So often I was asked with the same question "What mobile device shall I buy for use with JW Library?" Here I would like to try to give you some ideas that hope you find them helpful.
(1) How will you use it? In the field service? Or, in your personal study?
If you are going to use your mobile device mainly in the field service, a smaller configuration such as 7"-8" device or smaller is better (e.g. iPad mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, 8.0"). Many will use a smartphone of about 5" or 6" (iPhone 6 Plus, or an Android smartphone of such configuration). A mobile device smaller than 5" may not be so practical for ministry use, too small. Bigger than 8" is also not so convenient.
If your use is mainly in your personal study, you will find a bigger device such as 9.7" or larger more practical for reading like magazines and brochures. Also, when reading the Bible, it's more convenient to have the side-by-side reference study panel.
(2) Android or Apple?
Really, this is not so easy a question to answer; yet, here are some observation.
Is stability needed? - if you will use your mobile device also on the stage, Apple is recommended for its higher stability. JW Library can crash on both Apple devices as well as Android devices. Yet, on average an app crashes more often on Android devices. I don't mean that JW Library is not stable. Actually JW Library is a very good app with good stability. Just in comparison, "on-stage-use" requires higher stability, which Apple platform can offer.
Ability to study just like printed copy? Both Apple and Android versions of JW Library support same functionality of annotations such as highlighting text. However, many will love to read, study and annotate publications just the same way they do for printed copies. For example, normally we will highlight, underline, write comments, notes, draw lines, etc. Also, the printed copy is layout in a way that assist understanding by the way the text are being arranged. This is currently something missing in the "text mode" or the epub format of JW Library.
If you want to study just as the way or close to the way of a printed copy, one very good way is to download the PDF format of the publication from JW.ORG. Then, use a PDF annotation app such as Adobe Acrobat, GoodReader, PDF Expert, Xodo, etc. to do the annotations. Note that such functionality is better supported on Apple. My choice, GoodReader.
(3) What about price and budget?
The first impression is that Apple is expensive. However, an Apple device depreciates slower, which means you can use an Apple device for a longer time when compared to an Android device. Also, you will find reselling your old Apple device much more easier.
However, if budget is a real concern, you may consider buying Apple's refurbished - http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals. Or, look for a entry level or still better quality Android device. You can always find a VERY CHEAP Android device. However, at the same time check carefully the specification. Most likely, cheaper in price means inferior in the specification, that in certain ways will have an impact on your usage. JW Library app is in fact resources demanding. Your device must be fast enough and have big storage space. A reasonable budget is about USD200-500. A budget significantly lower than USD200 may not be so practical.*
*this is the situation as of the time of writing. Often times, technology just getting more and more affordable.
(4) A Practical Mix of Devices
You may find a two devices approach very practical. For example, (1) an Android smartphone for communication and field service use; (2) an Apple tablet for study use. Multi-tasking simply works better when you are using multiple devices, though you can multitask on same device.
In this way, you may also cut cost by using lower configuration devices. An entry level smartphone with an iPad Air 2 may cost you more or less the same as you buy a high end iPhone Plus. In addition, such a mix covers very well every need of us and you have the advantage of having a backup device, in case of a device failure or lost.
(5) Need of Special Apps
This is also an important factor to consider, if you need a special app that only work on either one of the two platforms, it actually may restrict your choice, especially when you decided to keep and use one device only. Otherwise, in many cases, the outlined mix in (4) may solve this issue.
As Jehovah's Witnesses, we are very serious about our field service and our personal study and meetings. As we are now using more electronic way, hope this in a certain way helps to guide your purchase of a mobile device.
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