So I've always wanted an apple product and the new os Lion looks awesome. But I've heard a lot of complaints of the speed of Logos Bible Software on a mac.
So with the latest 4.3 upgrade for Logos would a bottom of the line mac mini run anywhere close to a PC like this: http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-DX4350-UR21P-Desktop-Black/dp/B004YD74HG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315238959&sr=8-1
or should I buy an older macbook : http://shop.retrevo.com/m/dailydeal?prodid=rd-s36.RVO-20110901-1
I have a very low budget for a computer so $600 would really be my cap
Looking at Geekbench comparison of best Mac Mini (i5-2415M) score with best AMD Phenom II X6 1065T score => http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/compare/471944/475728 appears overall Mac Mini is 10 % slower than desktop, however noticed Mac Mini noticeably faster memory read and write. Also noticed AMD score was better when using multiple cores (6 vis 2); with current Logos 4 implementation, suspect Mac Mini would be comparable to desktop. By the way, Mac Mini has option to run Logos 4 Windows; wiki Logos 4 Mac => Need Logos 4 PC feature?
New Mac Mini is noticeable faster than older MacBook => http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/compare/471944/474461 Best Geekbench scores show Mac Mini is 238 % faster than MacBook (older hardware can be one reason for speed complaints).
If buy Mac Mini, then have issues, can make an appointment with a Mac Genius for free diagnosis (especially hardware) and assistance, albeit Mac Genius lacks Logos 4 helpfulness. Also can visit an Apple Store => http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/ (employees are rated on quality time answering customer questions).
AppleInsider has a Mac Price Guide => http://www.appleinsider.com/mac_price_guide/ (noticed $ 568.95 price from several places)
Newegg.com has a memory special of $ 34.99 for 8 GB Ram upgrade (coupon expires today); for several weeks, have noticed trend of memory prices dropping.
Appears new Mac Mini plus 8 GB RAM upgrade is currently bit over $ 600 budget ($ 603.94).
Keep Smiling [:)]
Hi Nyservant,
Whilst there have been complaints about speed on the mac; since the recent upgrades and the release of Lion these have become much less.
There are serious problems with Notes (I am told) and a few other less important feature differences - these are listed in the Wiki.
I appreciate what you say about your budget - but it is important to gauge not just the 'capital' costs but the 'total cost of ownership' - Mac items seem to do rather well on the second comparison.
If you go to the Apple Store (on line) you can find some refurbished models at quite good discounts.
As to the Mac Mini - I know quite a few people make use of them.
I'm running 4.3 on an old Mac Mini--not fast but works ok for me. I would, in a heartbeat, go with a new one over a PC even though there's also a PC on my desk.
If you should ever need to use a PC you can with a Mac.
So I've always wanted an apple product and the new os Lion looks awesome. But I've heard a lot of complaints of the speed of Logos Bible Software on a mac. I have a very low budget for a computer so $600 would really be my cap
What are your reasons for wanting the Mac? If it is just because it looks cool and shiny and new, then as a PC user who now primarily uses 2 macs I would advise that you save your money. However, if you have a good reason for switching ...
1. unhappy with PC
2. work in environment with primarily pc
3. looked at Mac interface and prefer it
... then go for it. Yes get the new Mac Mini if you already have a good monitor, keyboard and mouse. You will not get those with a new Mac Mini. If you bought Apple versions of those you would pay another $1120. If you have a good monitor make sure you don't mind spend about $30 for an adapter to make the Mac Mini work with your current monitor unless it has a Display port. A USB keyboard and mouse will work with it but if you rely on their special functions that need driver software make sure that your mouse/kb have Mac drivers that work with Lion.
As for the quality of Mac Logos v. PC Logos, if this is your primary tool and will use it more than any other, don't switch. The Mac Logos app is not as mature and doesn't run as well. Most of the above are comparing the current version of Logos to older versions of Logos 4 mac, not comparing it to Windows, which runs faster and has more features. Compared to the older L4Mac it is much better, but not as good as L4win yet.
Also remember that if you buy a mac you will now have to replace all your other windows apps. TextEdit is good, but it isn't Word. That said the built in apps on a Mac are much better than the built in apps on Windows. iLife is a great product for creating videos and organizing photos. Don't use Garage Band at all but it is much better than anything Windows includes. And you can get Pages in the Mac App Store for $30 I think it is.
Speed isn't an issue with newer macs and more then it is with PCs.
There is a functionality gap which can be irritating (e.g. Passage List functionality is broken or non-existent that's been on the PC for almost a year now, with no estimate for a fix/parity)
You also should factor in the purchase of MS Word via MS Office Home (~$90-$149 depending on family pack or single & where you buy)
That said: I would make the jump! You'll enjoy it.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I picked up the base model mac mini from bestbuy today as an "open box deal" for 499. I have a monitor, keyboard, mouse etc. already. But I also ordered the trackpad online. I'm also waiting for another great deal on the ram like new eggs 34.99 deal that I missed out on today.
Anyway, I installed logos and it already seems to be running better than it was running on the PC's I have. I did a passage guide and it seemed ok. It's not fully indexed yet so I am not expecting much yet, but even with low expectations (since I didn't boost the ram yet either) I am extremely surprised and very happy with my mac
"You also should factor in the purchase of MS Word via MS Office Home (~$90-$149 depending on family pack or single & where you buy)"
Is a quote from a previous post which you should test the validity of before parting with your cash.
Others have said that sufficient docx compatibility for building personal books is available from 'Libre Office'.
Others have said that 'Mellel', significantly less expensive, is much better for handling Hebrew text.
I work away with my far less technical stuff with Text Edit and Pages. I would however recommend buying the iWork package just for general living.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I picked up the base model mac mini from bestbuy today as an "open box deal" for 499. I have a monitor, keyboard, mouse etc. already. But I also ordered the trackpad online. I'm also waiting for another great deal on the ram like new eggs 34.99 deal that I missed out on today. Anyway, I installed logos and it already seems to be running better than it was running on the PC's I have. I did a passage guide and it seemed ok. It's not fully indexed yet so I am not expecting much yet, but even with low expectations (since I didn't boost the ram yet either) I am extremely surprised and very happy with my mac
I hope you realize that Best Buy is not selling the latest greatest Mac Mini. They have only the previous generation models. But since you seem to be happy, then enjoy.
I hope you realize that Best Buy is not selling the latest greatest Mac Mini. They have only the previous generation models.
Observation: Best Buy web site has 2 current Mac Mini models with OS X Lion (previous generation not available on their web site).
AppleInsider has Mac Price Guide => http://www.appleinsider.com/mac_price_guide/
Thanks for the concern Kevin but I got the "latest and greatest" i5 processor (bottom of the line at 2.3ghz) but I was really blessed that it was an open product and got $100 off.
Mike I just installed libre text editor and I really like it. My budget is so tight I can't justify even the purchase of pages yet. Gotta pay for the RAM upgrade first.
I'm happy with the way Logos is running but I hope to see it run even smoother when the indexing is finally done. I have it running overnight tonight sitting on a fan to keep it from getting hot. Hopefully it works
I stand corrected. I had looked at BB a few days before writing my post and was thankfully wrong.
