to the bare essentials should allow us the time to develop more accessible and renewable solutions, while making all of those previously stated connections all the more fruitful.

Connecting: I want to be the kind of parent who has the "key" for allowing his household to be online. If you will, I'd like my mobile device to be the gateway for my family. This way I can see and interact with what my kids are doing, and my wife has an accessible and open means to keep me accountable. Far reaching? Nope. Using something like this soon to come software and a solid smartphone this is not just possible, but probably advisable.

Look. I am not saying that we have to do this. I am saying that the technology is relevant if we look at it as being so. I still think that a partnership between churches and developing nations could do more for increasing technical competencies for both sides than just doing nothing. I still feel that solutions like Earthcomber should be used by more urban missionaries to share and live the Gospel. I still see the need for people to put these devices down and interact with one another being an important part of using these devices. I just have a problem with just letting it sit here. I'm made in God's image. I'd like to believe that somewhere in me beats the ability to be relevant with whatever is in my hands and life.

For me, it just happens to be mobile tech and its various applications, intersecting with my faith, in a way that just happens to push the green light out a bit longer.

Labels: accessiblity, Bible, children, church, community, computer, environment, innovation, Internet, Mobile Web Server, mobility, networking, OLPC, smartphone, software

I thought that it would be good to give something of an update as to how I am getting along with the Nokia E71 smartphone from Nokia Blogger Relations. As I stated before, this is the European variant - E71-1 - and so any 3G action I'd not be able to do here in the US.

About the Design
Litereally anyone who has seen this mobile as said that its the best looking BlackBerry that they have ever seen. Of course, after correcting them that it is not a BB but a Nokia, they got more impressed.

The device is smaller than just about any mobile phone out there with this much power and ability. Its just over a centimeter in thickness and not much more than that wider than the Palm Centro.

Made of metal, its heavy. But not ungainly so. I am starting to forget that its in my pocket and having to adjust my pat-down routing to account for the weight of the device.

The keys are taking me a bit longer to get used to than I expected. I had various Treos for nearly a year and a half and so I expected similar in respect to the keyboard, but I am doing more aiming to get to the letters. There's also an issue with one of my application buttons where it seems depressed and so I have to press extra hard for it to register the button press to the contacts application.

Overall though, this is a heck of a well designed device. Despite having a metal body, wireless of all kinds, and a battery of the same size as the one in my Internet Tablet, this baby s slick. Its a nicely made device.

Something About Use
In terms of software, the E71 uses the Symbian S60 operating system; the same one that was in the N95 that we had last year, albeit with several tweaks and enhancements, its solid and just gets the job done. Here are a few highlights of things I've noticed.

- This is the first Nokia mobile that I've reviewed that does a contact lookup just by dialing from the Active Standby (Today) screen without 3rd party software. Thank you!

- The browser is F-A-S-T. Whether on EDGE (cellular) or Wi-Fi (via coffeeshops and the like), pages load fast and cleanly with the Nokia Web browser. This browser, based on the same Webkit engine as Safari, also shows the Flash content of many websites. For that I was impressed as well. There's also an auto-complete option that makes it easier to revisit sites that require logging in.

- I downloaded the Mobile Web Server, Nokia Email, and Nokia Chat applications and there is still over 85MB of memory left to install more stuff. Yea!

- I've crashed it one time, and that was due to software, other than that, its been as rock solid in the software as it is in the design.

- Battery life is absoutely incredible. I get more than one day's use with it. That's crazy impressive.

Initial Conclusions
Only initial conclusions as this is just a piece until the full review gets to Brighthand. The Nokia E71 is a very impressive mobile device. The design, the battery life, and the software make it easily the best device Nokia could offer to those who wish to remain communicative to their audiences. The design will take knocks and drops, and the software is mature enough to do more because its seen some time in the oven.

At this point, I have very few reservations in recommending this device. You can also find it well under $500, making it a very smart choice as a purchase when you are not in a contract, or ending a contract, and want to keep the rates but update the mobile device. And its really one of the smallest, thinnest, most powerful devices of its kind.

Stay tuned for more about the E71 later on. If you have any questions, do ask and I will answer what I can.

Labels: E71, Nokia, review, smartphone

A day late with the news because of our posting schedule, but nonetheless wanting to highlight another solid Bible reader application that has made it to the iPhone/iPod Touch world. Olive Tree has released its Bible Reader application for the iPhone.

As reported on the Olive Tree blog, "This version has a three tap verse chooser, continuous scrolling, and the books are store locally on your iPhone so that you don't need an internet connection to read them."

There are two versions of Olive Tree's new reader, both available from Apple's App Store: BibleReader (free) and the ESV Study Bundle for BibleReader ($24.99)

Here are some very important notes about this version of Bible Reader:

• Downlad and installation of BibleReader for iPhone and purchase of iPhone-compatible Olive Tree resources can only take place through the Apple iTunes store at this time. iPhone BibleReader and iPhone resources are not presently available through Olive Tree's online store. Go to Apple iTunes to find resources for your iPhone or iPod Touch.
• iTunes sells resources in bundles. To use different books together (looking up a verse in two different Bible translations without exiting the program, for example), books must be purchased in the same bundle. Individual titles cannot be added to or subtracted from a bundle. Olive Tree will offer periodic updates to the bundles sold on iTunes. If we update a bundle you have purchased, you can download the update for free at iTunes.
• BibleReader for iPhone is a completely new program. Items in your Personal Library purchased for other platforms (like BlackBerry or Palm) will not transfer to iPhone. Olive Tree resources for iPhone are only available through Apple iTunes.

That all being said, there are some neat things to look forward to with Olive Tree's new Bible Reader. This is from the list featured on Olive Tree's iPhone page:

• Greek and Hebrew Bible translations, lexicons, reference works, and fonts
• More commentaries, study tools, and Christian eBooks—Olive Tree plans to release over 500 titles for iPhone
• Phrase Search
• Bookmarks
• Auto-Scrolling
• Hyperlinked Table of Contents for eBooks
• Personal Notes
• Support for Images
• Highlighting
• Split-Screen, to view multiple documents at once
• Notes and Cross-References

For more information, visit Olive Tree's iPhone page; to download/purchase, visit the App Store via iTunes or on the iPhone/iPod Touch devices.

Labels: Bible, commentary, eBook, iPhone, iPod Touch, mobiles, mobility, Olivetree, reading, smartphone, software, tech

Pouring on the reviews of Nokia devices these days, here's one about the Nokia N82 smartphone. This device has a 5Mpx digital camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, and more, all in a candybar shell that is not much larger than the Sony Ericsson T616 that I was carrying when MMM got started. Amazing where technology has gone.

Here's a snippet of the review posted at Space and Time:

...However, once I got my eclectic taste of music on the phone, I plugged in the Nokia headset that was included and set off for a walk. I hate the Nokia earplugs. They are uncomfortable, cumbersome and that is just putting them on the neck. The quality of the music is great, and the sitting in my ears is horrible. I pulled out my Sennheiser earphones so I could listen in comfort. This made my music consuming much more enjoyable...

Labels: multimedia, N82, Nokia, review, smartphone

Pardon the lack of pictures, but I'm litereally between phones of all kinds right now.

Last night, I received the Nokia E71 (European Version) from Nokia Blogger Relations and have some initial thoughts that some of you who might be in the market for a QWERTY smartphone might find very interesting.

First of all, this device is small. The E71 is all of 10 mm (that's 1cm) thick. Compared to the MWg Zinc II that I am in the process of reviewing its small, just really, really small.

Add in the fact that it has a battery that is as large as my N800 Internet Tablet and you have the makings of a device that can pretty much last a few days being used hard.

What I mean by using hard is this: there is built-in GPS, Wi-FI, Bluetooth 2.0 (with the ability to use Bluetooth stereo headphones, called A2DP), 110MB of internal storage space, a microSD card slot for adding more space, and tons of software at your displosal. In other words, this thing is loaded.

I gave it to a friend of mine who likes Nokias but currently has a BlackBerry Curve (ironically, I just reviewed that too) and she remarked that it was really small yet powerful. It was a bit too powerful. The metal casing and all of those features makes it kinda hard to assume that you will take advantage of it fully.

But that's why I get these devices. I'm given the task to living with the E71 and figuring out its abilities and whether this can be something that would work for those of you who would like to keep connected, or extend your ability to connect with those you minister with.

I look forward to sharing my experiences with you here, Jaiku, and other places online. Frankly speaking, I've got a new phone in the house, so you know its time to kick the usage up a good bit. :)

Labels: BlackBerry, E71, internet tablet, N800, Nokia, smartphone

Basing this question of an article of a similar title (Is Web Work Really Going to My Mobile Device?); what about fellowship and study makes them really conductive to using mobile devices, and what about those two makes mobile devices a non-issue?

Speaking on one side as a person who has forced a good bit of mobility into his studies, there is certainly an advantage of being able to study anytime and anywhere. Also, its made me less reliant on notes as more things have had to sit in my head for retrevial since software isn't as great as I would like it to be.

But for those whom I know don't like the idea of mobile devices being a part of a study, they cite cost of the deivce, device fraility, service availability, software, and a slew of other reasons (excuses). I understand them all, and encounter a good deal of them. I guess I am just the kind of person who would walk thru those issues rather than let them be a determent.

So what about you and your friends and family? For every one of you who can go mobile, there are those near to you who do not. What are some of those perspectives and what does that say about the ability to use mobile tech as agents within fellowship and study?

Labels: Bible, community, computer, Hardware, Laptop, mobile, mobility, smartphone, software, study

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

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

One of the questions that I get asked often is "what electronic Bible is best for [my device]?" Truth be told, there are plenty, but some offer more bang for the buck than others in various areas. Here is a list of 5 electronic Bibles that I like for their cost, versatility, reach, or intangibles:

• Palm Bible+ (Palm OS only)
  Reasons: free, tons of Bible versions in several languages; open source
• Laridian (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, iPod/iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows desktop)
  Reasons: nearly every computing platform is covered; excellent online solution with iPocketBible, responsive customer service, tons of auxiliary resource content
• YouVersion (browser-based)
  Reasons: excellent community interaction features, private and shared journaling; active development; very diverse user-base
• WordSearch 8 (Windows desktop, Windows Mobile and Palm OS via 3rd party application)
  Reasons: directed towards beginner and advanced Bible students; (mostly) user-friendly interface; excellent note taking feature; not nearly as expensive as its best competitor
• MoBible (any mobile device that can view WAP pages - all of them)
  Reasons: flexibility for use on any mobile phone; several languages; accompanying devotional; doesn't require the user to download anything

What are some of the electronic Bibles that work best for you?

Labels: accessiblity, Bible, desktop, Laptop, mobile, mobility, smartphone, software, usability