January 30

Gmail Goes Offline

Friday, January 30, 2009 @ 6:28 pm by Josh Burcham

Tags: Apps, Google, Ministry, Productivity, Technology, Thoughts. Categories: Ministry, Technology

If you haven’t had a chance yet to take Gmail offline. You need to. I migrated to completely Google from native apps on my PowerBook about four months ago: Gmail, Calendar, Reader, Docs, and Google Apps for Ridgepoint’s stuff. SIDE NOTE: Churches, you need to make the move to Google Apps for all your email, communication, and intranet needs! Free for Non-Profits and Google will beat whatever system you probably using.

The one downside to Gmail was that it was online and only online. I don’t have internet at home and it’s a pain to plugin my AT&T internet card for something simple like looking up an email. Now I have the FULL power of Gmail online and offline. Check it out:

TechCrunch: Gmail Goes Offline With Google Gears

Wired: Gmail Releases New Offline E-mail Tools

Gmail Blog: Offline Gmail

Churches, want to hear about my experience with Google Apps and the setup process? Let me know. I would love to help. Contact me.

January 24

iPhone Desktop

Saturday, January 24, 2009 @ 2:37 pm by Josh Burcham

Tags: Apps, Computer, Desktop, iPhone, Personal, Technology, Thoughts. Categories: Featured, Personal

Saw someone review the Apps that live on their iPhone’s desktop and I thought it was a cool idea. Let me share with you which Apps made my top 15. You need to understand some things about me, though. First, the icon has to have a great look or it will get bumped and second, I don’t like to have my desktops full of Apps (I have to have one less, it looks better that way). I know, I have some serious problems.

My four desktops. There is another page with some scrap apps on it, but nothing to blog about.

Living on my main page it my most used Apps, outside of games. Since I probably use the games more often. Apple Apps: Safari, Calendar, Camera, Photos, Clock, Calculator, Maps, & Apps Store.

Third Party Apps:

OmniFocus: been using OmniGroup’s app of the computer for awhile now and have come to depend on it. It’s task software on steroids. Great for those of us that don’t focus well or get overwhelmed easily. Only thing this App is missing is push notification (not the apps fault, but hard to use without it).

Bible: made by LifeChurch.tv’s Digerati Team. Sporting 40 translations and giving you the power of YouVersion in your pocket. One of the best designed Apps on my phone.

Evernote: note taking software that lives on my Mac, iPhone and on the web. Syncs all together so I always have what I need. Honestly, I really only look things up in the Evernote App, rather then actually creating new notes. Able to create text, picture and voice notes. It can’t be beat. Search feature is great! Made by Evernote.

Tweetie: I’ve gone back and forth when it comes to Twitter Apps. I’ve tried Twitterrific and TwitterFon both good, but don’t have all the features that Tweetie holds. Made by Atebits. Follow me on Twitter!

Facebook: I have this App because I have Facebook, but nine times out of ten I’m headed to their website because the App doesn’t do something I need it to do. Facebook users, worth picking up for all the basics. Works great keeping up with what friends are up to. Friend me on Facebook!

1Password: now this company has ruined me. I can’t remember a password to save my life. Thank goodness I’m able to sync this App with my computer and have everything in at my finger tips. Because of App Store rules you have to use 1Passwords’ browser which isn’t the friendliest, but works great for just looking up a password or username. Made by Agile Web Solutions.

Last, but definitely not least.

Google Reader: I live in my google reader and to have it on my phone is amazing. For those days I won’t be in front of my computer or when I’m bored waiting in line. It’s not actually an App, but a link to my google reader online. Which has been optimized for the iPhone! Got to love Google! Follow my blog in your google reader.