Genealogy and computer technology have become intertwined in many ways. There are plenty of genealogy apps out there. How can you tell a good one from one that isn’t as useful? Here are some tips about how to evaluate a genealogy app review.
You just read a review about a new, shiny, interesting sounding, genealogy app. Before you make the purchase, or download an app that is free, there are some basic factors that you should consider. Taking the time to consider these factors could be the difference between finding a great genealogy app, and getting stuck with a genealogy app that is disappointing.
What is the app compatible with? Typically, an app has either been designed to run on an android device or to run on an iPhone or iPad. Which one does the app you are considering require? If you don’t have that type of device, then this is not the app for you. There is potential that you might be able to find the version of the app that you need, but, not all apps are made for both systems.
Who wrote the review of the genealogy app? You can probably trust the opinion of a professional genealogist, or a person who has been writing an incredibly popular genealogy blog for several years.
This is because these people are knowledgable about genealogy, and can immediately discern if the app is going to be able to fulfill a specific research need. Sometimes, these genealogists will have tried out the app themselves before writing a review of it.
A reliable and noteworthy tech magazine is another good resource. If you find a review of a genealogy app in a good tech magazine, you can be assured that the writer of the review knows a great deal about the technology he or she is talking about. This person can tell you the requirements that your device needs in order to run the app, the price of the app, and many other details about specifications.
What if you read about the app in an ad? This might not be as genuine a review. The company that placed the ad is hoping to sell you a product. If the app in the ad is free, then the company could be using it as a “loss leader”. They will give you this particular app for free, in the hopes that it will entice you to purchase other apps. The review you read in an ad is going to be biased.
Personally, I think the best way to learn about the quality of a genealogy app is to ask your friends about it. If someone that you know, and trust, tells you that a particular app is a good one, then you can very likely assume that he or she is correct. A good friend can also warn you away from an app that stinks!
Image by FHKE on Flickr