Purchasing a new laptop for Logos software - Opinions?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/45970#Comment_45970

I'm by no means an expert, but the memory and hard drive size cause me concern. Ideally you want 3 gigs for L4. 1 gig will run things slow. Depending on the Logos Base package you get 80 gigs is small. Plan on resources taking up 10 gigs. I would find something with 3 gigs and 250 hard drive. How much are you looking to spend?

Mark Smith

Sandi,

I, too, believe you should have no less than 3 GB of memory. For another $45 I'd get 4GB. Dell does offer some 7200 RPM drives. You may have to look a bit or call to find one but I'd want that in a new computer.

Hard drive space is cheap, so I'd think 250 GB would be a minimum to guarantee you are not frustrated in a few years.

I'd prefer at least a 15.4 inch screen.

I'd order this with a 64-bit operating system for the future as well.

I am purchasing a new laptop for my business and I intend to install the Logos 4 (Bible Study Software) on it. I am purchasing through my Dell account so I am considering the following. Do any of you have opinions or suggestions? I would like to place the order ASAP.

Thank you for your help.......Sandi

Latitude E6400
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 with VT (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) Memory: 1.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 1 DIMM Storage: 80GB¹ Hard Drive, 5400 RPM 24X CDRW/DVD with Cyberlink PowerDVD™ Dell Wireless™ 1397 802.11b/g Mini Card Wireless LAN (802.11)

I would recommend getting 6 Gb of RAM and running Windows 7 64 bit. I have something very similar in HP and it runs great. Over 3 Gb in a 32 bit OS isn't going to really help you since the 32 bit environment won't address it, but the 64 bit environment can use the extra RAM.

Hi Sandi,

Welcome to the forums! The processor sounds good, but the memory & disk will make it look slow. In addition, you don't mention whether there's a separate graphics card. If there isn't, your processor will have to handle that, too, which will also tend to make it look slower than it is.

Go for at least 4Gb of SDRAM. Most laptops only have slots for 2 DIMMs, so if you tend to be a power user of software, I'd counsel going even bigger than 4Gb up front. That's the cheapest thing you can do to improve performance for the long haul, & since you'll have to replace BOTH DIMMs later to upgrade, think long & hard now about what kind of user you are...

On the disk drive, I'd recommend going the extra for a 7200rpm disk. If you do any graphics at all (pictures in your documents? Remember: L4 will make this easier!), I, too, would recommend 250Gb or larger, as others have.

Again, welcome! This is a favorite topic of posters, so you'll likely get lots of great advice. Many blessings to you on your decision.

Bill

Thank you all for the quick replies! I took another look and came up with the following. Will this do it?

PROCESSOR

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)

OPERATING SYSTEM

Genuine Windows® 7 Professional Bonus 64- Windows XP Professional downgrade

LED

15.4” WXGA (1280x800) LED Display

WARRANTY & SERVICE

3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD On-Site Service - Important Information

Upgrade to 3 Year ProSupport for End Users and 3 Year NBD On-Site Service - Important Information [add $109]

Dell Recommends

Upgrade to 3 Year ProSupport for End Users and 3 Year NBD On-site Service

Service blurb goes here.

VIDEO CARD

NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M, 512MB

MEMORY

4.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS

HARD DRIVE

250GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor

OPTICAL DRIVE

8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD™

BATTERY OPTIONS

6 Cell Battery

WIRELESS CARD

Dell Wireless™ 1397 802.11b/g Mini Card

INTERNAL KEYBOARD

Internal English Keyboard

FINGERPRINT READER OPTION

No Fingerprint Reader

WEBCAM / MICROPHONE

No webcam with microphone

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

Resource DVD - Contains Diagnostics and Drivers

MODEM

No Modem

ACCESSORIES AND BUNDLES

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 Keyboard and Mouse

LAPTOP BAGS

Belkin FlyThrough CheckPoint Laptop Bag

MOUSE PAD

Mouse Pad

A/C ADAPTER

130W 3P, A/C Adapter

SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

No Intel® vPro™ Secure Advanced Hardware Enabled Systems Management

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46003#Comment_46003

ON-SITE SYSTEM SETUP

No Onsite System Setup

Wes Saad

Sandi,

You will have no trouble running Logos with the new specs.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46006#Comment_46006

Hummm...I have my doubts, but if you have it mailed to me I'll test it out for you. :-)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46007#Comment_46007

Is it over-kill? My company is paying the bill so I am able to get "what is needed" but I certainly do not want to over-spend.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46010#Comment_46010

I would not say its overkill. You don't want to only consider what you need today. You also need to consider what you might need tomorrow. Better to get something that has a better chance of meeting your needs in three years then to have to buy a new computer in 1.5.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46003#Comment_46003

Thank you all for the quick replies! I took another look and came up with the following. Will this do it?

That's better, but I would still recommend 6 Gb of RAM. If your OS will address it you can never have too much memory. I personally would recommend the 17" model (assuming Dell has one) since it should have a full-sized keyboard (I'm a touch typist)., but that's a personal matter.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/45979#Comment_45979

Welcome to the forums!

Thank you for the welcome. I am just as excited about the software as I am the online community and support!

~Sandi

David Wilson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46010#Comment_46010

I am surprised by the specifications you mentioned as I thought 1.0GB memory and 80GB hard drive systems had passed into history several years ago. I remember getting an Averatec laptop with those specs for a really good price almost exactly five years ago. Nevertheless I do find that some "business" systems are still spec'd out like that, it seems they are intended for operating in a networked environment where each system does not have any significant stand alone expectations, low local data storage expectations, running perhaps one or two small office type applications at most, usually a word processor and email application with occasional need to access the internet. This is a long way from what you would need to run Logos 4 with a significant library, and I think you would feel severely restricted within a few months, let alone in a year or so.

The 80GB hard drive on my Averatec died a couple of months back and I replaced it with a new 320GB drive for $89, the cost difference to buy a 320 instead of an 80 should not be that high. 1.0GB is all the memory my Averatec can take but that seems to work well enough with Logos 3 given it uses a Windows XP operating system. My five year old laptop works as well as or better than a new netbook for example.

For a new laptop system, to look after me for five to seven years into the future, I would be OK with a 320GB hard drive and 4GB Ram with a new 64 bit operating system; that is probably the best value currently; anything with more horse power would tend to cost quite a bit more in a laptop still. If you are buying a new system, I would look to getting something you expect to last several years and get more than the minimum in RAM memory and hard drive space, just a little way back from the leading edge as going to the extreme is often over-spending

Wes Saad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46015#Comment_46015

Sandi,

Your specs are not overkill. George's 6 gig of ram recommendation would be overkill. Nice, perhaps, but not needed and not necessarily that beneficial. From the specs you listed, that will be a good, solid computer but not more computer than you would use.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46026#Comment_46026

Sandi,

Your specs are not overkill. George's 6 gig of ram recommendation would be overkill. Nice, perhaps, but not needed and not necessarily that beneficial. From the specs you listed, that will be a good, solid computer but not more computer than you would use.

Perhaps overkill for now, but apps tend to get more power hungry. Later, if you try running L4 and a yet undevelopped power hungry app simultaneously, you won't be sorry to have the extra horse power.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46038#Comment_46038

Sandi,

Your specs are not overkill. George's 6 gig of ram recommendation would be overkill. Nice, perhaps, but not needed and not necessarily that beneficial. From the specs you listed, that will be a good, solid computer but not more computer than you would use.

Perhaps overkill for now, but apps tend to get more power hungry. Later, if you try running L4 and a yet undevelopped power hungry app simultaneously, you won't be sorry to have the extra horse power.

I would have chosen 6gb if it was an option. It went from 4 to 8mb (for an additional $400) I do plan to speak with our rep tomorrow (or Monday) to see if I can get the 6mb.

I am considering the monitor / keyboard opinion you had. Would that make it hard to lug around though?

Mark Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46003#Comment_46003

Sandi,

You'll be very happy with a computer with these specs and Logos 4.

Besides what does a caveman know about RAM?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46045#Comment_46045

Besides what does a caveman know about RAM?

The great thing is that the reverse interlinear make the original languages so easy that even a caveman can do it.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46042#Comment_46042

I am considering the monitor / keyboard opinion you had. Would that make it hard to lug around though?

Not for me, but I'm not a 90 lb weakling. I would suggest you go to a store and pick up one of the approx specs and see for yourself.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46045#Comment_46045

Besides what does a caveman know about RAM?

RAM, isn't that what you use to break down doors and walls? [:D]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46051#Comment_46051

The great thing is that the reverse interlinear make the original languages so easy that even a caveman can do it.

Now wash your mouth out with soap. You just used a "four letter word." [:)]

Mark Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46053#Comment_46053

doors

Doors? What are doors Og?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46055#Comment_46055

Doors? What are doors Og?

Those boulders I pile in front of the cave entrance at night. [;)]

Jon

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46003#Comment_46003

VIDEO CARD
NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M, 512MB

These cards are outside my area of experience - they are designed for CAD and are used in workstations by graphic artists - my understanding is that they're essentially the same as their mainstream equivalents (they use the same GPU) but they're tweaked for that specific purpose, so they may not be as good as a normal mainstream graphics card for every day applications and you'd be paying a premium for it; so I would only go this way if you had that specific use in mind...

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46015#Comment_46015

I personally would recommend the 17" model (assuming Dell has one) since it should have a full-sized keyboard (I'm a touch typist)., but that's a personal matter.

The rest of your spec's look great to me Sandi. I'd say that's the sweet spot, but not as powered as it could be. Just right. A 'Goldilocks' sort of computer (not too big, not too small, just right). 4GB is sufficient for running Logos4, as long as you don't have too many other things going on at the same time. 6GB would give you a bit more 'head room,' as well as some room to grow.

As for the 17" they're great, if you have the desk space. They don't work out well in some work places, or in some libraries. I have a 15" Dell and it has a full size keyboard (except for that silly Fn key to make the function keys work - and no number pad). 17" monitors can also be a problem on a plane, since they spill over into the aisle or to the person next to you, on some airlines. Same is true of busses.

The only other thing I saw was the battery. 6 cell won't give you a lot of time with a high powered machine like that, especially if you give it a lot of disk time. You may want to bump that up to a 9, or get a second battery as a backup. If you're always at a place to plug in, no worries.

Bohuslav Wojnar

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46082#Comment_46082

I personally would recommend the 17" model (assuming Dell has one) since it should have a full-sized keyboard (I'm a touch typist)., but that's a personal matter.

The rest of your spec's look great to me Sandi. I'd say that's the sweet spot, but not as powered as it could be. Just right. A 'Goldilocks' sort of computer (not too big, not too small, just right). 4GB is sufficient for running Logos4, as long as you don't have too many other things going on at the same time. 6GB would give you a bit more 'head room,' as well as some room to grow.

As for the 17" they're great, if you have the desk space. They don't work out well in some work places, or in some libraries. I have a 15" Dell and it has a full size keyboard (except for that silly Fn key to make the function keys work - and no number pad). 17" monitors can also be a problem on a plane, since they spill over into the aisle or to the person next to you, on some airlines. Same is true of busses.

The only other thing I saw was the battery. 6 cell won't give you a lot of time with a high powered machine like that, especially if you give it a lot of disk time. You may want to bump that up to a 9, or get a second battery as a backup. If you're always at a place to plug in, no worries.

In my experience anything bigger than 13" is to big for me. The keyboard on my 13" Dell XPS is just brilliant. In the office and at home I have a full size wireless keyboard but I found I like the notebook one even better :-)

I got used to connect my notebook to the big ext. monitor at home and I like to work this way. On the move, 13" notebook is not too small but also not too big to have it on your lap or siting next to somebody of "bigger" size in the airplane. Instead of big battery I prefer to have 6 cell battery plus the extra one. It keeps notebook light.

Of course it depends what are your preferences. For me mobility is very important. 17" notebook I would understand as a replacement of the desktop computer. That makes sense. (Note for George: especially if you have preinstalled interlinears on that 17" notebook [:P] )

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46053#Comment_46053

RAM, isn't that what you use to break down doors and walls

Well duh ... how many caves have doors and walls? Its a male goat or sheep. Your age is showing - not in being old but in being young. Exactly how many 21st birthdays have you celebrated?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46405#Comment_46405

Exactly how many 21st birthdays have you celebrated?

None, but I've had a few at 39. OK, this is beginning to sound like a line from the HMS Pinafore "What never?" "No never -- well, hardly ever." I'll admit that I did have ONE 21st birthday.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46042#Comment_46042

I would have chosen 6gb if it was an option. It went from 4 to 8mb (for an additional $400) I do plan to speak with our rep tomorrow (or Monday) to see if I can get the 6mb.

I am considering the monitor / keyboard opinion you had. Would that make it hard to lug around though?

Hi Sandi,

I'm currently using a laptop as my desktop. I started with a 17". Even the lightest are at best luggable, & though I'm not weak, my shoulder tended to ache when I carried it around (& I carry it a lot). Now, I'm using a 15". What makes it work for me are docking stations at home & in my office, where at each location I've attached my favorite ergo keyboard, mouse, & monitor. If you've got the monitor when you're docked, you don't need to lug it. And no one prefers laptop keyboard or touchpad over ergo separates... So, if you're planning on using yours similarly, I'd commend the docking station route for your preferred larger monitor & a smaller monitor on the laptop itself, for portability.

On 6Gb, I'd agree with George that it'll eventually be needed, but at $400 now I'd wait until the price drops. Sounds like you already found the current sweet spot on pricing at 4Gb.

The rest of the config looks like it'll serve you well.

Blessings on your decision!

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46003#Comment_46003

Sandi,

I don't know if your company purchases from HP or how much this system costs, but I purchased a HP dv7t yesterday that is pretty hard to beat for the price.

This computer cost me $1218.99 with an upgrade to 8GB Memory and to a 500GB HD and a recovery disk. With 4GB memory, a 320 GB HD and no recovery disk it sells for only $899. This is of course only possible with a $400 Black Friday coupon. There are a limited number of these coupons, but I think they are good for the weekend. The coupon code is NBN4RK3WS.

I think you will not be unhappy with the quad core processor. I have a two desktop systems running L4 both having AMD chips running at 2.3 Ghz, but the quad core system seem much more responsive.

Here are the specs:

Brand	HP
Model	Pavilion dv7t Quad series edition
Color	Espresso Black / Moonlight White
Operating system	Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor	Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
Memory	Choices: FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 3GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) 3GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) 25% OFF! 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) 50% OFF! 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard drive	250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection Choices: FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection 640GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection 1TB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (500GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Graphics card	1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M
Display	Choices: 17.3″ diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display 17.3″ diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display
Resolution	1600 x 900
Primary optical drive	Choices: FREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Personalization	Choices: Webcam Only [For BrightView Infinity Display] Webcam Only Webcam + Fingerprint Reader [For BrightView Infinity Display] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
Networking	Choices: Intel Wireless-N Mini-card Intel Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
TV & entertainment experience	Choices: No TV Tuner w/remote control HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
Keyboard	HP Color Matching Keyboard
Primary battery	Choices: 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery 50% OFF!! Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Accessories	Choices: Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair) Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (2 pair)
Modem Port	Choices: No Modem, Integrated 56K Modem
OS and recovery media	Choices: System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Home Professional 64-bit System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Security software	Norton Internet Security 60-day subscription
DVD/CD burner, movie software	Choices: Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium 6
Memory card reader	5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
Accessible memory slots	2
Maximum Memory Expansion	8GB
Ports	4 USB (4th shared with eSATA port),1 Expansion Port 3
Additional Ports	IEEE 1394 Firewire, HDMI
Hard Drive Protection	HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Audio	Altec Lansing stereo speakers
ENERGY STAR Qualified	Yes
Adapter	120W AC
Weight	7.74 lbs
Dimensions	16.2″ (W) x 10.9″ (D) x 1.37″ (min H)/1.70″ (max H)
Network Card	External 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN RJ-45 connect
PC Card Slot	1 ExpressCard/54 Slot
Webcam	HP Pavilion Webcam
Multimedia and Entertainment	HP MediaSmart, HP Games by Wild Tangent
Warranty	1-year limited hardware support
Support	30-Days Free Limited Software, 1-year limited hardware

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46418#Comment_46418

I'm currently using a laptop as my desktop. I started with a 17". Even the lightest are at best luggable,

You call that a "luggable"? I remember when Compac came out with the first portable computer that looked like a sewing machine designed to be set in a cabinet. It had a case that looked just like my wife's Singer. Now that was truly a luggable.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46426#Comment_46426

I don't know if your company purchases from HP or how much this system costs, but I purchased a HP dv7t yesterday that is pretty hard to beat for the price.

This computer cost me $1218.99 with an upgrade to 8GB Memory and to a 500GB HD and a recovery disk. With 4GB memory, a 320 GB HD and no recovery disk it sells for only $899. This is of course only possible with a $400 Black Friday coupon. There are a limited number of these coupons, but I think they are good for the weekend. The coupon code is NBN4RK3WS.

Yikes ! You paid less than I did only a few months ago. It's a great computer once I learned that I had to turn off the touch pad in order to use a USB mouse without having the cursor fly off to Bali Hi or some such place. Enjoy.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46429#Comment_46429

I don't know if your company purchases from HP....

Before anyone buys a laptop (especially an HP), I highly recommend reading this article: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/154921.

Blessings,

Bill

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46444#Comment_46444

Bill,

I will not argue with statistics, but I have owned 3 HP laptops in a row. The first I used for 3 years and sold it to my dad who used it for another 4 years. The second almost lasted 3 years, but the motherboard cracked when I dropped it (not HP's fault, it was running great up until then). My current laptop is running like new, I just reinstalled the opporating system. It's only problem is it is underpowered for L4, I am sure my teenage daughter will get several more years of use out of it.

In addition, my two colleage age daughters have HP laptops. One is two years and the other in one year old. They are both $400 "specials" I purchased at Staples and are still running great.

I think the key as the artical states is to protect laptops for shock. I can believe that Asus makes are more rugged laptop. I am surprised that Tosibas rate so well.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46464#Comment_46464

Hi Keith,

I'm agnostic on laptops... however I believe people should make an informed decision... Reliability is definitely relevant to a purchase decision, & my own experience is much less positive than yours--especially wrt larger laptops. [:)]

FWIW, my current laptop is an HP, as was the 17" it replaced. The 17" wasn't designed well enough (IMO) for its weight. With only normal use, after about a year a corner of the laptop cracked... That permitted flexing that eventually took the mobo... 18 months total. Although its significant price differential could lead me to buy yet another HP, I still believe folks should be informed.

From the sounds of it, none of you has a 17"? It'd sure be interesting to know what the failure rates were by size, wouldn't it?

Blessings!

Bill

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46464#Comment_46464

In addition, my two colleage age daughters have HP laptops. One is two years and the other in one year old.

Your daughters are college age at one and two years old? You have precocious children ! [:D]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46503#Comment_46503

In addition, my two colleage age daughters have HP laptops. One is two years and the other in one year old.

Your daughters are college age at one and two years old? You have precocious children !

They are smart girls, but not that smart. [:)] That was the age of their laptops. I don't know that it is about online communication, but I have notice that people tend not to write as carefully. I know I don't.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46503#Comment_46503

In addition, my two colleage age daughters have HP laptops. One is two years and the other in one year old.

Your daughters are college age at one and two years old? You have precocious children !

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/46479#Comment_46479

From the sounds of it, none of you has a 17"? It'd sure be interesting to know what the failure rates were by size, wouldn't it?

Actually, my current laptop is a 17" model and it has held up very well under heavy use. I have to admit it is heavy when you have to carry it for an extended amount of time, but I sure love the larger keyboard!