Using my Apple iPad for ministry in South Africa

In the short video in this post I show how I use my Apple iPad in my work and ministry.

I got a 16 Gig iPad courtesy of the University of JHB who paid me to examine some Masters and PhD scripts - hard work, but well worth the effort!

I ordered my iPad from Amazon.com (since it is not for sale in South Africa yet). It was a quick and painless affair. FedEx delivered it within a few days.

This is a great piece of hardware, I am particularly impressed with the 10-12 hour battery life with full wifi, screen brightness and sound etc. Moreover at a price of less than R4000 I can see many people using the iPad as a primary computing device.  R4000 is a lot of money!  But, if you're in the market for a new computer and have been saving (or have some benefactor, as I did) then it is money well spent for an ultraportable, ultra-useful computer.  The only problem I can foresee is printing... You will have to email your documents elsewhere to print them.  I have it on good authority that the camera dongle (which has a standard USB connector) will let you pull files from an ordinary USB thumb drive.

Don't hold your breath for the 3G version in South Africa. Knowing ICASA and the cellular carriers it will be many months, maybe even a year, before they can work out a deal to allow it into the country. Plus, I believe the 3G uses the new microsim card which has not been adopted by any cellular providers in SA. Rather go for a wifi version (which is cheaper and works in SA) with either a MiFi or joikuspot on a Nokia phone (as you'll see me using in this video).  With this solution I can use it in the car, anywhere in my office, in the airport... I'm not reliant on public or corporate wifi.

I use a number of applications specific to my work (Bibles in English and Greek, Keynote for Powerpoint presentations, Pages for Word docs and Numbers for spreadsheets). The device is small and light and works great with any bleutooth keyboard (I had an OLD foldable keyboard that I bought back in 2002 for a iPaq - amazingly it picks up the keyboard and works like a charm!)  I keep various talks, sermons, powerpoint presentations and videos on the device.  I also keep PDF copies of my books.  So if ever I get asked to speak at an event I always have something on hand.  The screen is the perfect size to replace paper, and the touch interface makes it a perfect device to read from and preach from.

As I mention above, I also use it for PDF's (I carry quite a few documents for various work and ministry related tasks.  Not the least of which are our current GDOP Conference program, speakers lists, budgets, etc.) and it does a great job with my calendar and contacts.

Of course the email client is also great! I have 4 of my accounts running on it throughout the day. I also run twitter and facebook on the device for the work I do for Lausanne's social media and social networking team.

In this video you'll also see how I connect it to the Internet via Vodacom 3G in South Africa.  Also, because the wifi in our office is locked down to run via a proxy server I set my iPad up to run via my Macbook as a base station with internet sharing (just as a hint, my friend Cois uses a PPoE connection at his office, which the iPad doesn't do via wifi. So, you can use the same internet sharing method to connect via PPoE.  If you're not sure how to do this drop me a line).

iPad for Ministry (in South Africa)! from Dion Forster on Vimeo.

See the video here: http://www.vimeo.com/11324210

By the way, this post was created using the squarespace application on the iPad.  There is no native squarespace app for the iPad, I am still using the iPhone application.  However, I do have the wordpress app for some of my 'other' blogs.  (all iPhone apps run on the iPad by the way).

How do you think you could use an iPad in your work or ministry?  Is there any use case where it could be a better tool than a laptop or desktop computer for you?

Update on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 5:08PM by Dr Dion Forster

A friend contacted me to find out if he should spend the money to get an iPad (he is also a minister).  Here's part of the email that I sent him.  It may help some others in South Africa who are considering this point.

Hi X,

I have the 16gig wifi - if I had the money I would have bought at 32gb, but since mine was paid for with income I got from marking some PhD's and M's for UJ I had to stick to my budget.

I paid the same price [as you quoted], but got it a bit cheaper (the Rand was sitting at R7.32 to the US$ when I bought mine).  However, I did pay close to R1000 in shipping and import duties to be sure to have it in the country legally.

Personally, I think it is worth every cent!  It is my 'go to' device for most tasks (web browsing, email, calendar, book reader, word, powerpoint, logos bible software, my blog apps etc.) You will need to spend a few rand extra to buy the VGA dongle if you want to use it for presentations (I don't have one yet, I use the iPod RCA connector to plug it into my data projector via RCA).

The wifi version is completely useable in SA (see my post http://www.dionforster.com/blog/2010/4/29/using-my-apple-ipad-for-ministry-in-south-africa.html for details on how I connect it to the internet when out of the office).  I have since done away with the Joikuspot E51 option - my 3G contract with MTN expired on the 26th of April so I cancelled it and opened a 3G contract with Nashua and got the mifi as the dongle (it can connect to a PC via USB, or it can be used as a stand alone wifi hotspot).  It is perfect. I leave it in the same little carry case I have for my iPad and have always on internet.

They keyboard is fantastic (I also have an OLD foldable Bluetooth keyboard that I got with my Compaq iPaq almost 10 years ago! It works like a charm - in fact any bleutooth keyboard works), but real deal clincher is the battery life.  They advertise 10 hours, but I most often get up to 12 hours of constant use with the wifi enabled.  It just goes on and on and on.

It is a great device to 'preach' from (I bring my documents in via word into 'pages', or via PDF into dropbox or goodreader).  I use skype (of course only voice is possible since there is no camera).  I also use it with the Kindle app and iBooks (I'm currently reading Malcolm Gladwell's new book What the dog saw and Brian Mclaren's A new kind of Christianity)- then of course it is a fantastic iPod and the Video on it is amazing!  I often use it in coaching sessions to show short videos to the persons I'm sitting with, somehow it is less intimidating than a notebook for that.  if you look on my blog you'll see the video 'how to start a movement' which is one I often show when I'm trying to help leaders to care for their staff.

NOW, that being said, I have wondered over the last little while whether it may not in fact be better to buy a great little netbook that has USB ports, a dedicated keyboard, a camera for skype and Windows with all the apps one already owns...  For a Windows user that may be an option.  I am quite committed to Mac so the iPad suites my habits and patterns nicely.

What don't I like about it.  First, it draws too much attention.  As a minister (even one like me in the corporate environment) that feels uneasy!  You'll know what I mean!  I constantly find myself justifying to people that it only cost 'R3500'...  Second, I miss being able to get media on and off via USB.  The only way to get stuff on and off is via iTunes sync, or wifi and dropbox.  Also, it is a pain that it doesn't do true multitasking.  For exmaple, if you're on a skype call you can't go out to check something in your diary or check a contact, if you exit skype it cuts the call.  Small problems, but still not great.

I hope that helps you in making your decision.

Blessings,

Dion

Update on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 9:45PM by Dr Dion Forster

How to convert your regular Vodacom or MTN sim card for use in an iPad (pictures and a video on how to cut it).  Please see this follow up post:  http://www.dionforster.com/blog/2010/10/3/ipad-in-south-africa-vodacom-and-mtn-3g-sim-card-conversion.html

Comments

[Dr Dion Forster]

In response to my post above, Dr Gavin Pillay sent me the following link that indicates that Vodacom will be introducing the microsim technology (as used in the Apple iPad) in South Africa!

To read about the link between Vodacom, the micro sim and Vodacom please see http://www.techcentral.co.za/vodacom-to-offer-new-micro-sims/14149/

Thanks Gavin! Hope your iPad arrives soon! I'm loving mine! One of my friends, Dr Nick Lowery is also looking into a 'stoobies' order via Amazon.com

I've been using my iPad for the past 3 days without charging it and it is still on 58% battery life! Incredible - what is more amazing is hay I've had wifi on the whole time except for 3 hours today when I was in studio. Love it!

[Michael]

Hi Dion
Thanks for the informative video and blog entry. I work and study finance and am looking for a way to carry all of my technical books and reports with me to work/home. The books are mostly avaliable as PDF's with the option (expensive option) of having them printed and shipped from America. Do you find it easy to search, highlight and read PDF's on the iPad?
Also, would you have preffered to import the 3G version, instead of using your cellphone as a hotspot?
One last question, when I tried to ship any one of the iPads from amazon.com, the shipping address to south africa was not allowed. Which seller did you use?
Thanks

[Dr Dion Forster]

Hi Michael,

Thanks so much for your comment! Great to hear from you!

Michael, using PDF's on the iPad is great. There is a fantastic piece of software called 'goodreader' that lets you read, zoom, rotate, mark etc. PDF's I have hundreds of reference articles for my research and work in goodreader.

With regards to your question about the 3G version, it would be no use to import the 3G version since it will not work on any South African cellular networks (the iPad 3G uses microsim technology which has not yet been adopted in SA - so the only possible option would be to activate it in the USA on AT&T and pay international roaming data charges! That would be crazy expensive!) So, until Vodacom (or MTN) sign a deal with Apple there is no use getting a 3G.

I used 'stoobies' on Amazon.com - two of my friends also ordered from there (although I must warn you prices are slowly climbing! I got mine for under R3500, a griend Gavin got one that arrived within 4 days and paid a bit more, and I have a friend Jonathan who got the 32gig version and paid a little more - his also arrived in SA after 4 days by FedEx).

Hope that helps!

Regards,

Dion

[Janet Kellogg]

Dear Dion,

Thanks so much for your post here. This is wonderful news for me. i will be traveling to SA with my family for World Cup and am trying to find the easy solution for internet access with an ipad in SA. I am very curios about your roaming capabilities. I would like to have internet access as you do. You mention a mifi and Joiksupot. I am not familiar with either of these. I am thinking we will rent a cell phone and then use Joikuspot or the mifi to connect. Do you think this is a feasible plan. do I need to have the exact type of phone (the Nokia E-51 ) you mentioned or do you think another type of phone would work. Any insight you can provide would be greatly welcomed. i can't express how grateful i am that you took the time to make this post. Best Regards, janet

[Dr Dion Forster]

Hi Janet,

Thanks for the post. It is great to hear from you. The iPad is a great device (as is an iPod touch) for web and email access while traveling.

Let's see if I can answer tour questions. First, you should be able to get wifi access in most places across South Africa - of course like everywhere in the world it comes at a cost when one uses hotel wifi, or the wireless access at airports or malls. There is very little free wifi in South Africa (simply because we pay for for data used rather than bandwidth).

With regards to the joikuspot option - I believe that the app will work with any cellular phone that meets the following requirements 1) it needs to have symbian OS (e.g. Nokia or Ericsson), 2) it needs to be 3G capable (most newer phones are 3G capable), 3) it needs to have a built in wifi adaptor (in order to broadcast the wifi). I have used Joikuspot with the Nokia E51, E90 and E71. One further point is that sim cards are very affordable in SA (about 1 US$ to purchase, but you will have to have a South African purchase it for you because by law the sim card must be tied to an address and identity).

The mifi is a great option! Of course If you can rent a mifi you're set, but I'm not sure if they are that widely available yet.

I nope that helps.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa!

Dion

[Michael]

Hi Dion
Keep up the good blog, Ive added your RSS feed to my google reader and am awaiting my iPad from Amazon.
Regards

[Dr Dion Forster]

Thanks so much Michael.

I checked out your blog - I love that wordpress theme. Very nice. By the way my parents in law live in Waterfall.

Thanks for checking in.

Regards,

Dion

[Philip]

Hi Dion.

You're making the rationalisation not to get an iPad very difficult :) but I am glad to see it is working out for you. I would love to see them fix the data transfer issue to allow for syncronisation with your main PC. I made the mistake of praying for an iPod (when I meant iPad) "Lord what do you think? How about an iPod?"... sigh!

Chat soon

Philip

[Derek]

Just one small correction - you refer to the price as being R4000. For those buying it locally (which I assume would be most), the price (WiFi only) is closer to R8000. Out of the reach of most of us, I would think.

[Dion Forster]

Hi Derek,

Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate it. The price I quote is what it cost me in South African Rand (I ordered through Amazon, which may be a better deal for South Africans if there is indeed such a large markup for resale in South Africa). Is your price a confirmed price, and do you know when they will be releasing it in South Africa.

To be honest, while the iPad is an exceptional device, and it has been extremely useful to me, I don't think that the 16 Gig wifi version is worth R8000! I would rather encourage a person to buy a really nice net book with built in 3G for that price. But, for R4000 it is worth every cent!

Have a blessed day.

Dion

[Tefo]

Hi

I'v got the 64gig wifi iPad,all the way from Saudi Arabia,riyadh.I'm enjoying it every day.I hope you have noticed that there is a free printer app,but you need a wifi printer.btw I managed to get the get the keyboard with dock & a flex grip.as for the pricing in SA I doubt they'll sell at R4000,minimum will probably sell at R6000

[Chris]

Hi, just wanted to make it clear to me that, does the ipad allow u to make calls with your MTN ordinary sim card or not.

[Dion Forster]

Hi Chris,

Thanks so much for the comment. No, you will not be able to make regular cellular phone calls from any iPad. The iPad was not designed for phone calls, only for data communication. You can make phone calls with it if you use a SIP or VOIP client (e.g., I have used my iPad to call cell phones and land lines when I am connected to wifi or via 3G).

Just to mention that a regular MTN sim card (if cut down to fit the microsim slot) works perfectly for Data on the iPad 3G (as does Vodacom).

I hope that answers your question.

Best regards,

Dion

[mojo]

Brilliant help many thanks!

I am pondering on cutting down a vodacom 3G sim card to get the 3G on my ipad...
any hints??!!

thanks
mojo

[Dion Forster]

Hi Mojo,

It is a very easy process - I first watched this video from Don McAlister http://allabouttheipad.tumblr.com/post/729237325/converting-a-sim-to-a-micro-sim-for-the-ipad

But, when I did it all I did was to put the AT&T sim card on top of the vodacom sim card and then cut out the edges according to that size. I just made sure that I lined up the edges of the gold contacts with the gold contacts on the mini sim. In essence the gold edges of the normal sim are about the same size as the whole of the mini sim. Try not to cut those edges too much (of course you will need to cut a bit off the edges to get it to fit, but try to minimize that as much as possible).

If you don't have a mini sim anymore simply take out the holder for the sim card in your iPad and trace the internal edges of the holder onto paper and cut it according to that size.

Another little tip is to make sure that if you use a Vodacom sim card, load your prepaid airtime and then use the Vodacom4Me service to convert your airtime to data! It makes the data MUCH cheaper (the only downside is that if you don't use your data up in a month you loose what you've converted. Although my experience is that it is easy to chew through a couple hundred megabytes of data on an iPad if you use it heavily)!

I hope that help!

Regards,

Dion

[Emmanuel]

Hi Dion,

Just a quick question how did you order from Amazon I've tried when I try and proceed to checkout it says that this item is not available to ship to South Africa. Did you have to do anything different to place the order?

Thanks for the blog
Emmanuel

[Dr Dion Forster]

Hi E,

Thank you for your comment. Yes, that was the case with some resellers on Amazon - I had to select the 'stoobies' store on Amazon since some of them did not sell to South Africa. If that no longer works you'll have to try a few different stores to see if they will complete the transaction to SA. I chose stoobies because they were one of the cheaper resellers, they shipped to SA and they were willing to use FedEx.

I hope that helps.

Dion
PS., I have just sold my 16Gig wifi iPad! A friend brought mr a 32Gig 3G iPad from the US when he came for a conference in SA. My advice... Buy the 3G if you can! It makes a massive difference! Super useful to be constantly connected to the Internet, plus the GPS is stellar!

[ebooki]

Very nice article. I plan to buy this item for a long time and it is hard for me because of high price ;/ Ehh