New Computer Specs

KJ Niblett

A person in my church has indicated that they may be able to source me a new computer for church use.

I have Logos 5 (Portfolio) and also use Office and Endnote.

What specs for a laptop would you reccommend?

I know that Logos suggests what I have inclded below, what would you suggest so I can get the best our of Logos.

Logos Bible Software 5 | System Requirements

Windows - Minimum:

• 1.4Ghz Intel or AMD Processor
• 2GB RAM
• Windows Vista SP2
• DVD-ROM drive (only required for non-downloadable items)
• 20GB Free Space - Internal HDD Only
• (May require additional space depending on your library)
• 1024X600 Display
• 512MB DirectX 10 Compatible Video Card
• Internet connection required for activation & updates

Windows - Recommended:

• Intel i5 Processor (or AMD equivalent)
• 6GB+ RAM
• Windows 8 Pro ("RT" Not Supported)
• DVD-ROM drive (only required for non-downloadable items)
• 1280X1024 display
• 1GB+ DirectX11 Compatbile Video Card
• 30GB Free Space - Internal HDD Only
• (May require additional space depending on your library)
• Broadband internet connection

Mac - Minimum:

• OS X "Snow Leopard" 10.6
• Intel Processor (PowerPC not supported)
• 2GB RAM
• 20GB Free Space - Internal HDD Only
• (May require additional space depending on your library)
• DVD-ROM drive (only required for non-downloadable items)
• Internet connection required for activation & updates

Mac - Recommended:

• OS X "Mountain Lion" 10.8
• Intel i5 Processor
• 6GB+ RAM
• 30GB Free Space - Internal HDD Only
• (May require additional space depending on your library)
• DVD-ROM drive (only required for non-downloadable items)
• Broadband internet connection

Unix

Windows would be a little cheaper than Mac, but it's up to You, either way is fine!

CPU: Intel i5. Or if You want indexing to perform faster go for i7 or equivalent AMD quad core. Logos doesn't make use of all cores during normal use.

• MINIMUM 1440*1024 pixel monitor! Wider if You want to have many books open and/or use interlinears.
• 6 or 8 GB RAM of fast RAM (around 1.5 GHz) depending on how large docs You want to utilize. Windows and Logos together use up 5 GB. I don't know how much Word uses. Which version of Word would You be getting, 2013?
• I would definately recommend a discrete graphics card. Enough video memory is necessary. 512 MB is minimum, more is better especially if You have a lot of web-browser windows open simultaneously like I do (plus I use Microsoft Paint).
• 128 or 256 GB SSD. Manufactor for example Samsung. Plus an external HDD.

After having installed the computer, install wireless cellular internet also because that often changes the drive letter in Windows 7 and 8. Start making documents only after that. DON'T install everything on the same drive as Windows and Logos, to save space and avoid problems if the drive letter suddenly changes. Under Windows, put system temporary files to drive HDD, You won't notice any difference in speed and You will wear the SSD less.

After the purchase, do settings to how the battery is used: for example minimum CPU usage, after how many minutes disks should turn off, wireless network power (maximum energy saving is usually the best choice), pause desktop background play. But I've noticed that You don't need to lower the maximum CPU usage below 100%.

I bought a Logitech mouse, it has buttons for zooming in and out, haven't installed those features yet but that would be great if if it's compatible with Logos. It also has buttons for browsing back and forward, those work great in web-browsers without installation.

Don't use a laptop without a mouse!

I would recommned adding: http://www.trulyergonomic.com ... if You write a lot, even if You don't have problems yet. I'm getting one mainly for my old laptop.

I recommend getting the base-package on a DVD, if You use any of Bronze, Verbum Foundations, Biblical Languages or up.

External or internal DVD-player, whichever is fine.

And last but not least: if You buy a laptop, look for one which has a feature that it charges the battery up to ~80% of capacity. That lenghtens the life-span. (When necessary You can choose to charge to 100%.) Among Windows computers for example Samsung has this. My old computer is a Samsung.

tom

I can say that my laptop is by far above the "minimum" requirements, and L5 is very very very very slow.  I would even say that the recommended requirements are somewhat on the low side. 

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Kelvin Niblett said:

What specs for a laptop would you reccommend?

Logos is a resource intensive application that benefits from fast processor, graphics, and quick storage along with adequate memory (4 GB or more); Solid State Disk (SSD) is noticeably faster than hard disk.

For processor, personally prefer 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7, which has integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics.

For OS X, Apple offers refurbished MacBook Air models => http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_air June 2012 models have 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7.  Also may be available for less from other resellers, including Apple on eBay.

Dell Outlet posts coupon codes on Twitter.  Currently one business coupon reduces a Dell Outlet Latitude E6430s price from $ 795 to $ 595

The 14" screen resolution is 1366 x 768.   If like Windows 8, suggest getting a laptop with a touch screen.

Out of the box, Apple refurbished and Dell Outlet feel like new; Apple places refurbished sticker on the box while Dell places a sticker on the computer.

Personally have a Dell Outlet Inspiron 17R Special Edition, then installed a SATA III SSD for Logos 5.  The 17R can have two internal laptop drives plus mSata.

Keep Smiling [:)]