I'm still managing just fine, thank you, with an ancient (3 yrs old!) cell phone that doesn't do anything but work as a phone. I can use that as long as I have my Dell Axim x51v with its VGA 640x480 resolution screen and all my Bible software on it, namely (with main items bolded):
- OliveTree's BibleReader with NRSV, Gramcord Greek NT w/ parsing and UBS dictionary, BHS Hebrew, NET Bible, Josephus, Philo, Vulgate, and a few others
- Pocket e-Sword with CEV, ESV, LXX, KJV and others
- Laridian PocketBible with ESV, NRSV, HCSB, commentaries, dictionaries, and maps
This is the not-yet-released REDFLY Mobile Companion. It connects to your phone (USB or Bluetooth), runs off the phone's operating system (WindowsMobile), and provides an 8 inch 800×480 display and a decent keyboard. Read this review of the beta and then check out the linked image gallery, especially this page which shows PocketBible on the screen.
I could get used to that! Now if the device sells for its list of $500, I doubt that it would be worth it. Why not just get an ASUS Eee PC instead which is a fully functioning computer selling for $300-500?
Well, I suppose it's fun to think about these options, but I guess I will be keeping my current gear for quite some time yet...
There are smartphones by Asus, HTC, and imate that fulfill your requirements in terms of what you are asking for to replace your Axim and be quite usable.
ReplyDeleteThe Redfly is designed for those who use their smartphone as their main computer and therefore have no need for something with a larger screen except in the case of major web browsing or document editing. Considering that one can purchase a 16GB memory card nowadays, and that smartphone and web software is mature enough to the point of getting things done, this type of computing paradigm is more than usable. Maybe not at the price redfly is charging, but definitely the idea has a lot of merit (especially since it was the thrid attempt at such an idea in the last year).
For those in places where their mobile is their copmuter, the Redfly is a suitable solution.
Regarding the Asus EEE PC, I've been using a Linux desktop for a few years now and I'm able to run a full version of Bible Works pretty much flawlessly in Linux with WINE. I've been thinking about getting an EEE. Among other things I'd plan to put Bible Works on it. The only caveat is that you may need to get an external sd card to run BW because the amount of space you get with the EEE isn't that much.
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