iSilo

[Eryk]

Hello friends,

 

I know there are some topics on this already, but I would like a "fresh" perspective...

 

• Do you still use iSilo (`pdb`, or Palm Database files)?
• If so, how important/necessary is it to you? On a scale from "I can't live without it" to "I've got some iSilo files, but haven't looked at them in years" 
• What would you prefer: a newer app that can read these files on mobile devices, or a way to convert them to something more... modern? If conversion is your preference, which format would you like to convert to?
• Other thoughts on the subject?

[Dages]

iSILO is so pre-2010s  
 

I'd rather have the ancient CDROM on a brand new app, it's search tool was very convenient

[jwhess]

I still have my Isilo app on my various devices and I saved the Isilo files for various Watchtower digital information.  I am sorry the conversions were stopped.  It gave me a source for WTL material on non-Windows devices.  I check to see if they are still working (and if I remember how to do it) about once a year.

[Eryk]

5 hours ago, Dages said:

I'd rather have the ancient CDROM on a brand new app

Are you saying a new app to use with those old WT Library iSilo files?

[dannysharedstuff]

I'm still using iSilo Watchtower Library in English and Portuguese from 2013 (I think) on my iPad, since sometimes it's useful to have the publications offline.

[jwhess]

1 hour ago, dannysharedstuff said:

I'm still using iSilo Watchtower Library in English and Portuguese from 2013 (I think) on my iPad, since sometimes it's useful to have the publications offline.

The last update to the Watchtower material in English was 2013 I believe.  But I still use it on the phone and tablet.  I wish I could update.

[Eryk]

I'm trying to understand what the needs are: do you prefer the layout/functionality of the iSilo WT Library over JW Library? If so, why? Is it just the search? Because JW Library can be used offline. Or is it just the convenience of having everything in a compact format?

[dannysharedstuff]

10 hours ago, Eryk said:

I'm trying to understand what the needs are: do you prefer the layout/functionality of the iSilo WT Library over JW Library? If so, why? Is it just the search? Because JW Library can be used offline. Or is it just the convenience of having everything in a compact format?

 

To be honest, I, of course, prefer JW Library, but the iSilo format is more convenient for research for two reasons:

- You don't have to download manually each of the publications

- Index!!!! This is my main reason. I usually use iSilo when I don't have internet access because of the index (because, with internet access, we can use WOL).

 

So, this are a few of my reasons to still use silo.

 

The issue is that iSilo app is not currently being developed anymore... still works, but last update for iOS / iPasOS was 7 years ago.

 

Still, an updated way to access all the watchtower library files offline would be really great.

[jwhess]

The WTL app is a Windows only program.  The Isilo app can be used on various OS and including mobile devices like phones and tablets.  The material loaded can be accessed and used even when there is no internet connection.

[Eryk]

I meant iSilo vs JW Library. But, true, iSilo had everything "downloaded", which has its practical value. JW Library does have the Study Guide, but that's like a very reduced Index. Unfortunately, there is no acceptable way to get copyrighted content into another format, so updating the WT Library for iSilo is not an option.

 

So, in short, I guess there in no need for iSilo the app for any other kind of content (not WT Library), or getting any other kind of content in iSilo format converted to ePub and such.

[carlos]

I used the Watchtower Library on iSilo for many years and on several different devices, from a Nokia phone with Symbian to Android. It was really a blessing. 

 

However, I always missed the searching function Watchtower Library has. In the end, using iSilo was not much different than using the printed publications: You had to search in the Index, then click on the reference. JW Library is fine for what it is but it doesn't have by far the possibilities Watchtower Library has. Watchtower Online Library has a more advanced search function, although still quite limited compared to WTL, but it requires a connection.

 

Along the years I have tried several emulators and a few years ago I succeeded to install Watchtower Library on my Android tablet using Exagear Windows Emulator following these instructions:

https://jwtalk.net/topic/48711-watchtower-library-on-android-phone/

It was not difficult and it worked fine. I installed WTL in several languages and they all ran fine. Eventually I uninstalled it because it took a lot of space and I realized I never used it. Where I live I use to have signal most of the time. But for me that's the perfect offline alternative.

 

[Eryk]

Yes, @carlos, I hear you. WTL has an unsurpassed search (with logical operators, etc.). WOL doesn't come close, and JWL... let's not even go there :-)

 

I use WTL on linux (via wine) and it runs very well. I do my studying on the laptop, so that setup is enough for me. But I feel for those who only have mobile devices. Hopefully JWL will implement something more robust.