Kindle Fire HD or Google Nexus 7--how well do they work with Logos/Vyrso?
I've been considering either a Kindle Fire HD or a Google Nexus 7, primarily for Logos and Vyrso. I would really appreciate any input from your experience. For instance, how nice is the screen for reading? If you've seen the latest iPad, how does either of the Android devices compare to the iPad? Any comparison of the backlit displays with an e-ink reader, such as one of the regular Kindles or Nooks?
I realize that the Nexus 7 is more of a full-fledged, unadulterated Android tablet, but I'm thinking mostly upon the lines of utilizing one or the other with the Logos and Vyrso apps. I may hold off till the 8.9" Fire HD's are released, but the 7" seems like such a great size for reading.
Thanks.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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I have been practically begging LOGOS to weigh in here....and maybe to say if they are developing on the Windows 8 platform in the future for the new MS Surface tablets. No word yet.
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I won't make a decision till at least the end of October, after we find out about the Surface and possible iPad Mini. Frankly, I'm not that enthused about Apple (though I have an iPhone 4S) and learning that the Amazon app store hasn't allowed the Vyrso app for the Fire HD (it can be side-loaded but the result is a pixelated display) points me to either a Google Nexus 7 or the new Windows tablets. I suspect that Logos is already hard at work on a Windows 8 RTM app.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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As far as Kindle Fire HD vs Google Nexus 7 goes I would strongly recommend the Nexus 7. It's a wonderful device at a really great price and is ideally suited for reading. Also since it's a "Nexus" device it's very likely to be among the first set of devices to recieve future Android updates thus extending the lifetime and usefulness of the device. Also all the Logos Android dev's have a Nexus 7 so it's well tested.
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I dont think they are working on the Surface app at all actually. Who wants to buy a Tablet if Logos doesnt work on it...not me.
I would never buy from Apple...they are on the side of the antichrist with their unholy allegiances and censorship.
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The Ipad mini will be too costly for me and Apple company unGodly. MS Surface will not have a full pro version for at least 3 more months.
Logos is so far nice but very quiet in emails.
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I had the first Kindle Fire. It was a love-hate deal. The size is a perfect compromise for readability vs portability (any of the 7" tabs will fit in my pocket; anything bigger would not). My main gripe with the original was the interface and lack of app support. Both of these can be gotten around. One of the first things I did with it was root it and install the Google Market. That pretty much gets around the issue of lack of apps and slow to release apps in the Amazon App store. Auto updates work too. I'm sure this is also or will soon be possible with the newest Kindle Fires. The other thing I experimented with was installing a home screen replacement to get rid of the ugly Amazon interface. That worked to a lesser degree. Some Amazon resources weren't available without switching back to the Amazon home screen and hiding root. Overall, I loved the original Kindle for it's size, but disliked the weight, app availability, and interface. The interface experience is, however, subjective; many love it.
I don't have the new Kindle, but from what I've seen and read it improves on the form factor by being slimmer and a bit lighter which is a big deal. Improved screen and I believe they've tweaked the interface. I'm still not sure about their interface; I'm really spoiled on the flexibility Android allows, to setup my screens the way I like, but again, that's a subjective issue. The bigger Kindle is much less portable, but much easier for reading. The issues with Vyrso availability, etc, should be solvable here too by rooting and installing the Google Market.
My Nexus 7 is my favorite device. Perfect form factor, great screen for reading, full Android, very flexible. I'm a big Amazon fan-I've got hundreds of mp3 albums from Amazon, kindle books, and get all my movie rentals on Amazon Instant-some weeks I see the UPS guy from Amazon more often that I do the mailman. But for an Android tablet I have to give the edge to the Nexus 7. You really can't go wrong with either, especially at the prices they are offering.
I'm less a fan of Apple. I haven't used the iPad much, but if it's interface is like the iPod Touch, I don't like it. The only reason I have the iPod Touch is because it's the only thing with enough capacity to carry my music collection. They have nice screens, great app availablity, but very inflexible interface. They don't offer user's much choice force their choice off on users.
If you can't tell I place a lot of value on customizability. I like having my screens the way I like, cluttered or clean, everything exactly where I want it. I also like having widgets I can add like scripture of the day, etc. or installing an app that changes the notification tray to add toggles for feature I toggle often. Esp. Brightness which goes to 10% inside for reading, 100% outside for reading, or somewhere in the the middle for time wasters.
You can have just about any kind of interface you like on Android. Here's one I seen earlier this morning on one of my RSS feeds: http://www.androidguys.com/2012/10/03/get-this-look-on-your-android-smartphone-xui-v2/
My next device will be one of the hybrid tablet/desktops with Windows 8 (Not Windows 8 RT, which Logos will not support anytime in the near future). My only reason for getting one is to have a portable device that runs the complete Logos Desktop App. I still prefer the size of the Nexus 7 for daily reading, for using in church service, or going to the coffee shop, but for bible study groups, I need a bit more power, the features of the full Logos package. Until they can get that into a 7" tablet, I'll be looking forward to one of the smaller hybrids to get the job done.
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Well written and well done. i am going to wait as well.
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I have been practically begging LOGOS to weigh in here....and maybe to say if they are developing on the Windows 8 platform in the future for the new MS Surface tablets. No word yet.
http://community.logos.com/forums/t/55919.aspx
:-)
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I have been practically begging LOGOS to weigh in here....and maybe to say if they are developing on the Windows 8 platform in the future for the new MS Surface tablets. No word yet.
http://community.logos.com/forums/t/55919.aspx
:-)
Well, far be it from me to say, ". . . ." [;)]
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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As far as Kindle Fire HD vs Google Nexus 7 goes I would strongly recommend the Nexus 7. It's a wonderful device at a really great price and is ideally suited for reading. Also since it's a "Nexus" device it's very likely to be among the first set of devices to receive future Android updates thus extending the lifetime and usefulness of the device. Also all the Logos Android dev's have a Nexus 7 so it's well tested.
I haven't used the Kindle Fire HD, but I can vouch for the Nexus 7. I have one and love it.
Here are seven reasons:
- It's fast and responsive. It doesn't get sluggish or unresponsive like other Android tablets I've tried.
- It's a great reading experience. While I wouldn't have minded a 1920x1200 screen, the 1280x800 screen makes reading text enjoyable.
- It's light and feels great in your hand, making it ideal for extended use. You can largely operate it with one hand, leaving your other hand free to hold your spouse or child.
- It's portable and fits in your pocket. It fits perfectly in the back pocket of most of my jeans and the front pocket of my dress pants.
- It's affordable. What you get for the price is well worth it.
- It's pure Google. I use most of Google's services, and it brings them all together nicely. Be the first to get OS updates as well.
- It's compatible. It's selling really well, which means most app developers will make sure their apps work well on it. It works great with the Logos, Vyrso, and Faithlife apps.
I gave my iPad (3) to my wife and daughter and my phone to my wife. The Nexus 7 has replaced both.
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Thanks, Phil, for weighing in. A really good tablet at a good price is hard to beat. With an iPad, I feel like I would need to keep it for several years to justify its price. With a Nexus 7, though, upgrading every couple of years doesn't hurt as bad.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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Thanks for weighing in. I have some problems with Google and their politics overseas....but enjoyed reading your response.
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I have the original Kindle Fire. Logos works great, although, the Vyrso app is not available. The logos app is not quite as good as reading on the native Kindle reader, but you have the ability to search etc. so I hae started buying my books with Vyrso/ Logos.
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The fact that the Kindle Fire HD doesnt even have a charge indicator light [:(] made me pass it over.
Those who read my posts will be surprised but I am awaiting a Nexus 7. It at least lets me do a little more. Speaker is small but I am not big into movies these days anyway.
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I am awaiting my new baby...a Nexus 7 coming from Amazon of all places. shhh...dont tell anyone Phil.
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Hope it works well for you, Joshua. I've thought seriously about a Nexus 7, but rumor has it that they are coming out with a 32GB model, and other rumors says they're working on a Nexus 10 which has higher resolution than the new iPad's Retina. And I may still talk myself into the Amazon Kindle HD 8.9" 32GM model.
But I'm really interest in a Microsoft Surface or third party tablet that has "Retina-like" display. No Retina-like screen and no deal for me.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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Someone convince me that I need 32 for Logos and that a Nexus 10 is worth waiting for. Poor seminarian here (Rich in Christ though and Logos gives me a nice student discount...Praise God) but I still wonder if I should reject my used Nexus 7 on its way from an Amazon distributor of all places.
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Joseph, if rumors mean anything, Google is supposedly upgrading the top end of the Nexus 7 to be 32GB. Then it becomes a matter of size: do you want a 10" or 7"? But as I said, it's all rumor.
For me, a 32GB Nexus 7 would be quite attractive. Then again, so would a 10" that has a Retina-like display. [:)]
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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My solution to replacing my 40 year old KJV wide margin
edition, which let me tell you, was no easy decision. I’m still in the process
of converting my margin notes to electronic notes.I opted for the Google Nexus 7 inch tablet. The size is
adequate for comfortable reading. I don’t think it would be large enough for
preaching or teaching from though, at least not for me. I also purchased an 18
month Day-Timer zippered portfolio, after removing the 5-ring binder I secured
my tablet in place with Velcro for easy removal if I choose to. The portfolio
has a pocket large enough to hold printer paper folded in half so I can carry a
few hard copy notes and a few business cards, also a slip on the right for a
paper tablet and pen holder. The zipper closure keeps it all secure. My church
provides Wi-Fi so I get full software functionality while connected.
Screen capture of Home page just to give an idea of what
it looks like.
Screen capture of split screen showing bible choice on
top and commentary choice below.
Screen capture showing the word “pleasant” has been
selected and the lower fly-up window hasappeared for selected Bible Word Study information and surface text searching.
Screen capture showing resulting Bible Word Study with
Word-Ring.
Screen capture showing
Dictionary of Biblical Languages result.My only complaints are the
missing characters for word pronunciation,(a font problem) andwould like more
bible dictionaries/encyclopedias available.All in all a good
functioning tablet for the price, $250 with 16G of memory.The electronic bible gives
us so much more information available at our fingertips.
Dell Lap Top Win 10_Home, Logos 7,
Samsung gs7 phone
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Rumors are the slimmer 32GB Nexus will come in at the same price as the "older" 16GB. Rumors also say 10" coming, price unknown; and a $99 version, specs unknown - possibly subsidized through mobile carrier. And I suspect they would drop the price on the 16GB to $200, but that's speculation. So possibly worth the wait.
I jumped at the 16GB when they first hit. I haven't run out of space yet though with a lot of my platinum books downloaded: most all of the commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias and other references, plus a whole lot of junk apps (aka games). I don't see a downside to the 16GB version unless you download a lot of media: games, music, video.
As I said before, I find the 7" perfect for most cases. It's more easily portable, easier to hold when reading. For anything bigger, I would suggest waiting to see what the smaller Windows 8 Hybrids look like with full Windows and removable and transformable keyboards. Full Logos and super portable!
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Thanks for your post, Darrell, especially the screen shots.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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My Nexus 7 8 mb will be with me shortly (usps delivery). I found it on Amazon used with a cover, and a usb to bluetooth keyboard. I hope 8 is enough. I primarily got it to use as an e-reader and to use blackboard learn and Logos for Seminary.
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Let us know what you think about it, Joseph, after you have a little time with it. Hope it works out well.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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The 32GB Google Nexus 7 is now available for $249. I may go with that since it will be great for reading and then see how the larger Windows 8 tablets (e.g. Surface Pro) look for more productive work.
Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton, SC
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I've been using the Kindle Fire HD 7" 32 Gb for four days now. It gets along with Logos much better than my old Kindle Fire 1st Generation did.
Fonts are improved immeasurably and the Bible Book icons on the KFHD7-32 are like day and night compared to how they appeared on the KF1G.
Plus, I've downloaded lots more Logos resources on the KFHD7-32 and hardly dented the storage capacity.
Logos definitely performs much better on the KFHD7-32 in many other ways.
One problem I've noticed is that on the KF1G I was able to get "Morning and Evening" devotions all the time. For some reason on the KFHD7-32 I cannot get it to appear in my devotions. I have no idea why that happened. Another problem is that some functions require WiFi access. I'd like to be able to function fully without any WiFi connection when away from home. Almost all WiFi networks outside of my home have password protection denying me access.
If one is in to Amazon products, sticking with the KFHD7-32 is a lot better than going off to the Nexus. I read lots of eBooks from Amazon, buy my music there and use their Prime advantage. Nexus will not be able to duplicate that.
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