GoBible Voyager: Review, Overall Impressions
If you compare the GoBible Voyager to an iPod or other popular mp3 players, you are probably going to be disappointed. It has neither the design quality, usability nor high tech edge of most within its price range. That doesn’t mean it is not good, for what it is; it just means comparison to the latest gadgets on the electronics store shelves will make it seem rather lacking.
This device is not primarily for use as an mp3 player. Its chief aim is to provide a simple, preloaded Bible-listening solution. Each of its features was provided to help the user locate and more conveniently listen to scripture. In this effort, I believe its creators have done an admirable job.
The GoBible package contains a set of matching in-ear headphones, a USB cable for file transfer, soft case, one AAA battery and the unit itself. The GoBible is just about the right size, fitting most hands well and is very light. Its screen is simple, with a green back-lit, one color readout. The buttons on the front respond well and seem sturdy enough to handle wear. I think the headphones and case will be throw-aways for most people. The phones are difficult to fit in the ear and definitely not up the the standard you are probably already accustomed – and the case just doesn’t seem very useful.
A couple of concerns came up right away, like the battery door, which did not sit flush with the body of the unit. I was afraid it may get snagged or caught during use and pop off. Thus far that has not been a problem. The other concern was the general durability of its very light plastic build. After using it for a couple of days, however, I am finding it studier that I had first imagined.
I appreciated the menu navigation immediately. The opening screen gives an option to select Old Testament, New Testament, Story Index, Special Features and My Downloads. From there you can select books chapters and verses (or stories/features), then simply hit play when you find the one you want. Up, down, right, left and menu buttons are located in the center, with play and lock buttons on the right. Yes, it is very basic, but that makes it easy enough for virtually anyone to use and appreciate.
I chose the excellent King James Version read by Alexander Scourby. In my opinion the narration on this version is a cut above the others. Sound quality is very good and the volume range is perfect. You’ll also want to utilize the 3 gigs of extra space – just plug in the USB cable and the device will perform just like any other external memory. I have loaded that free space with sermons, but you could also easily drag and drop music files or any other audio as well.
The bottom line: the GoBible Voyager is very good if you intend it to be a Bible-listening device only. Comparing it head-to-head with other media players really isn’t fair because it is not meant to fulfill the same purpose.
I am listening to entire books and large portions of scripture and playing specific passages over and over to help with memorization. For these purposes it has been really excellent so far. While in the past I have attempted to load a series of Bible mp3′s on another device, I found them difficult to navigate and too labor intensive to label and import in an organized fashion. This device has solved that problem completely.
GoBible has a terrific website. If you are interested in having a player dedicated specifically to Bible-listening you should definitely consider it. For those looking to get a multi-purpose media player that happens to have the Bible pre-loaded, I would try other options.
New Technology | Christopher | 
November 11, 2009 5:00 pm
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By Evelyn, March 27, 2010 @ 5:06 am
I bought the GoBible voyager and I wish I had not. Since the purchase I bought an iTouch and for a few dollars more, I have a much better product that can do over and beyond what the GoBible can do. I have 4 translations to listen and or read plus a Strong’s concordance downloaded to my iTouch and I can use them without internet connection. The GoBible uses one AAA battery. A big joke. How long does one AAA last. Not long. Our GoBible is in the bottom of a drawer waiting for the next church rummage sale. The concept is a good one but the technology that has surpassed this device is a much better buy.
By Chris, March 27, 2010 @ 9:47 am
Evelyn,
I was just telling my wife the other day that price was a big drawback for this device. Especially when you consider that an iPod Touch is only a few dollars more. So…I generally agree with you. I still use this device all the time, because it just simply does what it says it will do – acts as an audio bible. That being said, I wouldn’t buy it again.
Chris
By Julie, June 2, 2010 @ 7:51 am
I’ve had the original GoBible for a couple of years, but had really begun to use it a LOT over the past six months as part of a daily walking program. Two reasons I chose the GoBible in the first place were to 1)have something that my kids would not want to abscond with and load up with their own music, and 2)develop the discipline of focusing solely on the Word, without being distracted by Christian self-help books — a genre of which I am particularly fond. For my purposes, the GoBible has been phenomenal. Alas, it recently got severely damaged in my suitcase so I am debating between buying another Original or seeing if I now possess enough self-discipline to allow myself some worship music (on the Voyager) while I walk, without neglecting the Word. BTW, I don’t need the superior technology of a iTouch because I am technologically-challenged and the simplicity of the Original GoBible was perfect for me.
By Chris, June 2, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
Julie,
Agreed. If you use it for the purpose of an audio Bible first and foremost it does exactly as advertised. There is something about the simplicity of it that I like a lot. Thanks for the comment.
Chris
By tina, June 30, 2010 @ 8:50 am
How do you download music to the Go Bible?
By Christopher, June 30, 2010 @ 12:06 pm
Tina,
Providing you have the Voyager – it is the only one with extra space (to my knowledge), you may connect it via the included usb cable and follow the on-screen instructions. It acts very much like an external hard-drive when it is connected.
Chris