Now available for the iPhone!
With the emergence of mobile personal devices, like the original Palm device, came the opportunity to digitize so much of our lives. I remember going through several different models of the Palm device and at one point I discovered the ease of putting scripture on the device. It made having access to the scripture so simple because the Palm device was always with me. It was during one of the later Palm models that I discovered what I think is the best Bible software out there, OliveTree.
With the emergence of mobile personal devices, like the original Palm device, came the opportunity to digitize so much of our lives. I remember going through several different models of the Palm device and at one point I discovered the ease of putting scripture on the device. It made having access to the scripture so simple because the Palm device was always with me. It was during one of the later Palm models that I discovered what I think is the best Bible software out there, OliveTree.
I have used OliveTree software on the Palm, various WindowsCE devices, BlackBerry and now my iPhone. OliveTree has done a great job of keeping their software updated with enhancements and real value-added features. I love having easy access to various versions of the Bible, related texts like commentaries, etc. It can transform those otherwise "wasted moments" waiting in a line, waiting for your car to be serviced, riding in car/plane, stuck in traffic, whatever.
OliveTree software (I have reviewed several others) is appropriately robust (meaning it is not overkill on features, but nicely apportioned). The latest version (recently released) for the iPhone allows you to easily flip between versions of the Bible and other study texts which is very useful when doing comparisons for study or review. This version includes the red letters for the words spoken by Jesus and allows direct linkage between the text and relevant commentaries.
I (though some till think this is a bit wierd) use my OliveTree during church to look at passages we are studying, during other small-group activities it is very handy as well.
In terms of things to improve, one feature that would be GREAT would be the ability to highlight or underline favorite passages, and even "notate" them with personal reflections as I would have traditionally done in the margins of a physical Bible.
There are other cheaper options out there for iPhone, but nothing really compares with the whole integrated package approach. OliveTree is definitely the way to go!
