LifeDiscipler

Recently, I received a neat little gadget to test out and review.  It’s called the LifeDiscipler (www.lifediscipler.com).  Some of you may have seen it in the most recent Family Christian Stores catalog but for those of you who have never heard of it, rest easy.  It’s the new kid on the block in the land of electronic Bible gadgets.

The LifeDiscipler looks like a small mp3 player.  In fact, the “main button” underneath the screen resembles the wheel of a certain “fruity” mp3 player some of you probably own.  It’s not quite as advanced, but it gets the job done and lends some familiarity and intuitiveness.

One thing I noticed right away (and the developer pointed it out in the letter he enclosed with the product) is that the LCD screen isn’t backlit.  This saves the consumer quite a bit of money in the long run but, for this iPhone addict, it was hard to adjust to.  I have a Bible app on my phone that I use a lot and I also read books via several other apps.  The fact that I’m used to such a larger (brighter) screen kind of was a handicap to getting used to the LifeDiscipler.  However, the makers weren’t thinking of only the techies when they developed the product.  They have strived to make it as accessible as possible and as affordable as possible.  Just know that you will need to be in a well-lit area to properly view the screen.  Also, if you want to share (have someone look on with you), you’ll be better off just passing it back and forth.

All this talk and I haven’t really told you what the LifeDiscipler does!  Well, it’s kind of like a concordance with a few more bells and whistles.  Turn the gadget on (easy to find on/off switch on the back) and after the logo appears, the main menu greets you.  Without reading the instructions, I was able to navigate the menu items without too much difficulty.  It took a quick glance to see what the difference between “search” and “subject” was (both bring up the topical list from A-Z but when you click on “subject” to access the list, you can actually have the device send you verses on your topic in 15, 30, or 60 minute intervals.  Find a verse you really like?  There’s an option to add it to your favorites.  Needing to hide His word in your heart?  Scroll to the bottom of the verse (the same place where you’ll find the “favorites” option) and click “memorize.”  It files each verse away for you!  There are 44 different life subjects with more than 1500 verses.  One downside that could be a potential hang-up for some is the fact that there is no one translation that the LifeDiscipler uses.  Each verse is from a different version of the Bible.  There is no way to edit this. Versions I have come across are:  TNIV, NIV, NLT, NKJV, NCV.  Again, not a major flaw- but to each his own.  

The MSRP on the LifeDiscipler is $29.99.  If you enter the coupon code “GROW20,” you will receive 20% off!  This code is good through December 30, 2010.

For me, I still like the feel of the pages of my Bible turning in my hand. When I need to find a verse while on the go, I’ll probably use my iPhone.  BUT this is a nifty little tool- especially for times when you would like to pass the time productively (while in a waiting room, on a coffee break, etc) and if you don’t already own a smartphone (or would rather chunk it out the window than spend another second with it!).  If you just read that last sentence and agree with me, “Anger” is the third choice down on the “search” menu! ;0)