2011 Laptop Recommendations

I'm newer to LOGOS, and am considering getting a new laptop. I've seen other threads with similar questions, but they were a bit dated. What recommendations might you have for a new laptop to run LOGOS on? I will use it also for internet and word processing? (I'm just beginning school and wanted new stuff). Any suggestions will help. I'm a PC user, and will probably not buy a Mac. Thanks.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Welcome [:D]

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

For processor, 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 (anticipating next generation Ivy Bridge in March or April 2012)

For disk, Solid State Disk (SSD) or hard drive that is 7200 RPM or faster

For graphics, Intel HD Graphics included with 2nd Generation Core i5 or i7 is usable; can choose faster graphics.

Web site => http://www.notebookcheck.net/ has benchmarks of processors and graphics cards.

For ultrabook, Apple's new MacBook Air models are attractively priced (suggest purchasing 4 GB RAM).

Wiki Logos 4 Mac => Need Logos 4 PC feature? includes native boot and virtualization options for running Windows on a Mac.

Dell Outlet has variable inventory (when many computers unsold, Dell offers Outlet coupon to reduce price); recommend comparing outlet price with build to order. Personally using a Dell XPS L702X with 64 bit Windows to run Logos 4 Windows, benchmark => http://community.logos.com/forums/p/24555/254929.aspx#254929 also includes hard disk partitioning idea (e.g. created a fast partition on hard drive for custom installation of Logos 4); pondering Mac Mini purchase (to carry and use with Dell 17" laptop via remote desktop); aware of Logos 4 feature parity differences between Mac and PC.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Brother Mark

mmaglaya, you're probably going to be overwhelmed by a great deal of personal preference as Logos users respond, so be sure to check facts before relying on our recommendations as gospel (pun fully intended).

Portability in a notebook should be a consideration if you'll be hauling it around to/from class. In general, a more powerful notebook will weigh more and have larger physical dimensions (length, width, depth). You are going to see dramatic improvement in Logos performance if you don't mind lugging around one that weighs 8+lbs with an i7 processor/6+GB RAM/fast hard drive/larger screen size (which affects readability only), than a <5lbs notebook with an i3 processor/4GB RAM or less/slower hard drive/smaller screen size. On the other hand, a notebook that is lighter and easier to carry around is more likely to actually be used more than a powerful behemoth that you become loath to strap to your back every day.

Reliability is also a primary consideration. Check to see who has great customer satisfaction. A great warranty on paper doesn't always equate to satisfied customers when, as an example, technical support is unresponsive or has heavily accented specialists that either can't understand you or even more frustrating: you can't understand them. I recommend that you google "notebook customer support satisfaction" before making a final decision.

All of that being said, and making the grand assumption that this will be your MAIN Logos computer (vs. having a high powered desktop back at the ranch where you'll mainly be studying, and the notebook being a quick reference in classes), I recommend the following specs:

Intel i7 processor (the fastest clock rate that you can afford)
at least 6GB of RAM (8GB would be optimal)
a large Solid State Drive (SSD) fixed disk (not less than 160GB, but, of course, larger is better)
a decent graphics card (for wringing the absolute best performance out of Logos, but it is a tertiary consideration)

You can always go the route of having a custom notebook build ala Dell's excellent online customization business model, but I recommend that you look into prebuilt Gaming Notebooks. These high end notebooks will have all of the features necessary to run Logos efficiently, are designed to be rugged, and for lightweight portability. They are generally more expensive than notebooks targeted at the home user. My second choice would be notebooks designed for business travelers because of the higher quality components.

Be sure to keep us informed as to what make and model you ultimately choose (we're always interested in keeping up with this kind of thing). I personally chose Dell's Studio Laptop model 1747 several months ago. It has a 6GB RAM, 500GB 7200RPM hard disk, i7 CPU, and a number of display options that allow me to use it for teaching in a variety of environments.

Allen Browne

... What recommendations might you have for a new laptop to run LOGOS on?

Other than SSD drives, hardware is quite inexpensive, so I suggest:

CPU: Intel i7 (Sandy Bridge): Logos uses CPU power (especially while loading, indexing and searching)
GPU: Get a graphics card with 1GB of dedicated RAM if you can.
RAM: At least 4GB (more if you can)
HDD: 7200 rpm disk. (I personally use the Seagate Momentus which is a hybrid, as SSDs are unproven and costly.)
OS: Windows 7 64-bit (so it can use all the RAM).
Display: If this is a notebook and you don't carry it around much, consider a larger screen such as 17".
If you plan to use it to project in the classroom (e.g. Powerpoint), check out WiDi (wireless display).

Reliability is the one thing it's really hard to quantify at purchase time. Stay with one of the name brands.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/293788#Comment_293788

Reliability is the one thing it's really hard to quantify at purchase time. Stay with one of the name brands.

I concur with all Allen's recommendations, especially reliability... I carry my notebook all over, to work & home offices. At each location, I've added an external keyboard, big monitor, external disks for backup, & external speakers for music (while working). Portability of my office machine to everywhere I go is well worth the tradeoff on screen size.

While in seminary, I carried my notebook (with Logos & language tools) into all my classes... it REALLY helped. And I learned to take all my notes in Word... It all played together.

Many blessings on your studies!

Tim Engwer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/293788#Comment_293788

... What recommendations might you have for a new laptop to run LOGOS on?

Other than SSD drives, hardware is quite inexpensive, so I suggest:

CPU: Intel i7 (Sandy Bridge): Logos uses CPU power (especially while loading, indexing and searching)

GPU: Get a graphics card with 1GB of dedicated RAM if you can.

RAM: At least 4GB (more if you can)

HDD: 7200 rpm disk. (I personally use the Seagate Momentus which is a hybrid, as SSDs are unproven and costly.)

OS: Windows 7 64-bit (so it can use all the RAM).

Display: If this is a notebook and you don't carry it around much, consider a larger screen such as 17".
If you plan to use it to project in the classroom (e.g. Powerpoint), check out WiDi (wireless display).

Reliability is the one thing it's really hard to quantify at purchase time. Stay with one of the name brands.

I have the HP DV6 with all the above specs except 15" screen and 6 GB ram and it is very fast with L4. The only thing that still lags is typing in notes but I believe this is an issue with .NET if I am not mistaken.

mmagla

I've been looking online, and went to Best Buy today with your recommendations.

I came across this Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP700Z5B-W01UB-features

Seems like it will work, I don't have time to custom build a new computer so I'm looking to what is already out there. What are your thoughts on this computer?

I've also looked at the computers you all said you are using now.

Allen Browne

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294085#Comment_294085

I came across this Samsung ...

That's a good processor with lots of RAM. I haven't used Samsung so cannot comment on reliability. The Windows is not stated as 64-bit (but presumably is if they put 6GB in). The disk is a 5400 RPM, which will retrieve your Logos resources slower. The graphics card has 1/2 GB of RAM: Logos would work better on one with more memory.

I've used Toshiba, Dell, and HP. Dell is one of the few that provides big anti-glare sceens which I really like, but I only get 2½ years out of them. Had to replace the hard disk in my current Toshiba, as it only lasted 1 week (so I replaced it with a non-Toshiba one).

Mike Binks

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294085#Comment_294085

Looks like a nice machine.

Now compare it with a Mac Book Air - just so that you are never able to say ' I wish I had known'.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294096#Comment_294096

Now compare it with a Mac Book Air - just so that you are never able to say ' I wish I had known'.

[Y]

Eric Weiss

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294099#Comment_294099

FWIW, the owner of a local computer repair/build business, when I asked him about laptop reliability, suggested Asus and higher-end Dell laptops and maybe Lenovo or Sony (I can't remember his third recommendation), and suggested avoiding HP and Gateway.

Greg Walker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294102#Comment_294102

Just a quick note, but a STRONG endorsement for the Asus Slate. Full Windows computer, with lots of computing power, rocks in both portability and reliability. The higher end model is similar in price to the Samsung you linked to, but brings some great features to the table. I too am a student, but probably quite a bit older. I bought my Slate in the spring, and it has replaced my laptop and desktop. I use it in class (Masters in Christian Ministry), as well as taking it to work, church, etc. It runs Logos as well as my desktop did, and isn't near as obtrusive as a laptop opening it up in the classroom or church. Touch screen and pen options make for great note-taking if you don't want to pull out the keyboard.

This is NOT a wimpy tablet/oversized phone. My Slate is loaded up with MS Office Professional, including Project, Visio; Mindjet MindManager, as well as Logos. Throw Kindle Reader on there, and you've got a powerful study library that looks and feels like a portfolio. It will also be well positioned to take advantage of Windows 8's functionality (I'm waiting until this semester's over to load the developer release and try it out, but from what I've ascertained, in addition to getting much better touch-functionality, W8 should improve how existing software runs--I'll update when I get it running).

Again, great computer, great price, and a lot of functionality that you can't get with a "laptop". Well worth the look, and by far THE MOST RELIABLE computer I've had since I sent my 286 to the landfill. [:)]

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294120#Comment_294120

If customer service and reliability are a primary concern then Apple wins hands down. The most recent surveys show that Apple has a 2 to 1 edge over the next best option.

If you don't want to go with Apple for whatever reasons then look at the business lines of the major retailers. Their consumer products are made with one thing in mind - cheap!! I have reviewed a bunch of laptops in the last two years. HP, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, Apple. Of those brands, the business level HP notebooks have been the best with the business level Acer being good too. But all of them are trumped by the Apple MacBook Pro and Air.

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294128#Comment_294128

If customer service and reliability are a primary concern then Apple wins hands down. The most recent surveys show that Apple has a 2 to 1 edge over the next best option.

If you don't want to go with Apple for whatever reasons then look at the business lines of the major retailers. Their consumer products are made with one thing in mind - cheap!! I have reviewed a bunch of laptops in the last two years. HP, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, Apple. Of those brands, the business level HP notebooks have been the best with the business level Acer being good too. But all of them are trumped by the Apple MacBook Pro and Air.

Not sure why you haven't reviewed some of the Dell laptops, they seem ubiquitous. Maybe you're still getting around to it.

The downside of going with Apple, IMHO, is that the Mac version of L4 doesn't seem to be up to par yet with the Windows version. I'm only going by what I see on these forums, but it seems consistent.

Since mmgalaya was asking about a laptop for use with L4, assuming that's a primary consideration, I'd recommend some kind of Windows laptop. Having taken that fork in the road, there are just a few options out there that make sense, IMHO. One good way to go is with a Costco HP of some type (check the spec's above, and get the most you can afford and at least an i5, IMHO). The advantage of going with Costco, is their generous exchange policy, if something goes bad. While they've reigned this in a bit for electronics, it's still better than just about anywhere else. Dell is also a good way to go, despite the popular negative reactions to it (Dells are everywhere, so more complaints - and CS is not very good, IMHO). They are generally very reliable, the components work well with each other, you can build your own on their web site (which is the only way I've ever bought a Dell), and they are such a well-known brand that they are easy to service, if that becomes necessary. I've also heard some good things about Asus, though I don't personally know anyone who owns one.

I'd never buy a laptop from a big box store (Costco excepted - and only because of their return policy), since they focus on what average users need (email, internet and a bit of high-school homework). L4 demands more than what an average computer is designed to provide, and so do I.

NOTE re MS Office: If you use your computer as part of your work as a pastor, or full-time church leader, you may not use MS Office Home & Student edition (provided with most consumer-level PC's) for this work, as this would violate the EULA (end user license agreement), which explicitly excludes use of this edition by non-profits, or for 'business use.' When I asked about purchasing with my money for use in my work, the response was that this was in violation of their EULA. So when you buy, watch out for 'free' or 'included' MS Office Home & Student software.

mmagla

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294132#Comment_294132

I found a computer that I like similar to Tim Engwer's that I like found here: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&landing=rts_notebook&category=rts_notebook&subcat1=&catLevel=3&mc=&product_code=LW223UA%23ABA&tab=overview&fromPage=/shopping/product_detail.do&pageLink=true&bvLoadCart=1&omniData=

I'm also considering a Dell Vostro 3550.

This computer will be my primary computer for using Logos 4. I am currently using a Sony Vaio, with 1GB ram, Vista, and 120 GB storage, so I know whatever I get should be better.

Regarding disc speed, is there a noticeable difference between the 5400 and 7200 rpm? And is a 1GB of graphics cards essential.

I'm not too fond of the tablets yet, and believe they're gonna be getting newer and better upgrades at a quicker rate than the laptops. I have looked at the Macs, but they're too expensive for my budget, and also they offer less RAM and CPU for a greater price. Sure, they might be better than anything else suggested, but I'm also a fan of PC's. (I found them easier to use in undergraduate school to do civil engineering work.) I hope to be able to use this computer for my entire time in seminary.

Thanks, also, for all your suggestions, and please continue to make recommendations.

mmagla

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294276#Comment_294276

A friend suggested this Sony Vaio F series. I might most likely get this one:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666342155#

I'll keep you posted on what I get and how it runs!

Mike Aubrey

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294128#Comment_294128

If customer service and reliability are a primary concern then Apple wins hands down. The most recent surveys show that Apple has a 2 to 1 edge over the next best option.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/laptop-reliability-survey-asus-and-toshiba-win-hp-fails/

Some people have criticized this study in as much as its done by people who sell external warranties, but I never really known what that had to do with anything...in general they would want *everyone* to buy their warranties regardless of the rankings.

Anyway, I'd believe it that Apple's reliability has improved since 2009, but I definitely do not believe it that its improved so dramatically that they now have a 2 to 1 edge on everyone else.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294300#Comment_294300

Anyway, I'd believe it that Apple's reliability has improved since 2009, but I definitely do not believe it that its improved so dramatically that they now have a 2 to 1 edge on everyone else.

Apple wants smiling customers. Aware if Apple knows about a manufacturing defect, hardware warranty can be silently extended from one to three years for defective part. Personally took an iMac that no longer showed anything on display to a Genius, who quickly looked at power supply; found one capacitor was blown. Had owned iMac nearly 3 years. Apple had extended hardware warranty for power supply. The iMac repair cost me nothing (still being used years later).

In Nov 2010, PC World posted an article: "Reliability and Service: Laptops" => http://www.pcworld.com/article/211402/reliability_and_service_laptops.html

Not know how to interpret "Problem was never resolved" column; wonder if heading should have been "Problem was resolved" ?

Personally prefer Dell Outlet for PC purchases since technician has turned on computer and restored hard drive to original shipping configuration (with coupon discount, potentially can save 15 % to 50 % off compared to new build to order with similar hardware).

Laptop Mag has their Top 10 list => http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/top-ten-notebooks.aspx (noted Dell XPS 15" was multimedia choice, personally have Dell XPS 17" with outlet purchase bit under $ 1,000 earlier this year, quite usable for Logos 4)

PC Mag also has Top 10 laptop list => http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369981,00.asp

Keep Smiling [:)]

RPW

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/293782#Comment_293782

Brother Mark,

Is there a reason that you suggest an SSD "no less than 160GB? I am considering a 120GB SSD for OS and Programs.

Thanks,

Ron

Mike Aubrey

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294367#Comment_294367

Apple wants smiling customers.

As opposed to whom...?

Aware if Apple knows about a manufacturing defect, hardware warranty can be silently extended from one to three years for defective part.

Believe it or not, but HP has done that too. I had that done for a pavilion laptop a couple years ago. That's not particularly special.

What makes Apple always close to the top is the fact that they tightly control what hardware they allow in their computers and have a closed eco-system that runs the hardware.

What makes Asus, Toshiba, and MSI close to the top is that they make the much of the hardware directly that they allow in their computers.

I have a mac. I love the hardware. I also love the hardware of Asus and Toshiba--and I'm glad that Toshiba is finally moving away from glossy enclosures (oy!). I have a Toshiba from 2003 that would still be running strong if I hadn't spilled hot chocolate on it. And I have a ibook G4 from 2004 that would still be running strong if it hadn't fallen from a table and bent the hinge between the keyboard and the screen (it still run; it just can't close now). But I also cannot stand OSX. Not for anything big. There are just a bunch of little things that drive me batty, which means that if I'm going to get a mac, I put windows on it instantly, but I'd rather save the extra few dollars and pick up an Asus or Toshiba without having to buy another W7 license.

All that said. Buy based on the OS you want and then go with one of the top brands.

Todd Phillips

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/294531#Comment_294531

I'm glad that Toshiba is finally moving away from glossy enclosures (oy!).

Amen. I hate everything glossy. Glossy is only fit for grand pianos. That's why I keep buying Thinkpads.