Comments on: iPhone app review: Logos vs OliveTree BibleReader

By: Kent Galbraith

Kent Galbraith — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:47:00 +0000

I use both as well, on both the iPhone and the iPad. Both work really well. I would say that the “too close to call” review that you have done is pretty darn accurate.

I am just getting into the Logos software on the Mac and hope to discover the reading lists very soon.

I hope that Logos will add split screen reading to the iPad version soon!

If you are considering buying/getting into either package, you will be happy with each.

By: Philana Crouch

Philana Crouch — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:33:33 +0000

I actually use both. I have the NIV Family Bundle on Olive Tree and few ebooks, but I also use items that are in my massive Logos library (Platinum, with a few extra I’ve added over the years). Logos really shines with the number of resources. The only drawback it I’m using it on an iTouch so Logos can use up the battery for WiFi. But they all have good features. I recommend starting with the NIV Bundle for OliveTree, but if you have a good Logos library use it for other items. I also like YouVersion with their Live featue.

By: John Fidel

John Fidel — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:12:36 +0000

Your review is very well done Mark. I had not had much experience with Olive Tree until my recent iPad purchase. Like most Bible software, the more resources you have, the better the experience. One thing Logos has going for it that the others do not, if you own the resources in L4: BDAG and NIC commentaries. These two resources make the Logos app invaluable.

For church, I open Olive Tree and follow along.

Again, great review.

By: Andrew Robinson

Andrew Robinson — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:25:24 +0000

Thanks Mark – terrific review. I’ve been using BibleReader for a while and love the upgraded features in v.4

I’m a cheapskate, so the free edition is enough for me to do my daily reading of Proverbs and for handy passage lookup using the search feature. I do enjoy reading the NLT, so I may grab the free Logos app as well as BR doesn’t include NLT in it’s free package!

I tend to use BlueLetterBible(.org) for Greek/Hebrew study and comparative reading – either online or on the iPhone via 3G…

Cheers!

By: Andrew Pitchford

Andrew Pitchford — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:34:45 +0000

Hi Mark,
Great review. I have been an Olive Tree user since my Windows Mobile days, first on a O2 Atom then an HTC TyTn II. Even after much repentance I’ve stuck with Olive Tree on my iPhone I wouldn’t consider myself a Bible scholar as much as a reader and find the ease of use and navigation particularly when listening to live or recorded sermons to be more intuitive. You’re right on speed and the offline experience is a key advantage. I also ‘love’ the new highlighter and notes functions syncing to Evernote.
Regards,
Andrew

By: Mark Barnes

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:12:30 +0000

I updated the review today to Logos v1.3.0 The new rotation lock and ability to search your library offline (albeit in a slightly limited way) was enough to give Logos an additional point overall. BibleReader is still just ahead, though.

By: Mark Barnes

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:43:34 +0000

AJ, thanks for your reply. I'm not familiar with The People's Bible, but if you post a message on Olive Tree's forum that's probably the best way of making a request. With regards to the reading interface, I agree that BibleReader gives you lots of options. I've used the options to mimic the look of Logos, which I much prefer! Most iPhone apps have a fairly limited amount of settings that you can tweak, so I'm usually happy to accept a small number of settings as long as I like the defaults - and in Logos' case, I do.

By: Aj

Aj — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:15:10 +0000

Thanks for the excellent and thorough review of these two iPhone apps. I am a fan of the Olive Tree Bible Reader and find it to be a better designed iPhone app. I love BibleReader’s verse selection method – three taps to your verse. Interestingly, the Logos verse selection does not even show all of the books on the screen without a scroll down. It is those little details that make BibleReader feel more ‘iPhone-like’ to me.

I am not a Bible scholar (though that would certainly be a worthwhile goal). I am a casual Bible reader who would like to find a way to be in God’s Word much more often than I am. An iPhone/iTouch app seemed like an excellent way to approach this (not to mention the new iPad – can’t wait!), since I have mine with me at ALL times. What all this means is that for me my main concern is an easy ability to search and find verses, take notes, highlight, bookmark and follow a reading program. That’s it.

I will purchase the NIV BibleReader app (using the Free version currently). I was quite surprised in your review to find out that Logos does not include the NIV? I am very glad I found that out.

I am wondering if there is any method to ask OliveTree about acquiring specific resources? The ultimate thing for me is if I would be able to have offline access to ‘The People’s Bible’ (published by Northwestern Publishing House – nph.net). It is the best ‘layman’ version of the NIV with commentary that I have ever come across. NPH seems to have sold, borrowed or given the rights to Logos for these books. Unfortunately I find Logos whole system of resources to be quite confusing and expensive. Maybe things have improved with Logos 4? In either case I would really like to have them available on BibleReader.

I think from a reading interface BibleReader also excels. It gives you the option of settings for Fonts, Colors, Scrolling, Verse Choose, etc. It really provides a lot of customization to get the reading process the most enjoyable, regardless of the lighting conditions. Logos on the other hand allows you to change the size of the text, that’s it. Quite a difference! I’m surprised your review didn’t highlight that a bit more. As I mentioned, excellent review anyway – thank you very much.

Those are my thoughts. If anyone knows how to get The People’s Bible on BibleReader I would be forever grateful. Thanks again.

By: Art Scherer

Art Scherer — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:27:13 +0000

Thanks for a very helpful review. I’m new to iPod Touch and have been using Bible Reader, but wondering what else was available. This was most helpful in steering to good resources and avoiding less worthwhile ones.

By: Chase

Chase — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:09:59 +0000

For a great free alternative, I would definitely recommend YouVersion. http://youversion.com