Opinions wanted please (macbook?)
Hi there fellow Logos users,
First of all, I know this has been discussed before but it's been a few months and I thought it would be helpful to bring up again. I hope that's okay.
I will be starting seminary this August and I am looking at getting a 13" MacBook/Pro/Air to use for writing papers, listening to music, and most importantly Logos. I already have Logos 6 (Platinum). I have about $1300ish dollars to spend.
In ya'lls opinion, which MacBook would be best to buy for those primary purposes. I really want Logos to be quick and responsive.
I appreciate any guidance and suggestions you have.
In Him,
Gabriel
Comments
-
Welcome to the forums, Gabriel. [:)]
As you mention there have been several posts regarding the MacBook in its varying configurations. There aren't any reviews yet on the newest MacBook. The MacBook Air or MacBook Pro should be just fine. I think most have indicated that those with a solid state drive (SSD) and 8GB RAM are the better choice.
I would suggest that you look at the certified refurbished products. I have found them to be "as new" in every respect to include warranty and they come discounted.
Good luck on your search and your upcoming endeavor.
0 -
My only recommendation: At least 8 GB ram and at least 250 GB SSD.
macOS, iOS & iPadOS |Logs| Install
Choose Truth Over Tribe | Become a Joyful Outsider!0 -
Thanks guys.
I will be able to get a student or military discount (about $100), so that's nice. When we're talking SSD, does that mean something bigger than 128GB? I don't really understand the SSD thing. Also, will the ram or the processor affect the speed of Logos more?
Bottom line, should I go with a base model Air or Pro and if not, which upgrades should I made?
0 -
SSD is the main storage component. Like traditional hard drives they come in different sizes/capacities. Traditional hard drives have moving parts. A solid state drive does not. The SSD is much faster and improves performance for everything, including Logos.
Alabama's recommendations for RAM and SSD capacity should be followed.
(Also, a reminder to check the refurbished products. The discount there can be more than Student/Military.)
0 -
Gabriel Pech said:
When we're talking SSD, does that mean something bigger than 128GB? I don't really understand the SSD thing.
SSD = "Solid State Drive." A traditional Hard Drive has a spinning platter inside (moving part). A SSD does not. SSD's are much faster at reading and writing. This is very important for everything in Logos, especially indexing and load times.
Gabriel Pech said:Also, will the ram or the processor affect the speed of Logos more?
It depends. My general thought: It would be better to have 8GB of ram over 4 GB of ram if the trade off is a only a minor bump in processor. All new gen mac laptops come with SSD's and the processors will be fine. You can still purchase a "brand new" 2012 MBP with traditional HD & CDROM drive...
Gabriel Pech said:Bottom line, should I go with a base model Air or Pro and if not, which upgrades should I made?
MacBook Pro. 8 GB Ram. 250 GB HD.
macOS, iOS & iPadOS |Logs| Install
Choose Truth Over Tribe | Become a Joyful Outsider!0 -
Thanks Steve,
So according to that then, a good MacBook (Air) would be something like 1.6GHz (turbo up to 2.7GHz), 8GB memory, and 256GB SSD? All of that with apple care is $1422.
The pro is 2.7Gz (boost to 3.1), 8GB memory, and 256 GB SSD. With apple care is $1582.
Both are pretty spendy.
0 -
Yes, Apple Care adds $249 (retail) to the price tag. Ouch!
[:S]
0 -
macOS, iOS & iPadOS |Logs| Install
Choose Truth Over Tribe | Become a Joyful Outsider!0 -
I've had a mac lap top before and it lasted 7 years until it dropped out of my ambulance in my back pack and the screen stopped working. Otherwise it was still as fast and responsive as ever, so I know Macs are worth it.
Is the apple care really worth it though? I've seen mixed reviews on that. I never used it on my old lap top or our iMac. And I've never needed it with our iPad minis. Maybe we've just been blessed? I don't know.
0 -
Gabriel Pech said:
Is the apple care really worth it though?
I rarely used Applecare, but it was worth it when I did. I don't know when I will get a new laptop again, but I am leaning towards "no."
macOS, iOS & iPadOS |Logs| Install
Choose Truth Over Tribe | Become a Joyful Outsider!0 -
As a Mac guy, I can say get the most you can afford because you won't regret it. That said, I think the minimum really is 8GB of RAM and 250GB on a SSD. The first Mac I had with an SSD made a noticeable difference in how fast Logos seemed to me. I tend to leave lots of programs open, and I've had few issues with my MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) with 8GB RAM.
As far as Applecare goes, it is like any insurance, it is worth it when you need it, and seems like an overly expensive ripoff when you don't
I'm pretty sure that you can add Applecare on later, too, if money is tight. A new Mac is covered for a while without it, so it's not like you'd be left hanging if you waited on it. 0 -
If you are perpetually mobile with a laptop, Applecare might be worth it. Laptops are more vulnerable.
The mind of man is the mill of God, not to grind chaff, but wheat. Thomas Manton | Study hard, for the well is deep, and our brains are shallow. Richard Baxter
0 -
If I could change anything about my rMBP, it would be the RAM. I'd recommend springing for the maximum RAM when you purchase (16 GB if possible), as it cannot be upgraded later.
Most Intel Core processors these days are fine for running Logos with a medium-sized library. The best way to improve performance from there is with a solid state drive (SSD). 128 GB at a minimum, IMO. Preferably 256.
Product Department Manager
Faithlife0 -
I Fix It has Mac Laptop repair guides => https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_Laptop that shows what can be upgraded later.
Powermax offers new and used Mac models => https://www.powermax.com/
OWC also offers used Mac models => http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple_Systems/Used/Macs_and_Tablets plus performance upgrades.
MacRumors has a Buyer's Guide => http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ notes 13" Retina MacBook Pro was refreshed earlier this year while 15" was not.
Keep Smiling [:)]
0
