Deciding on purchasing a new Desktop PC Configuration best for Logos 4

Dennis

 I have a couple of questions. First not disputing your recomendation but I dont understand how I would benifit with two displays. I have heard others say this as well and I'm ignorant in this department and dont understand. could you explain how this helps?

I'm on the hunt for a new desktop PC so I logged on to the forums looking around for some advice. The system I have now is one of those off the shelf Acer models that seemed very powerful at the time; but the more I get into the study of God's Word with Logos the more I see I really need a new system. I made some adjustment that were recommended here on this forum and it did help but this is some heavy duty computing and I would like to get a lot more done with less time waiting on my PC to catch up. Logos 4 is a great program and the results are a blessing and well worth the cost of an upgrade. I have budgeted around $1500.00 besides it would be nice if all my other applications ran better anyway. I do some web site building also with yahoo "SiteBuilder" software [puts the whole site/sites on your machine so you can work on it off line] which really slows down my present PC. My contract with Yahoo is about to run out and I am thinking of switching to "squarespace" they are recommended by "twit". But you guys know Logos software and that is my main objective for purchasing a more powerful PC so I hope you can point me in the right direction for one that will be the best for running Logos 4.

here are the specs for my present desktop which is too slow:

 

Acer Aspire T690 4.00 GB RAM 64-bit operating system 2

Processor  Genuine Intel(R) CPU 2140 @ 1.60GHz

Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB DDR2

Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series 2431 MB 1024 MB 0 MB 1407 MB 8.812.0.0 1360x768 DirectX 10

Gaming graphics 2431 MB Total available graphics memory

Primary hard disk 437 GB 42 GB Free (144 GB Total) 126 GB Free (149 GB Total) 133 GB Free (144 GB Total)

Windows 7 Home Premium

Base score 4.0

23 inch ViewSonic LED 1080p Monitor DVI input but no HDMI

 

Any suggestions for a good Desktop PC for around $1500.00? And where to buy it?

I have been looking at Tiger Direct's Systemax Sytems that are built to order and at Dell customizing one for me. I like best the Dell Studio XPS 9100 and also the HP Pavilion Elite HPE-580t series. After looking at the processor benchmark site link given to me I was blown away by how much faster the Intel was over the AMD. So I will have to go with the i7 even if I have to go over budget. I think I will be glad I did a few years from now. (I think)... 

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks and God Bless,

Dennis

PS:

Also wondering if anyone benifits from running Windows 7 Professional with Logos 4.... Maybe in XP mode? I know that Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :-) already said they did not but is there any other input on this? Seems like it must do something better? While I am upgrading I just dont want to have any regrets later about "well I wish I had...." You know...

Peace

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Disclaimer: personally no economic benefit - sharing information about hardware for using Logos 4 Mac and PC.

Logos 4 is resource intensive on Mac & PC – benefits from fast processor, graphics, and disk along with adequate memory (e.g. newer hardware since Logos 4 being designed for use over 5 to 8 years).

Dennis said:

... how I would benifit with two displays ... could you explain how this helps?

Two (or more) displays allows placement of Logos floating windows - essentially side by side - quick movement to look between various resources - similar to spreading many open books on a table for cross reference and comparison.

Bias warning: enjoyed using a 27" iMac Quad Core i7 with 2560x1440 screen resolution and LED backlighting - had 1920x1200 external monitor connected, but seldom used - found single 27" monitor was plenty big - couple months ago sold 27" iMac (economic down-turn) - now a Dell Studio XPS laptop with external monitor is my primary computer; do use both monitors.

Dennis said:

Any suggestions for a good Desktop PC for around $1500.00? And where to buy it?

American Consumer Satisfaction Index article in September 2010 includes Personal Computers => http://www.theacsi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=222&Itemid=240 - For most PC brands, not much difference - only one significantly higher: Apple.  One reason for higher satisfaction is quality, free technical support at Apple Stores - if have a problem with Mac, make an appointment with a Genius, take Mac to store - Genius has current hardware diagnostics along with knowing how Mac should work - have several good Genius stories.

Mac Rumors has Apple buyer's guide, including desktops => http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Desktop_Macs - concur with recommendation to wait until Apple refreshes desktop models with sandy bridge processors.  Apple refurbished computers are packaged like new and have same 1 year warranty as new => http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Wiki page Logos 4 Mac has Need Logos 4 PC feature section - Mac with Intel CPU has more choices for running software - had Logos 4 Mac running along with Logos 4 PC in couple virtual machines - quite helpful for Logos feature comparison (learned good idea to index one Logos install at a time).

 

Also cognizant that some people want nothing to do with Apple.  Back to consumer satisfaction article, three major PC manufacturer's are included in 2nd place tie: HP, Acer, & Dell.

Personally shop for best value - over many years, have purchased Dell Outlet computers - do recommend comparing Dell Outlet price with new (sometimes same as new, other times good bargain) - Dell XPS 8300 desktop has Quad Core i7-2600 configuration option. => http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-8300/pd

 Have option to upgrade optical drive and still be under $ 1,500

HP observation: web site harder to shop for best value plus finding updated software drivers can be a bit challenging.  HP also includes Compaq brand.  Looking at HP Pavilion Elite HPE-580t customization, did not see Quad Core i7-2600 option for processor.  Searching for HP computer i7-2600 found couple models, not find any available to purchase.

The Acer Group is a family of four brands -- Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell and eMachines.  Searching for Acer computer i7-2600 found couple web sites that were out of stock.

 

Where to Buy ? for brick & mortar stores, Fry's and Microcenter have large selections, including do it yourself components:

Microcenter sells both Mac and PC => http://www.microcenter.com (some instant discounts in store, e.g. $ 200 off on selected MacBook Pro models)

Fry's also sells both Mac and PC => http://www.frys.com/

 

Tom's Hardware Guide offers PC system builder guides with performance testing => http://www.tomshardware.com/theme-build-your-own,156.html

also has best graphics cards for the money => http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6950-1gb-geforce-gtx-560-ti-gaming-graphics-card,2857.html

 

Keep Smiling [:)]

Mike Binks

Dennis said:

First not disputing your recomendation but I dont understand how I would benifit with two displays.

Hi Dennis 

Like KS4J I am a Mac user - except unlike KS4J I am not multi denominational - like many others I moved platform when I found I was spending more time maintaining the system than using the computer.

However twin displays are really useful - I rarely use the Logos Box preferring most of my windows to be floating so that I can move them where I want them. I tend to keep the Passage Guide and the text comparison panels on the side screen. The main text I am using - a target window - and the document I am working on on the main screen. I have a panel with bibles and a panel with resources and these get dragged onto the main screen as and when they are the centre of my attention.

Hope this helps.

Mark Barnes

Dennis,

The most important factors in a superfast Logos machine are (in rough order):

• Decent amount of fast RAM (4GB+, 6Gb+ if you can afford it)
• Fast Primary HDD (SSD if you can afford it)
• Decent dedicated graphics card (1Gb+ if you can afford it)
• Decent processor (i5+ if you can afford it)

What's letting you down on your current system is CPU and (probably) HDD speed. Most manufactures don't make too much of HDD speed, but it's really important for Logos to have a fast hard drive. If you're spending a lot of money (and $1,500 is way more than you need to create the above system), then you really ought to insist on at least 15,000rpm drive, but better still an SSD.

There's no benefit in Win7Pro from a Logos point of view, though you must ensure that you get 64-bit not 32-bit.

Regarding two or more monitors, the primary use to which I put them is to have Logos maximised in one monitor, and my Word Processor in the other. That way I can write my sermon/lecture notes without having to minimise Logos.

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226765#Comment_226765

Mark Barnes said:

Regarding two or more monitors, the primary use to which I put them is to have Logos maximised in one monitor, and my Word Processor in the other. That way I can write my sermon/lecture notes without having to minimise Logos.

 And on my third monitor is the Logos forums so I can try to catch up to Rosie.

   Honestly though Multiple monitors is a boon to study in a way that I never thought it would be.  I have three monitors on my system and between them I've usually got several windows open.  At the moment for instance I do have a maximized browser on my Rightmost monitor - but as soon as it's minimized my sermon is there.  I also tile maps, word studies and study notes on my left monitor, as well as a twitter feed when I care to pay attention in the periphery.  On my right monitor is usually my current sermon,biblestudy or project, with Logos and multiple tiles in the center monitor.  I'm so grateful for this setup now that I'd like to add a fourth but Mrs. Black won't release the funds.  ;-)

mab

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226780#Comment_226780

I'm still quite astonished how well my 2 yr old dual core Intel PC on XP Pro with 2GB RAM can run the latest version of Logos 4. However if I went out today, I'd get the latest i7, a graphics card with 1GB RAM or more, and at least 8GB RAM and a fast HDD: at least 7200 and preferably 10000 or maybe an SSD. 

I'm using a 22" monitor (at least I got something right back then), but I would go larger now and maybe double. 

I also use a Mac, but I'm not one to evangelize over the value of a Mac--just something I've used for decades along with PCs. I find them to be a bit lower maintenance--if you aren't in to giving up a half day or more each month into keeping your computer system tidy, they are worth considering.

Dennis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226790#Comment_226790

Thanks everyone for these great replies.[Y] Now it's time to take all this helpful info and do some investigation, campairing, shopping, and thinking.... Also pulling up the calculator and doing some number crunching... [:(] 

One more question before I start out on this digital safari. I dont know much about Macs but I have heard a lot of good comments about them here and other places. How much of my software and office epuiptment would have to be changed? Is any/all/some of most software compatible with Mac? And the office epuiptment... would I just need to install new drivers? And for the final and most important question; would I have to re-purchase Logos 4?[:S] or just reinstall it?[:D]

Thanks again,

Dennis

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226972#Comment_226972

Dennis said:

How much of my software and office epuiptment would have to be changed?

The good news is that there would be no need to re-purchase Logos 4, but the bad news is that it's unlikley the same would apply to the rest of your software. Some software won't be available for the Mac at all, and even the software that is might well need to re-purchased. If you post a short list of the software you're most concerned about, I'm sure we could advised. Regarding hardware, most modern hardware will work fine on a Mac, but not all. Again, if there's specific scanners/printers etc. that you're concerned about, post a list.

Dennis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226974#Comment_226974

Thanks Mark,

I am first going to shop around and do some research on my options Windows vs Mac; look at my budget and try to see how I can get the most use out of my money also with a view to the future. If I decide on a Mac I will send you  the list of my software and (old) office equiptment and go from there. But the good news like you say is I wouldnt have to re-purchase my Logos 4!

I will let you all know what I decide and how it comes out.

Thanks a bunch.[:)]

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/226972#Comment_226972

Mark Barnes said:

Dennis said:

How much of my software and office epuiptment would have to be changed?

The good news is that there would be no need to re-purchase Logos 4, but the bad news is that it's unlikley the same would apply to the rest of your software. Some software won't be available for the Mac at all, and even the software that is might well need to re-purchased. If you post a short list of the software you're most concerned about, I'm sure we could advised. Regarding hardware, most modern hardware will work fine on a Mac, but not all. Again, if there's specific scanners/printers etc. that you're concerned about, post a list.

Concur with Mark - can post list - may know software alternatives: e.g. recommend Apple's Preview instead of Adobe Acrobat Reader - Preview is included with Mac OS X, includes annotation (used for many screen shots posted to forums).

Directly compatible with Mac OS X = No (for most; Logos 4 is free for both Mac & PC).  Many device manufacturers offer hardware drivers for both platforms.  Also, Apple includes Mac OS X printer drivers for many major brands.

Running Windows in a virtual machine is viable (essentially transfer software license from physical computer to virtual machine; caveat: Microsoft does not license some Windows versions for virtual use).  Wiki page Logos 4 Mac has Need Logos 4 PC feature section that mentions 3 virtualization options.  To run Mac OS X and Windows virtual machine(s) at same time tends to need more RAM (personally had 16 GB in 27" iMac) along with disk space to contain virtual machine (Windows plus applications and data - can share folder with Mac for file transfer).  Suspect Windows virtual machines would perform faster than current desktop; especially on a sandy bridge processor Mac desktop.

Noticed forum http://community.logos.com/forums/p/30435/226982.aspx#226982 reply that includes Windows 7 comments.

Suggest visiting an Apple Store => http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/ - ask for a Business Specialist, who should be able to discuss software and office equipment.  Apple employees are rated on quality face time in Apple Store - pleasant place to visit, ask questions, and try out Apple hardware (no sales pressure).

Keep Smiling [:)]