It’s been about three and a half years since I first addressed the question of PocketBible for the Mac. Things have changed significantly since then, so I thought I’d post an update so I’d have somewhere to direct those of you who ask about PocketBible for the Mac.
As I mentioned in my previous post on this topic from 2007, we’re not anti-Mac here. In fact, since then Jeff and I have converted to almost 100% Mac. For example, my primary desktop machine is a 2.8 GHz dual quad-core Mac Pro on which I run Mac OS (of course) plus both Windows XP and 7 under Parallels. One of my two monitors can be switched to my old PC running Windows XP, but since installing Office for Mac and moving the small amount of Windows development I do to my Mac, I rarely use it.
As you know Jeff and I spend two days each week working “off-site” which for us means taking our laptops to a coffee shop instead of working from home. For those days I carry a basic 13″ MacBook that is configured to do both Android and iPhone development.
Jeff’s configuration is similar but he does more of his day-to-day work on his MacBook Pro. And while the rest of my family runs Windows, Jeff’s is more of a Mac family.
In addition to the Macs, we both have more than one iPad, iPhone and/or iPod touch. I literally sleep with my iPad, which allows me to dispense with the morning email and Facebook updates before I even get up. The point is, we’re far from anti-Mac here, even though there’s no PocketBible for Mac.
In my 2007 article on this topic I focussed on market share. At the time, the Mac represented about 10% of the personal computer market in the US. That was probably overstated. 6% might have been closer to the truth. As near as I can tell it’s around 10% now (Q1 2011). I’ve seen stats based on recording information from website visits that shows Mac OS at 15% in the US, but I haven’t seen that number anywhere other than one study. Everything else I’ve seen is around 10%. With that in mind, my previous discussion of the financial aspects of making the decision to do PocketBible for Mac still applies.
What is different, however, is the amount of Mac-friendly code we now have in hand. Since iOS (the iPhone operating system) is very similar to Mac OS, and since programming for iOS uses the same Objective-C programming language as is used on the Mac, we have quite a library of PocketBible code already ported to the Mac. In fact, in some of my early testing I actually compiled the code for the Mac and displayed the contents of PocketBible LBK files on a Mac rather than an iPhone.
However, while it’s getting easier for us to make the decision to develop for the Mac, one thing that is still an issue is our limited resources. It’s still just me and Jeff here doing programming. Many of you have written to say “just hire more programmers”. That’s a great suggestion, but it ignores reality. Imagine if I came to you and said, “Just buy a new house!” or “Just buy a new car!” Few of you would say, “Oh, yeah, I never thought of that — I’ll just take a few pounds of cash from this pile I keep in my closet and buy a new one.” The reality is that hiring a programmer or two is expensive, and while many of you seem to think that we’re making more money than we can count (“profiteering from the Word of God” as many of you like to say) the reality is that Laridian doesn’t throw off that much cash.
With that in mind, we always have to consider how we make use of our time. One of the things we’ve learned with PocketBible for WIndows is that even though it’s a really nice Windows BIble program, our expertise and customer base is really concentrated on mobile devices. To the extent that a desktop program can interact with, supplement, or enhance our mobile products, it can be successful. But it’s hard for it to be successful on its own as a stand-alone desktop Bible program. So it’s best for us to always first think about mobile platforms before turning our attention to the desktop (be it Windows or Mac).
When we look at our world from that point of view, Android is the obvious place where we need to focus. It is definitely the up-and-coming platform in the mobile space, and Laridian is notoriously absent. We want to be there; we’re working on being there; and we’re going to be there. But the time spent working on Android is time we can’t spend on Mac.
To be honest, we would love to take some time and do a Mac version of PocketBible. So rest assured it’s at the top of the to-do list here. Unfortunately there are several tasks that share that position.
I have gotten your product for every item (Palm, Windows Mobile, iOS, and Windows PC) I own…but have missed having your simple software on my Mac. I have Logos for heavy lifting. I would really love a Mac program that I could leave open all the time whenever I feel like looking up a quick reference…
Just a thought…
Thanks for not forgetting us Mac user’s entirely
For the scripture said, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.
I know that this passage is referring to elders, but the principal still applies. Those who work should get paid. It is not profiteering.
I love your products, have used them on palm OS, pocketPC, windowsMobile, iPod Touch.. Thank you. Certainly it is worth it for me to pay for this excellent product. Using youVerse on my android device and trying to be patient for what experience has told me will be an excellent program.
Thanks,
Lee
Thank you for the regular updates on where your product releases are and where you are placing your priorities. I appreciate your business wisdom in placing your time and priorities where the largest segment of technological users are. There are a whole bunch of Windows and Android users out here and we are thankful that you are looking at market stats to make your decisions. I know the Mac crowd is loud but we (the non-Mac crowd) are eagerly awaiting your Android as well as W7 releases. Thanks for your dedication. Will be praying for Jeff during this challenging time. Blessings.
I’ve been a Mac user for 20 years now. I would love for your product to come to the Mac. I would pay $50-$100 for well written software that can take advantage of the books and versions already purchased through you. For years I used your product on Palm devices and was so excited for the iPhone edition (for one, I was able to retire my Palm).
Thank you fro your faithfulness to the call upon your lives.
About the stats– The small share of Macs really zooms if you look at home use. I’m sure many are like me whao have a PC at work but use a Mac at home. I would say that 90% of our employees (100+) use PC at work but over 35% have macs at home. And if you have students in the home, the Mac percentage grows more. Most don’t use PB at work. I don’t fault your logic at all and think you must get into the Android game, but I do think you will be surprised when you get around to a MAC version. BTW, I think the Mac Book Airs will really take off whith the next iteration–PB for Mac would really be slick on that “mobile” unit where you see the most traction.
Dear brothers/sisters in Christ!
When will you do a Bible version for Bada OS (Samsung)?
I’m using a Samsung Wave S8500 and I’ve been looking for months for a mobile Bible for this platform, but I’ve found no one so far
Will you help me and many others who are looking for to have the Word of God on their Bada smartphones?
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and your work!
Yours,
George Tudor
Thanks for continuing to consider Mac implementation. I will definitely buy if/when it’s available.
Franklin
I am so looking forward to being able to use PocketBible on my Android. That is when it will truly be PocketBible for me again. Praying for your personal needs and for your programming success. Keep up the good work guys.
+1 buy in a heartbeat a Mac-version of Pocket Bible!
Boele
Though Windows users enjoyed a critical mass of installation base, but I am confident that MacOS users are the faithful and more generous bunch of users. I would love to see a OS X version of PocketBible. God bless your work!
I have been a supporter and a paying customer almost from the beginning. I have recently switched to an Android phone and a 13 inch Macbook Pro. Now I am really STUCK! I want to use my Laridian books for my research and writing. PLEASE write up a Mac based Reader Program SOON. I am willing to pay more to be able to use your excellent products, (though I would not re-purchase everything.)
Please find a way, so that I can continue to support Laridian with purchases and publicity.
JDW
Hi Guys,
I have been a Laridian client for many years. I first purchased when I believe the platform was only Palm. I also have converted entirely to Mac at home and since going to Office for Mac don’t use vmFusion anymore.
I am fully in support of a Mac platform bible software but understand the economics of developing for a new platform. It would be interesting to understand the demographics of Mac owners among Christians as this would be the target group buying a desktop version and not the “10%” figure of overall Mac users, although I would guess this figure would be close. I am currently using Quickverse but do not like the interface and keep notes on my Laridian IPhone. The notes alone can be significant reason for most of us to want a Mac version as it would be nice to keep our notes, bookmarks in sync between platforms.
Have you guys thought about the possibility of seeing if there are any Christian OSX developers out there that would be willing to help with this project just for the “joy” of doing it?
Anyways, we wait and understand your position. Like so many others, I would pay in a heartbeat for Laridian for the Mac platform.
Cheers!
I completely understand the reasons for the specific marketing and development strategies.
I am a Mac user for almost twenty years. I have been a PocketBibile user for nearly eleven years starting with the Palm OS. I am a very loyal user and I love the products that you produce.
I have an Android device and really want the PB app for my phone. But, more to the point I really want it for my MacBook Pro. I love your app and the UI.
So, I will pray that you are able to accomplish your strategies and that someone will volunteer to help develop the program for the Mac with you.
Thanks, Craig, for posting this note. As an IT-guy-turned-pastor, I can appreciate that limited resources do need to be properly allocated. I use a MacBook to prepare my sermons and an Android tablet to preach ‘em. So it is good to hear that at least one of these platforms will have a PocketBible app soon. Keep up the good work, guys!
A few months have passed since your post. I truly agree with the direction you need to go, but I have converted 100% to a mac. I have your program on my iPad and iPhone and I can not tell you how much I truly appreciate and love your program. You can clearly see that I have an extensive library of your products and failed to even check to see if it would be compatible to a mac. I honestly can say that I felt total disappointment. Again I understand the need to push forward on the Andriods etc. but I cant wait until you creat the app for mac. Please, Please make this happen sooner than later. Thank you very much for an awesome apps. Pray all goes well for you too. Respectfully yours, Gettysburg-Phil
I will buy PocketBible for Mac and Android as soon as it is developed.
Idea…. Are their some Mac programers out there who could volunteering some time to help these guys.
There is little profit in ANY Christian business. I know, I just retired after pastoring 37 years.
Craig and Jeff could possibly use the help in making God’s Word available to more people.
The “profiteering from God’s Word’ comment makes me sick. This only serves to cheapen our witness to the unchurched world by throwing jabs at our brothers in Christ.
Thanks guys for your dedication to the Lord by giving excellence in programing in spreading the Word.
Well I would love to see the software in the Apple Mac App store, but until then I’ll just read on my iPhone. Keep up the good work.
Any updates on PocketBible app for mac?
No.
What would you suggest if I want to use PocketBible on MAC?