After having used my iPad for almost a month now, I think it’s time to answer my own post, and see whether or not my expectations have been met.

As much as many people would have loved to see Apple fail miserably, the launch of the iPad has been a huge success. I have no vested interest in the company and, quite frankly, dislike the way it does certain things, but you’ve gotta love what it does. The iPad, dubbed by some, somewhat scornfully, as an oversized iPhone/iPod Touch, is an entirely different animal. Not only that, it is probably bound to change the way people interact with print and visual media in the long run.

Among the cons I would not mention the lack of a camera, multitasking or Flash support (the first two will be coming sooner or later –multitasking is announced for this coming Fall), but more mundane things, like no earphones or a ridiculously short power adapter cable. Color me nit-picky, but this is being cheap.

As a “portable solution,” I think the iPad is just right for me. Neither too heavy nor too small. I can carry a full library of books, a number of Bible software programs, lots of apps, and the weight remains the same! I can even change font type and size for the most part, which is a real treat. The screen is fantastic, and easy on the eyes in my experience.

As a “multimedia hub,” I can also say I’m very pleased with it. Reading, watching photos or streaming videos is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that I recommend.

In sum, my general expectations have certainly been met, but where they have been certainly exceeded is in the area of Bible software. I will not give any names just yet, but let me assure you that the general quality of current Bible apps is quite high, and it can only get better with future enhancements (multitasking –which I am already using on my iPod Touch– being one of them). I am very impressed so far, and I think that, once more, the future is now.

People buy gadgets for all kinds of different reasons. Indeed, there are as many reasons as users. Here are my excuses reasons for getting an iPad (which I do not have yet).

1. I want a really portable solution for carrying around Bibles and books. “Around” means, basically, around the house, as well as the church or classroom settings. I’ve used notebooks and iPods, but they are either too large or too small. I thought the iPod touch would be a great deal, and it is in many ways, but I personally find it a bit unworkable for my purposes, due to its rather limited screen real estate.

For the last few weeks I’ve been doing my Bible reading off a study Bible that weighs around 1.4 Kg (nothing unusual for study Bibles). I keep it in the sitting room and also take it to church, and as much as I like the feel of a book in my hands, my wrists start to hurt after a short while, the font size appears to be increasingly smaller as time goes by, and I have to keep moving around in search of a better lighting angle. Besides, I need a ball pen and a notepad to jot things down (I know, I know…). I’m hoping the iPad, which is less than half that weight, allows font typeface and size changes, has its own light and (as far as Bible programs go) is capable of attaching notes to the text, will greatly enhance my current experience. All of it with the form factor of a study Bible and the added bonus of having dozens and dozens of other Bibles and reference books readily accessible without increasing its weight one bit!

2. I want to spend more time in the house’s common area, with the rest of my family.  The iPad looks eminently suited for this. The idea of sitting comfortably on a couch while doing what I need to do, rather than spending more hours in my study is quite appealing. Even if I have to occasionally wear earbuds, it is much better to be together. And more fun!

3. I’m tired of using a mouse. Again, I relish the thought of doing things with my fingers and taking breaks from clicking away. There is something about interacting with a device with my hands that I find more relaxing and natural than other methods.

4. Since the iPad seems to be a true entertainment hub, it should become an alternative way to listen to music and podcasts, and watch films, streaming videos and photos.

I guess what I’m looking for is something of a balance between productivity, study and relaxation. Will the iPad fit the bill? Well, I’ll soon find out. Will I discover new excuses, er… reasons I did not anticipate? Probably. Monday is the day…

I apologize for the rather long blogging hiatus. My professional work load is such right now that I do not foresee any noticeable changes in the coming months. I’m simply too busy and have to meet various deadlines. As I’m sure you will understand, that takes priority over any other activities on the side (including BSR). So, don’t count on any new major review anytime soon, although I may be able to blog occasionally. I’ll also try to tweet about what’s new as time permits.

Fortunately, there are some fine people whom you can turn to for news and updates on Bible software programs. Mark’s blog is always worth checking, and Kevin Purcell keeps abreast of the latest developments.

These are exciting times for Bible software, despite the current economic crisis. The recent launch of the iPad has opened up yet another study platform that looks very promising. I plan on getting one myself (it’s not available yet here in Europe), and hope to share my experience with you in due course. Perhaps I will even end up posting some mini-reviews or videos. Who knows?

I’m sorry I haven’t got better news for you at this point. My efforts to have other people join BSR and share the amount of work a site like this entails have not been successful. I’m not giving up just yet, but expect to see me more off than on, at least during what’s left of 2010.

Take care!

Mark Vitalis started it on his blog, and David Lang followed suit. Now we know how to go about it with BibleWorks and Accordance, respectively.

These kinds of exercises could well become a classic after this past SBL Bible Software Shootout.

Update (March 25): And here is how to do it with Logos Bible Software.

A brand new version (not just a point release) of SwordSearcher has become available. For a full list of new features and content, check out this page. You may also want to watch a video that shows some of the new functionality in version 6. Current users of this shareware program can upgrade at a special discounted price.

Incidentally, this release marks the 15 anniversary of SwordSearcher. Congratulations, Brandon!

I haven’t got much time, so I will simply note the latest updates that have become available in the past few days. Check the links for more info.

Accordance 8.4.5

Bible Analyzer 3.9.2

Glo 1.4.0

Logos 4.0b

The Word 3.1.2

Mark Barnes has posted an excellent review comparing OliveTree BibleReader and Logos for the iPhone/iPod Touch. This is one of the most exciting areas right now for Bible software, and I’m sure it will be even more so when the new iPad is launched. It’s definitely worth a read.

I have finally been able to complete my review of BibleWorks 8. As I say in my concluding remarks,

BibleWorks is a must-have tool for original language exegesis and Bible translation. It is an affordable package, offering solid tools and excellent features. In my estimation there is no doubt that this is the best Bible software product of its kind for Windows.

To get the full context you will need to read the whole piece, but one of the keys is that BW has stayed true to itself, while offering the ability to work in close synergy with other programs that focus on areas BW has decided to not go into (e.g., digital libraries).

Yes, I know I’m late to the party and this will be old hat to most of you. When Zondervan announced that they would be discontinuing their Pradis software, there were good news and bad news. Good news because Zondervan products were already available for the Mac (Accordance) and would be coming to Logos (thus no need to have yet another proprietary software just for a few titles). Bad news because Pradis 6 was a good piece of software and current users would be left in the cold.

In my review of the previous version of Pradis I already hinted at the problem of backwards compatibility and the cost of upgrading resources that had already been paid for. Now, Logos has announced a deep discount of 40% for previous users of Pradis who decide to get Zondervan’s titles in Logos format.

John Fidel has posted some interesting thoughts on this whole issue, and I tend to agree with what he says. David Lang interacts with it here. As for me, being a Pradis user myself I can feel the disappointment (fortunately I have Zondervan’s products in Accordance), and agree that even with Logos offer, to buy –yet again!– those books to be able to run them under Windows is a bit too much.

To be honest, I don’t know what I’ll do. This would be the third time I would have to pay for EBC, NIDNETT, NIDOTTE and so on (Zondervan Reference Software, Pradis and, now, Logos). This situation is far from ideal, and I would love to see Zondervan go the extra mile to ensure that faithful Pradis users are duly taken care of with more of a nominal upgrade price. 

My review of WORDsearch 9 is now online. Great program for pastors and teachers, but needs some work in the area of searching. Nevertheless, it offers excellent resources and a nicely integrated working environment.  Good option for those who teach the Scriptures on a regular basis.