1src Forums - Bible: OliveTree or MyBible?

aym

02-19-2003, 01:55 PM

I've read all the archived information on Bible Readers, but I still have a few questions. I noticed a number of you have more than one. Could you help me figure out which would be best for me and why?

I would like to have New Living Translation as a definite must, I would have preferred NIV as well (but I know only MyBible supports it), and both reference materials and original Greek (which I know) would be great bonuses. NO TRANSLATION WARS PLEASE! I have no interest in KJV especially. Please don't recommend programs that don't have the New Living Translation.

The NLT requirement got me to OliveTree, Laridian's MyBible (NIV too), and QuickVersePDA. I really want a Bible program with chapters and verses and not just eBooks.

I would like to be able to flip back and forth between translations, though both on the screen at once is only a bonus. I would prefer to take notes in my paper Bible, but it would be great (but not a deciding factor) if I could jot a few in my program to move over later. Bookmarks/favorite verses would also be kinda cool.

Mainly, I'd like to have a bunch of stuff handy in a computer format. I've got physical Bibles in NIV, NLT, and Greek, and many reference books, but that's a hassle so all but my main Bible rarely get pulled out.

Money is less important to me than function, but I'm not sure I want to be in the position some of you are in and own multiple programs - whether I use them for different things or not.

If you use some or all of these programs could you help guide me which way to go?

Thanks,
Aym

volcanopele

02-19-2003, 02:08 PM

I use BibleReader by Olivetree. You can lookup by phrase or verse and you can bookmark your favorite verses.

Jason

Pman

02-19-2003, 02:46 PM

The two translations you want are not available on the same bible application. I don't think there is a good solution for your needs. As far as the apps available go, I prefer MyBible due to the faster response time for searches and chapter/verse selection.

PurpleMD

02-19-2003, 02:46 PM

The free Bible Reader will allow you to view two translations at once. There is (or was) a module to convert HTML or some other source Bibles to pdb files for this program. Someone had converted a bunch a while ago.

I personally have all three programs on my handheld...OliveTree for the NASB with Strong's and the NetBible translation http://www.netbible.com/
My Bible for NIV and the free version for everything! You can purchase NIV for about 15 or 18 bucks...http://www.asaisoft.com/

tanker_bob

02-19-2003, 03:49 PM

I've been using MyBible for years. Even today, nothing beats its search speed. Laridian has been very responsive whenever I emailed them about things. Great outfit with which to work.

For commentary support, I use BibleThumper. It doesn't support NLT, but the commentaries are the great classics--JFB, John Gill's Exposition, 1599 Geneva Bible notes, Matthew Henry's Concise, Strong's Greek and Hebrew Lexicons, et al. The reader is $25, but the commentaries/lexicons are all free. It's a great deal.

So, I use MyBible for routine reading and my daily study, and BibleThumper's commentaries/lexicons for digging deeper.

wellsjs

02-19-2003, 04:08 PM

Not true that MyBible is the only one offering NIV. Try:

www.asaisoft.com

The package deal with NIV and two Chinese translations (which are useless unless you read Chinese and have Chinese character recognition software) is still a bargain at only $18. You won't find the NIV any cheaper and the reader is very nice. Lots of free stuff too: other versions, commentaries. Great program. Split-screen mode and drag the text is nice. :)

I also have and like the ESV on OliveTree. But Asaisoft's Bible Ready with the NIV is my main Bible app!

lilmagnus

02-19-2003, 06:27 PM

Use Palmbible from www.asaisoft.com and then download other translations here: http://www-isl.kaist.ac.kr/~jyyi/palm/bible/

Clie Luvr

02-19-2003, 07:27 PM

I had both programs insalled and now use Laridian exclusively.  You cannot beat Laridian's speed (switching translations, search, and chapter/verse navigation).  I also have Laridian's DailyReader program and The One Year Bible reading plan.

I have KJV in the internal memory and NASB & NLT on my 128MB mem stk.  Although, IMHO Laridian is a superior program, it may be a bit pricey for some.

     King James Version (KJV)                           $19.99 
     New American Standard Bible (NASB)      $29.99 
     New International Version (NIV)                 $29.99 
     New King James Version (NKJV)               $19.99 
     New Living Translation (NLT)                    $19.99
     Revised Standard Version (RSV)                $19.99 
 

stevejohnson460

02-19-2003, 11:18 PM

I can speak up for OliveTree's tech. support: fast, responsive, facile. I love the program.

cheyo84

02-19-2003, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by stevejohnson460
I can speak up for OliveTree's tech. support: fast, responsive, facile. I love the program.

Y is it so slow loading the bibles. Ive tried in ram, , from the memory stick in the launcher folder, and using pidirect. Same speed slow, it takes like 30 secs to load. I mean, if u want to use it in church, when the preacher says an scripture, by the time the program loads, he already has finished reading it. (I have to stick with OliveTree bible reader because they seem the only one to offer a new spanish ver.) Does any body know if there is another bible readere that offers spanish ver? I tried comverting the spanish bible from a source text to use it with http://www.asaisoft.com/ because it seams to be the fastest program out there and it has the feature to see the two ver. at the same time, but as i said they dont offer an spanish ver.

Can anybody help me, Thanks

eyesee

02-20-2003, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by cheyo84

Y is it so slow loading the bibles. Ive tried in ram, , from the memory stick in the launcher folder, and using pidirect. Same speed slow, it takes like 30 secs to load. I mean, if u want to use it in church, when the preacher says an scripture, by the time the program loads, he already has finished reading it. (I have to stick with OliveTree bible reader because they seem the only one to offer a new spanish ver.) Does any body know if there is another bible readere that offers spanish ver? I tried comverting the spanish bible from a source text to use it with http://www.asaisoft.com/ because it seams to be the fastest program out there and it has the feature to see the two ver. at the same time, but as i said they dont offer an spanish ver.

Can anybody help me, Thanks

Have you continually updated your reader?  When I had my T615, which sported the slowest processor Sony currently offers (33MHz), with the newest version of BibleReader and PiDirect II, full Bible files ~3MB were loading in 3 to 4 seconds off the memory stick.  Switching between versions within BibleReader seemed like it took even less time than that.  I remember older versions of the reader when loading from the "Bible" folder on the memory stick taking upwards of 10-15 seconds to load, but that's been months ago.

cbulock

02-20-2003, 12:09 AM

Olive Tree has always loaded quick for me. I have tried it on a Palm m130 and it was pretty quick on that too. And that is loading off of a memory card.

LanMan

02-20-2003, 08:29 AM

I might also suggest that OTBR was much faster on my T415 (33MHz) with FastCPU 3.0 loaded. The load/pagination from MS was almost instantaneous. Then my 14-day trial ran out, and I have not purchased FastCPU because of some of the comments that others have had regarding the program. However, you might want to try it for yourself.

Regulus

02-21-2003, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by lilmagnus
Use Palmbible from www.asaisoft.com and then download other translations here: http://www-isl.kaist.ac.kr/~jyyi/palm/bible/

Thanks for the different translations Ilmagnus.  This is what I have always wanted.:D

PurpleMD

02-21-2003, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by Regulus

Thanks for the different translations Ilmagnus.  This is what I have always wanted.:D

How did ya figure out the id and password? I tried babelfish and cut and paste, but it didn't work. :(

tanker_bob

02-21-2003, 05:43 PM

Same problem here :(

eyesee

02-21-2003, 06:03 PM

Has anyone used this?  http://www.gmpsoft.com/

It supposedly has OS 5 support, but I'm not sure about hires+.  I'm sorry if it has been discussed elsewhere... I did a search for "Bible With You" but as you can imagine it pulled up every instance where the three words were included in the same post.  You'd be surprised:)

Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated!

Regulus

02-22-2003, 11:43 PM

Originally posted by PurpleMD

How did ya figure out the id and password? I tried babelfish and cut and paste, but it didn't work. :(

I must have gotten lucky.  There wasn't a login when I went there.  I just tried to go back and couldn't get in. 

ashVID

04-14-2003, 04:10 AM

Originally posted by eyesee
Has anyone used this?  http://www.gmpsoft.com/

It supposedly has OS 5 support, but I'm not sure about hires+.  I'm sorry if it has been discussed elsewhere... I did a search for "Bible With You" but as you can imagine it pulled up every instance where the three words were included in the same post.  You'd be surprised:)

Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated!
Just gave it a try and it is great. Works well when coupled with the concordance software as well. I have the NAS version... they need to add jog dial support for easier scrolling but that is my only issue

ash =o)

wellsjs

04-14-2003, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by ashVID
they need to add jog dial support for easier scrolling but that is my only issueI tried their demo and dumped it, primarily for that very reason. I've become so accustomed to one-handed reading using the jogdial, that "I wouldn't leave home without it!" Emailed them to add jogdial function. Never got a reply. :(

P.S. Asaisoft's Bible Reader is my favorite. I also have OliveTree loaded but seldom use it. I like the drag screen feature of Asaisoft's.

eyesee

04-14-2003, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by wellsjs
I tried their demo and dumped it, primarily for that very reason. I've become so accustomed to one-handed reading using the jogdial, that "I wouldn't leave home without it!" Emailed them to add jogdial function. Never got a reply. :(

P.S. Asaisoft's Bible Reader is my favorite. I also have OliveTree loaded but seldom use it. I like the drag screen feature of Asaisoft's.

I think that they must have been listening to you guys because the version I tried allows me to scroll verses.  I ended up having to do something... I have always used and loved OliveTree's reader but they have been slow to implement OS5 support, and what they do currently offer for the NX is still a bit buggy so Bible With You is quickly becoming my Bible reader of choice on the NX.  It is very quick and I must say it has a nicer GUI too, IMHO.  I am giving it two thumbs up as of right now!

yorrick

04-14-2003, 06:02 PM

lilmagnus referred to this site http://www-isl.kaist.ac.kr/~jyyi/palm/bible/ for translations etc for Asaisoft Bible Reader.

I am not sure whether the module has been unlocked, but they do have active copyrights on them, I would encourage you to do the right thing and register for the software instead of copying it off a site and using it without permission.

ashVID

04-14-2003, 07:33 PM

Yep, the latest upgraded version is PERFECT. Bible With You is GREAT now. Looks great, more options, jog scrolling... sweet!

ash =o)

wellsjs

04-14-2003, 08:55 PM

Where did you get a version that supports jog dial. I downloaded 3.07 from their website and from Palmgear and jogdial does not work! :confused:

ashVID

04-15-2003, 12:06 AM

I got it direct from their site... FYI, I am using NAS version...

ash =o)

wellsjs

04-15-2003, 07:07 AM

That's the version I tried. Are you using Palm OS 4.1 or 5?

jbarr

04-15-2003, 10:14 AM

My vote would be MyBible. It's fast, the navigation is simple, and its searching capabilities are lightning fast. If you have multiple translations installed, it's as simple as selecting a different translation from a drop-down. The switch is very quick and it switches you to the same book, chapter, and verse. It's also VFS-compliant--I have the full NIV and the NASB translations loaded on a Memory Stick. It only loads what you are using, so it's very quick.

Only downside is there are no "concordence" or other "study" aids except for an excellent "DailyReader" devotional program and the Memorize! programs. It's also not HiRes+.

I have MyBible on my NX70V and my wife uses it on her SJ22, and it is indespensible.

ashVID

04-15-2003, 11:02 AM

I am using OS5 and Bible With You is LIGHTNING fast (not from MS). It is LARGE though. It has the words of Jesus in RED, adjustable font sizes, clickable notes that show up in a yellow box with italics when appropriate. You can also add the NAS reference pack and a very nice concordance.

ash =o)

wellsjs

04-15-2003, 01:00 PM

It must be that jog dial support is for OS 5 only. Anyway, GMP is in a league of their own pricewise with Bible Software. $40 for NASB and concordance! I really like the clickable popups for notes and links to verses in the concordance. But without jog dial support, and even the rocker only advances one verse at a time and is not customizable, I must tap the slide bar to advance a page at a time, and that is not acceptable. :(

eyesee

04-15-2003, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by jbarr
My vote would be MyBible. It's fast, the navigation is simple, and its searching capabilities are lightning fast. If you have multiple translations installed, it's as simple as selecting a different translation from a drop-down. The switch is very quick and it switches you to the same book, chapter, and verse. It's also VFS-compliant--I have the full NIV and the NASB translations loaded on a Memory Stick. It only loads what you are using, so it's very quick.

Only downside is there are no "concordence" or other "study" aids except for an excellent "DailyReader" devotional program and the Memorize! programs. It's also not HiRes+.

I have MyBible on my NX70V and my wife uses it on her SJ22, and it is indespensible.

This is almost the exact same feature set as Bible With You, and even falls short in a couple of areas.  I am now using version 3.07 of BWY on my NX, and searching is instantaneous!  I even have the translations stored on the memory stick without any delay in searching :eek:  It truly is the best reader I have ever used, including other forms of doc readers!  It is also VFS compliant... I actually have the NASB and KJV both on external memory now and I can view both split screen!!!  It does offer a concordance as well.  I hate feeling like I have wasted money on the OliveTree reader and NASB w/Strong's, but the only time I am using it now is for Strong's numbers/original text.  Bible With You is too clean and fast to not use it!!!

 :D

click

04-15-2003, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by wellsjs
Not true that MyBible is the only one offering NIV. Try:

www.asaisoft.com

The package deal with NIV and two Chinese translations (which are useless unless you read Chinese and have Chinese character recognition software) is still a bargain at only $18. You won't find the NIV any cheaper and the reader is very nice. Lots of free stuff too: other versions, commentaries. Great program. Split-screen mode and drag the text is nice. :)

I also have and like the ESV on OliveTree. But Asaisoft's Bible Ready with the NIV is my main Bible app!

OK I'm sold. I just downloaded Bible Reader for asaisoft.com.
Man! It is so much quicker (even off the memory stick on my 615c) than Olive Tree.

Downloaded the Free copy to try out but will definitely purchase other versions available just to support the cause and see how well it works viewing multiple texts.

Thanks for the info.

jbarr

04-15-2003, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by eyesee

This is almost the exact same feature set as Bible With You, and even falls short in a couple of areas.  I am now using version 3.07 of BWY on my NX, and searching is instantaneous!  I even have the translations stored on the memory stick without any delay in searching :eek:  It truly is the best reader I have ever used, including other forms of doc readers!  It is also VFS compliant... I actually have the NASB and KJV both on external memory now and I can view both split screen!!!  It does offer a concordance as well.  I hate feeling like I have wasted money on the OliveTree reader and NASB w/Strong's, but the only time I am using it now is for Strong's numbers/original text.  Bible With You is too clean and fast to not use it!!!

 :D I downloaded it and tried it, and it IS very nice, but unfortunatly, there is no NIV version. Our pastor typically teaches out of the NASB and the NIV. Hmmmm.

ashVID

04-15-2003, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by eyesee

I hate feeling like I have wasted money on the OliveTree reader and NASB w/Strong's, but the only time I am using it now is for Strong's numbers/original text.  Bible With You is too clean and fast to not use it!!!

 :D

I agree 100%

ash =o)

eyesee

04-15-2003, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by ashVID

I agree 100%

ash =o)

 :D     ;)     :D

Glad to hear!!!

BTW, off-topic by a long shot, but I've been reading your post re: Kinoma, etc. conversions.  Whenever this CF driver actually comes out, I'll definitely be picking your brain about optimal settings (you seem to be quite adept at the conversion biz!).  Anyway, no need really to reply... just forewarning ya! :D

nandaiyo

04-15-2003, 09:10 PM

Not really an answer to your question, but for NX/NZ users I highly recommend Palm Reader pro with the zondervan NIV ebook. I love it. Jump to any book/chapter quickly, take notes and create bookmarks easily.

It makes great use of the NX 320x480 screen, portrait and lanscape modes, and the ebook has some handy cross references and definitions/alt. translations.

Use the jog dial to scroll quickly through the verses, or press it to make/remove a bookmark.

Because it's on palm reader pro, it supports fonts and custom color configurations.

eyesee

04-24-2003, 12:23 AM

Wow!!!  Bible With You just updated their NASB to include Strong's numbers and a reference database, along with the previous concordance database (separate) for the search function :D

They also have announced that they are working on a definitions database as well!

It's official...I just deleted OliveTree BibleReader off my NX70 :eek:

http://palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?prodID=48959

wellsjs

04-24-2003, 08:13 AM

Yep, no real improvements in OliveTree's app in over a year. I wish Bible With You would support Sony jog dial in 4.1 OS. :sad: For now my main reading app is Asaisoft's Bible Reader, and I have Bible Thumper for quick searches and reference/research (they have a ton of stuff free once you pay the $25 for the main app! Just wish he would do another version other than KJV, but I respect his convictions on being KJV only. I just do not agree! ;)

Narniahopper

04-24-2003, 08:22 AM

Which (if any) Bible readers support HiRes+?

ashVID

04-24-2003, 06:20 PM

Bible With You is now Hi-Rez+!

ash =o)

Unregistered

04-30-2003, 02:14 AM

http://sourceforge.net/projects/palmbibleplus/

This is definitely the best bible program for the palm in my opinion. It's constantly being improved upon, and the author/developer responds to requests quickly, it's got better options than MyBible, but the only drawback is that currently the search speed is still slower than MyBible. However, that will also change once the author gets to fix that particular issue. I had also bought MyBible, but they have not updated their version for years, and have not implemented any of the features many people have requested. Thus most of the features on MyBible are pretty ancient. It really needs some serious work but it doesn't seem like they are making any improvement at all. They do kindly respond to emails but that's about it.

George

Unregistered

04-30-2003, 02:39 AM

oops, here's the better link for the free Bible+:

http://palmbibleplus.sourceforge.net/

Here are the features:

Fast Display Engine
Fast Memory Card (VFS) Access
Fast book selector + Graffiti Goto
Configurable bookmark highlighting on color devices
Skinnable fonts and forms
Footonte support (write "n" in viewer to show/hide footnotes in { })
Extensive Graffiti shortcuts
Localized into 11 languages (mostly)
Drag Scrolling
Dual Version Display
Simultaneous Hebrew or accented Greek with Chinese
Browser-like operation
Bookmark
Search, Stop and Resume search with ARM transliteration
Virtual Bold
Color Support
Customizable Preferences
Sony CLIE Hi-Res
Runs on Palm OS 3.5 and up

The newest updated version even has an internal notes feature and also a snapshot feature. It's pretty cool. You have to try it out.

George

broth

05-05-2003, 07:35 AM

Looks like version 3.0 of MyBible is out. Looks like you can attach notes. added color support.

https://laridiansales.com/order/productpages/3MBPGM002.asp

Got an email today - $5.00 to upgrade.

tanker_bob

05-05-2003, 07:46 AM

Just upgraded--very nice. Color highlighting, word of Christ in red for those who like that, italics supported for words implied but not present in original manuscripts in versions that support that feature, tap on the note symbol to get that note, attach your own notes, chapter/section headings added in Bibles that have those. Find seems even faster than the lightening speed it was before. New Bible translations added, including the new ESV. More than worth the $5 upgrade price, plus you get 20% off other stuff in the same order.

LanMan

05-05-2003, 09:50 AM

I just tried OliveTree's beta BibleR+ on my OS4.1 T415. It looks pretty nice! I also asked if OT has a BibleReadMe that supports the new version and they emailed it to me the next day!

wellsjs

05-05-2003, 12:10 PM

From Laridian's website, I navigated to this interesting comparison link:

http://www.handheldministry.org/palmreviews/biblescom.html

tanker_bob

05-05-2003, 06:10 PM

Nice link, thanks!

minnaarpieters

05-06-2003, 12:01 PM

Is there any way of getting a full bible (any edition) and a bible reader for free anywhere? Im a student, and I dont have a credit card yet, so I cant purchase anything. Is there any free bibles out there? If so, where can I get it?

LanMan

05-06-2003, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by minnaarpieters
Is there any way of getting a full bible (any edition) and a bible reader for free anywhere? Im a student, and I dont have a credit card yet, so I cant purchase anything. Is there any free bibles out there? If so, where can I get it?

Olivetree's reader is free, and they have about a dozen versions of the Bible that are free:

BibleReader:

http://www.olivetree.com/handheld/Palm/PalmBible.html

Bibles:

http://www.olivetree.com/handheld/products/index.html

wellsjs

05-06-2003, 02:57 PM

Or: http://palmbibleplus.sourceforge.net/ (Bible+)

wellsjs

05-08-2003, 04:12 PM

I must commend GMPSoft's support. I have not been able to get jog dial to work with Bible With You on my T665C with OS 4.1. They have emailed me 4 times today and continue to work with me (jog dial still not working)! If they come through with a solution for OS 4.1 to enable jog dial with their Bible app, I will likely purchase the NASB w/Strongs and concordance. They are very responsive! :)

yorrick

05-09-2003, 03:12 AM

I had to read the original message and the guy actually asked for some pretty specific versions he is after - then after that, the merits of each program.

As he said - MyBible and Olive Tree Bible Reader (or more specifically - AsaiSoft Bible Reader) fits the bill.

* Both have New Living Translation (NLT)
* Both have New International Version (NIV)
* Both have King James Version (KJV)

Please note that I am comparing AsaiSoft Bible reader as this is the only Bible reader that can handle NIV. There may be newer version of Bible Reader around, but they cannot decode/unlock the NIV version that is only available through AsaiSoft.
There are pros and cons with each Bible reader - and I will try to outline them since I have both! I will also outline other intangibles that is not within the program itself - such as price and support.

MyBible
+ Faster search and VFS access than AsaiSoft Bible reader
+ Better access of chapters and verses (just write '4.13' for chapt4 verse13).
+ Has footnotes (depending on version)
+ Can highlight in various colours (new in v3.0)
+ Can add personal notes (new in v3.0)
- No hebrew/greek translation available.
- Cannot display more than one version on screen. (It can switch between versions).
- More expensive (if not the most expensive reader available).
??? Consider : The licensing by Laridian of Bible versions has been consistent.
??? Consider : Support of MyBible has been consistent. May not be coming out with regular updates - but the progress has been steady.
*** Cost : $49.98 (for reader, NIV and NLT. KJV is now free).

AsaiSoft Bible reader
+ Has Matthew Henry commentaries
+ Can display two versions on a split screen. (Can display two versions side by side or one version and a commentary).
+ Can display hebrew/greek. Though you will need a font hack to do this properly.
+ Footnotes available (depending on version)
- Cannot add notes
- Cannot highlight
- Slower VFS access - but not a huge issue.
- Searching chapter/verse can be a bit awkward. (ie. select book/chapter, then in the book itself, the verse is referenced by writing the verse in graffiti - awkward if you search different chapters).
??? Consider : Support for Asai soft Bible reader is inconsistent. Other versions of Bible Reader from the GPL code has been made and defects fixed, but the only version that can decode NIV has not changed for over 12-18 months.
*** Cost : USD$36.00 for the reader and NIV (plus two versions of the chinese bible) and NLT. KJV is free - plus greek/hebrew versions.

*** Disclaimer - I notice that NLT can be purchased through Olive Tree, but NIV is through AsaiSoft. I cannot verify that the NLT has a special unlock/rego code or it is a fully fledged version. So the compatibility between the two versions hasn't been verified.

Personally (if you asked my opinion - but too late! :) I'm gonna give it!) - I would suggest that you go with MyBible despite the cost is higher. The user interface is now even better (it was better than BibleReader - but others may differ). But the other argument is that the support for a version that requires an unlock code of the BibleReader is consistent. BibleReader - being open source has been updated by one group or another - this makes updating your reader inconsistent at the best of times.

Hope this helps.

Unregistered

05-09-2003, 10:32 AM

Yeah, but the original post was 3 months ago! :) I hope he/she is still not waiting on us to make a decision ;)

Anyway, this has pretty much become an info source of sorts for all of us Bible soft users. I look for this thread everytime I open up the Clie Apps page!!!

I think it's pretty safe to say that it is all right to stay a little off-topic in this thread ;)

Easy-123

05-11-2003, 09:19 AM

For a review of a number of the Bible software mentioned here, may I suggest you check out the excellent review and comparison at
http://www.handheldministry.org/palmreviews/bibles.html

I personally use both Olivetree's BibleReader and Laridian's MyBible (which has just been overhauled and updated). Each offers benefits I like. As I look at my bookshelves and the number of hardcopies of the Word, I am not at all surprised that I have two programs.

As far as Bible references, I use Tomeraider and iSilo as repositories of many of the works now online.

(Happy Mother's Day, Mom!)

Desciple

05-15-2003, 07:02 AM

Who is giving these raitings? ( don't answer me)

I found that chart not quite accurate. The points of OliveTree and MyBible software are obviously exaggerated (or other's points are understated).

Isn't it unusual that the whole chart tells you that the above mentioned products are much better that the others (which is far from the reality).

My advice is: "Give a try before purchase!".

click

05-15-2003, 07:30 AM

I've been using Bible Reader from AsaiSoft since this thread started early on.
Still very impressed.
Need to try more for a better opinion though.

I agree with earlier posts though about navigation.
I would like to have Olive Tree navigation with Bible Reader speed.

Funny how the Lord works.
Gives us all these different products to test and in the process we end up reading his word over and over and over and over.

He knows just what "techies" want.
Gotta love that.

yorrick

05-15-2003, 07:46 AM

Desciple - the review on http://www.handheldministry.org/palmreviews/biblescom.html is interesting because one issue that it highlights is that some readers have functionality that would be more appropriate for one purpose over other purposes. For example - those with good "study tools" tend to be weak on "user marks" and vice-verse.

Some rely on a single Bible version and has a lot of supporting tools or others have lots of versions but fewer features.

Again - "horses for courses"!

Your opinion that some readers have been biased in their reviews - well - it is your opinion of their opinion! :)
It all boils down to you evaluating the software for your purposes and end use. Some may be better than others.

Desciple

05-18-2003, 06:40 AM

First of all: This is the first rating I have ever seen where the entries are not sorted by rating. I made a sum of the scores of several softwares and was surprised to notice that they are not ordered.

Second: Undoubtedly, having different criteria listed is an advantage, but how the scores are estimated - this is a mystery.

I looked over the reviews on the mentioned site for the sake of other discussion on ClieSource. Here are my observations.

The only one product there that is described as obtaining fast search and at the same time nice features for non-continuous search is Bible Concordance With You. I made some efforts and checked if Bible Concordance With You possesses some of the features mentioned as advantages for other products (Bible With You is a shareware with a full functional trial, unlike the others – www.gmpsoft.com). I noticed that the Boolean features mentioned in the MyBible review are available also for the concordance product. Also, the number of results is displayed (not in the bottom, but above). They have even implemented wildcard search and searching for a phrase consisting of a word and a wildcard. I tried also the mentioned in the review on-tap option. The search speed is such high that the results are being displayed while I am writing. Instead of emphasizing on these facts, which are related with the title “easy and fast”, the author calculates Kb. I suggest him/her either to change the criteria, or to change the scores if he/she wants to be accurate.

Similar observations are valid also for the other criteria, but I will stop here.
This leads me to the thought that the author is biased, not to mention that he/she has probably forgotten the Sunday School lessons that the half truth is a lie.

tanker_bob

05-18-2003, 07:20 AM

No review is totally comprehensive. I know, because I write reviews for other websites. Unless you use the product for some time, you will miss some folks' favorite features. Every review, no matter the result, will upset someone's apple cart. Reviews are simply one person's opinion and experience--nothing more. Most reviewers are open to constructive criticism courteously presented, and will usually correct the review itself for factual errors. Instead of complaining here, why don't you email the reviewer with your thoughts?

A more effective approach here would have been to simply post your experience with the software you like/use. In other words, review the product, not the review. As we all know, it's easier to criticize someone's work than to actually produce something yourself.

wellsjs

05-18-2003, 05:38 PM

I agree TB! ;)

Desciple

05-24-2003, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by tanker_bob
No review is totally comprehensive. I know, because I write reviews for other websites. Unless you use the product for some time, you will miss some folks' favorite features. Every review, no matter the result, will upset someone's apple cart. Reviews are simply one person's opinion and experience--nothing more. Most reviewers are open to constructive criticism courteously presented, and will usually correct the review itself for factual errors. Instead of complaining here, why don't you email the reviewer with your thoughts?

A more effective approach here would have been to simply post your experience with the software you like/use. In other words, review the product, not the review. As we all know, it's easier to criticize someone's work than to actually produce something yourself.

I agree with tanker_bob that the discussed reviews have missed some features and have factual errors.

BTW, why are you so sure that I haven't shared my opinion with the reviewer?

Desciple

05-24-2003, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by tanker_bob
A more effective approach here would have been to simply post your experience with the software you like/use. In other words, review the product, not the review. As we all know, it's easier to criticize someone's work than to actually produce something yourself.

Why the reviewers can criticize software developers, but no one can criticize their work? Doesn't make sense.

The developers invest much more efforts in creating the software than is needed for an acurate review. I think that they deserve it.

tanker_bob

05-24-2003, 08:41 AM

Originally posted by Desciple

Why the reviewers can criticize software developers, but no one can criticize their work? Doesn't make sense.

The developers invest much more efforts in creating the software than is needed for an acurate review. I think that they deserve it.
Because reviewing the product is more informative than reviewing the review. The latter is just your opinion of someone else's opinion. Also, the original review was written in Feb 02 and updated in Jan 03. Perhaps the features you mentioned were added after his review. Reviews are snapshots in time, and can hardly be updated continually with newer versions. That's an endless task.

You mentioned your perception of the reviewer's bias, but then centered solely on Concordance with You in your comments. That, and your previous posts, gave me the impression that your bias lay with that program. Unless you do a similar reveiw, or at least discuss multiple programs, all I really learned was that you like CWY. That's great, but doesn't help me much if I'm trying to compare the strengths and weaknesses of competing products. The original review did provide that from that reviewer's perspective.

Unregistered

05-24-2003, 08:44 AM

Being a pastor, I like having the ability to carry the Bible with me on my NX70V. WhenI first started looking at the handheld Bibles, there weren't very many choices. But one of those was MySCripture a free Bible with both the KJV and RSV. I chose it because my Bible of choice (NRSV) was not yet available. If I remember correctly, Laridian (MyBible) purchased MyScripture and offered an inexpensive upgrade and 2 translations so I upgraded.

Then OliveTree came out and offered the NRSV. So I purchased it. OliveTree was also the first to offer The Message, which I also purchased. Laridian has since offered The Message along with their upgrade to version 3.

Then through this thread I discover Aisasoft and Bible+. It offers John Wesley's notes on the Bible and the Matthew Henry concise commentary along with the God's Word translation.

Each of the programs has their own strengths and own little annoances. The fastest, by far, is MyBible by Laridian. In my opinion, it has the fastest search engine. Another thing that I really like, is that version 3 now allows a full screen view on my Clie along with the words of Jesus in red. It also allows you to add notes to verses. OliveTree is working on implementing this but has yet to do this.

I like all three for the various translations and helps. If MyBible offered the NRSV, along with Wesley's Notes and the Matthew Henry, I would probably switch to it exclusively. But until then, I'll use all three.

To me one is not BETTER than the other. Most of the whole idea of BETTER is based on the subjective nature of how easy we find a piece of software is to use. And that is based on how intuitive we are. Let's face it, we all don't think alike, and neither do programmers. So not all software thinks liek we do. What I find intuitive doesn't always feel right to my wife. That's why having so many products is so good.

Hannibal

05-24-2003, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by tanker_bob
I've been using MyBible for years. Even today, nothing beats its search speed. Laridian has been very responsive whenever I emailed them about things. Great outfit with which to work.

For commentary support, I use BibleThumper. It doesn't support NLT, but the commentaries are the great classics--JFB, John Gill's Exposition, 1599 Geneva Bible notes, Matthew Henry's Concise, Strong's Greek and Hebrew Lexicons, et al. The reader is $25, but the commentaries/lexicons are all free. It's a great deal.

So, I use MyBible for routine reading and my daily study, and BibleThumper's commentaries/lexicons for digging deeper.

Hi, wondering if you might know what I am doing wrong. I have MyBible and when I put the NIV databases on my memory stick, they are not found. I have them in the directory /Palm/Programs/MyBible

According to the developer's website, that is the best place for the databases. I must be overlooking something. Appreciate any help.