Buying an iPad exclusively for Logos... questions
Hello wonderful Logos forum community, from which I have often garnered heaps of information while generally contributing nothing! 
I am a tech-savvy Logos user who is planning on purchasing an iPad for the express purpose of using the Logos app. In the past, I have used the Android Logos app on my phone and tablet, but would like to migrate to Apple for my own reasons. On a slower tablet, I've experienced long pauses (maybe 100ms?) between page turns, and when opening books (even downloaded books!), that caused me to stop using the app. One thing I hope to get out of an iPad is a very responsive 10" device that is easy to read books on. Another thing I hope to get is the ability to perform quick searches of my logos library, though I understand the Logos offline search has some significant limitations.
I would like input from the community to answer:
1) Is the iPad 3 sufficient performance-wise that page-turns and linked resources respond very snappy?
2) Are there any struggles or frustrations that users have regarding the iPad app performance or app feature-set, particularly that are different from my experience on an android device, that would be reason to avoid getting an iPad exclusively for Logos?
Thanks for your input!
Comments
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(1) yes even on the prior generation A5
(2) no: you're already aware the app has its limitations, and so ...
(3) I guess you've already decided something along the lines of a SurfacePro2 is 'out' (eg Logos5)
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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Tristan, I use an iPad mini and find the performance is great as far as I am concerned especially page turns (not as snappy as kindle reader but not bad). I would be sure to get at least 32GB as I find that I am close to the edge of space with a 16GB iPad.
One thing that helps on the iPad navigation wise is to really use the favorites on your desktop Logos. When I am on my PC, I add favorites to prebuilt folders (daily reading, articles, etc). I have found that makes it so much easier then searching for resources on my iPad because I already have them queued up to read.
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Thanks for the replies! Regarding the size (32GB), I forgot to ask about that, thanks for the info. I have an all-too-large Logos library that keeps growing somehow. I was meaning to check how much space it takes up on my PC to estimate my current library size.
Excellent tip about the favorites, as well.
Denise, as you saw, android is not an option for me. However, I hadn't considered Microsoft. The Surface Pro 2 appears to be too expensive, but Surface Pro might be an option, if the speed is adequate...
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I'm not a Surface-expert; Michael, a regular and pastor, had an iPad and went to a Surface to get more functionality.
I don't know your planned study/reading world; for me my iPad is really just not in the same ballpark as Logos5. Then when Logos6 comes, the angst will increase?
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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I'll need to track Michael down. The more I look at the Surface Pro, the more I think that's a very real option, assuming the battery life and responsiveness is decent. My PC has an i7 processor (vs. the i5 in the Surface Pro), so I don't know what it would be like really.
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I first bought a Nexus 7 which works very well but I found that I wanted something with a bigger screen for a lot of the stuff that I do so I recently bought the iPad air. The larger screen really makes a difference and it is a great performing tablet as far as I am concerned. My wife has the iPad 3 and the Logos app seems to work well on that also though I have not used it extensively. I am real happy with the way the Logos apps work on either iPad. If there is any significant downside to the iPads I guess I have not found it yet.
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Thanks for the replies! Regarding the size (32GB), I forgot to ask about that, thanks for the info. I have an all-too-large Logos library that keeps growing somehow. I was meaning to check how much space it takes up on my PC to estimate my current library size.
Excellent tip about the favorites, as well.
Denise, as you saw, android is not an option for me. However, I hadn't considered Microsoft. The Surface Pro 2 appears to be too expensive, but Surface Pro might be an option, if the speed is adequate...
I just got a Surface Pro and I love it. I love having my entire library available, including things like BAR, which isn't available on mobile devices. I have pretty much stopped using my iPad.
Disclaimer: I hate using messaging, texting, and email for real communication. If anything that I type to you seems like anything other than humble and respectful, then I have not done a good job typing my thoughts.
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I have a 3rd Gen iPad and use the Logos Bible! app on it every day. When I need to READ in Logos, I use the mobile app and use extensive highlighting. I think that the responsiveness is good. Some thoughts:
- If performance is a question for you, why would you consider a 3rd gen iPad? I believe it is good NOW, but will you think so when iOS 8 comes out? Logos Bible! 5.0 (whenever Logos might release the next major version)? If cost is an issue, I would wait until the 2nd gen iPad airs are announced and buy a 1st gen one.
- The size of the storage space needed: I think you will use your iPad for much more than Logos (I hope you do! Don't waste such a good device!). If your ONLY usage is Logos, I think the 16GB is sufficient (That is what I have... but I wish I had a larger one).
- To tie the two issues together: For performance reasons, and a few more, I recommend that unless absolutely necessary, you only download the resources you really need to. I have about 150 resources downloaded, and probably don't need to have 100 of those. I have good internet connection at various points throughout the day, so if I need to download something I can.
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Just my opinion for what it is worth.
I think the iPad is a great device for reading much of you Logos library. Nothing does better as an ebook reader for Logos. So if that is what you want, you will be happy with it.
Beyond reading and highlighting in Logos, I don't think the iPad does so well. Occasionally, the iPad hesitates a tiny bit turning a page, even on the iPad 4. I have an iPad 4, and I think I would at least want a fourth generation iPad for Logos.
I went to the Surface Pro 2 because I wanted to run the full Logos 5, and I am very happy with it. For me it runs Logos better than even a desktop. And it is great for reading and highlighting your entire library, including personal books. It is great for taking notes. It runs Logos 5 great with all 5,600 of my Logos resources downloaded. I can go from exegesis to a full sermon manuscript on it. It really does everything my desktop and laptop did. The more I use it, the more I like it.
The big advantage the iPad has over the Surface Pro 2 is obviously price. I bought the $1,299 Surface Pro 2 with 8 gig of RAM and 256 gig hard drive. That is a lot of money. But it is a lot of computer, and for me it does replace my desktop, laptop, and iPad. I think that is a great value. However, what good is a great value that you can't afford? So it is not for everyone. And you can get an iPad for half the price.
I would not recommend the original Surface Pro because it doesn't have enough processing power to satisfy me. I would stick with the iPad unless I could afford a Surface Pro 2, and I would not budge on 8 gig of RAM and at least 256 gig HD for a Surface Pro 2.
Blessings on you. I think you will love an iPad. It is a really good product.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Hello wonderful Logos forum community, from which I have often garnered heaps of information while generally contributing nothing!
I am a tech-savvy Logos user who is planning on purchasing an iPad for the express purpose of using the Logos app. In the past, I have used the Android Logos app on my phone and tablet, but would like to migrate to Apple for my own reasons. On a slower tablet, I've experienced long pauses (maybe 100ms?) between page turns, and when opening books (even downloaded books!), that caused me to stop using the app. One thing I hope to get out of an iPad is a very responsive 10" device that is easy to read books on. Another thing I hope to get is the ability to perform quick searches of my logos library, though I understand the Logos offline search has some significant limitations.
I would like input from the community to answer:
1) Is the iPad 3 sufficient performance-wise that page-turns and linked resources respond very snappy?
2) Are there any struggles or frustrations that users have regarding the iPad app performance or app feature-set, particularly that are different from my experience on an android device, that would be reason to avoid getting an iPad exclusively for Logos?
Thanks for your input!
Love Logos App on my iPhone, iPad 3 and mini iPad. Would highly recommend 32GB rather than 16GB from personal experience unless you are really disciplined in using iPad for Logos app only. I don't have a surface pro but seriously thinking about it being my next desktop replacement. If yo go down that path I recommend Michael's advice on version 2, 8GB and 256G, you need to think about future growth of library and Logos 6 rather than something that will get you through now.
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Well, long-story-short, I scrounged up some money and decided to go with a Surface Pro 2 128, which I got for $815 new shipped on eBay. I'll be sure to report via an independent post (and link to this one) when I've used it for long enough to testify to its performance.
Thanks for your input everyone!
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Well, it looks like the gentleman from Mississippi may have some influence. Hope the SP2 works out well.
I'm still using my Lenovo X220 tablet, along with a mini iPad and iPod. I use the Lenovo for typing and L5/Libronix. The iPad for everything else. I'm thinking when the Lenovo gets cranky, to get a SP2 too.
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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