Logos 4 to 6: Why Upgrade?

Hi All,

I'm currently still using Logos 4 (Silver package from way back when). For all you folks who have spent some time in Logos 5 and now 6, feel free to give me some good reasons as to why it's worth the upgrade. Will be graduating seminary soon, but I'm already in full-time ministry. Ready - Set - Go!

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Mark Smith

For the new features of Logos 5, check here.

For Logos 6, check here.

These features are the reason. You won't need or want them all, but there are enough to want both upgrades.

Todd Phillips

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649077#Comment_649077

For the new features of Logos 5, check here.

You can get the Logos 5 engine for free right now--and get all of those free features listed in that link without paying. In fact, you should, because 5 is better than 4 (unless you're running an ancient version of windows).

And if you don't purchase an L6 package, you can get the L6 engine for free in February (and you should because it's best to be using the supported level of the software to have all the latest bug fixes).

But make sure you meet the system requirements here before you upgrade:

https://www.logos.com/support/logos6/desktop/hardware

J. Wright

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649083#Comment_649083

Yes, and thanks. I should have stated that I'm running Logos 5 (free upgrade to the engine), but my last significant package was Logos 4. I'm debating whether it's in my best interest to simply upgrade to the 6 engine for free in Feb., or take the full-upgrade plunge to Gold. At this time, I'm still leaning towards the former, unless I see enough good reasons provided to upgrade.

Todd Phillips

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649085#Comment_649085

Yes, and thanks. I should have stated that I'm running Logos 5 (free upgrade to the engine), but my last significant package was Logos 4. I'm debating whether it's in my best interest to simply upgrade to the 6 engine for free in Feb., or take the full-upgrade plunge to Gold. At this time, I'm still leaning towards the former, unless I see enough good reasons provided to upgrade.

There's a middle ground between your two options: Crossgrade packages or lower base packages. You don't have to get the Gold one---especially if you don't need the resources. The Crossgrades will give you all the features as Gold without the cost. But you may be able to get a lower level base package for the same cost as a Crossgrade, depending on your existing resources. I would recommend that. And then you can add on a crossgrade after that to get any missing features for fairly cheap because of dynamic pricing.

My highest base package is L4 Platinum. I've bought "lower" base packages in L5 and L6 (bronze and silver respectively) because I didn't see the value in the higher packages for me. It's been a good deal. Plus you should look at the denominational base packages for deals.

The resources you can get in a base package are the reason I get them rather than just a crossgrade. It's the best deal for getting books I want. I find the features that use datasets less compelling in general: those features get less use from me than straight resources like commentaries and reference books, but I'm glad to have them if I need them.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649085#Comment_649085

To me it really comes down to two things.

Features, and commentaries.

I like the other things, but those two are what I would be looking at from your position.

PB sync is fantastic! Its been promised for a long time, has been delivered, and while I think there are some things they could do to improve it, it still is pretty much everything I'd hoped for.

Some of the other things like factbook help bring the relevant information directly to your finger tips.

I would strongly recomend checking out all the features and evaluating them on an individual basis. They make a significant difference.

Next are the commentaries. Gold (for instance) has Black's NT commentary, NAC, Socio-rhetorical, UBS and Lenski (amoung others). Not to mention Lange (which I own a paper copy of), Keil and Delitzsch, and Calvin.

There are some good choices in the Bible Background section too, as well as in the greek and hebrew language tools.

Then as if that weren't enough, they toss in Themelios (which is a journal I particularly appreciate from the gospel coalition) and 60 or so volumes of spurgeons sermons.

Those are just the things that jump out at me when I scan the list of 1022 resources.

Being a student, another new feature that I really appreciate is the new Journal tool. Seeing the journals that come up that are specifically about what I'm writing on (and not some ancillary, or utterly unrelated topic that mention my topic or scripture in passing) is huge, especially when you have thousands of journals like I do.

For me Logos 6 is about bringing me the information that I need faster, and more efficiently.

Logos 5 was good; 6 is epic.

If you haven't read on the forums, its pretty much always better to call or email a sales person - in my case, I use Rusty Davidson (Rusty.Davidson@faithlife.com ).His desk number is: 1-800-875-6467 Ext. 5160

He's become a good friend; and certainly offers the best deals you'll be able to find.

Good luck making your decision. In case you were wondering I bought into L6 pretty heavily by purchasing 7 base packages - from L6 Biblical Languages to L6 Portfolio. It cost me right around a thousand dollars, for almost 1700 new to me titles. Well worth the investment into my own ministerial and spiritual development as well as that of my church.

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649093#Comment_649093

That sounds like You had a decent plan! New American Commentary is however one of the commentaries I don't recommend and I would suppose it's still included in Silver (it was in L5):

My highest base package is L4 Platinum. I've bought "lower" base packages in L5 and L6 (bronze and silver respectively) because I didn't see the value in the higher packages for me. It's been a good deal. Plus you should look at the denominational base packages for deals.

L6 Gold is pretty good. It's out of my price-league personally and even if I would afford it I wouldn't buy it since there would be duplication with my Accordance library, and since I prefer to cherry-pick individual titles and collections. I haven't looked at the topical bundles - but even with them being more heavily discounted in version 3 that before, I expect L6 Gold to be better. I'm a person who almost never recommend a base-package, so I'll have to say that You ought to be very careful about which commentary sets You prefer and ultimately buy - the ones You don't have You are also very unlikely to use unless You are ready to purchase individual volumes when the need arises. I've been posting in a thread about commentaries, the link is off-site: Practical Commentary on Scripture ... new posts in that thread are welcome.
If You want to get in touch with a sales-pre, there's Maggie:
360-685-4442
800-875-6467 ext.2365
msegar ÀT logos com
Please say hello from me.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649114#Comment_649114

NAC is still included in silver.

It is one that I like pretty well, even if I don't agree with it 100% of the time. I doubt anyone agrees with anyone else 100% of the time.

Like you and I unix - we seldom seem to agree, but we don't disagree 100% of the time.

Shane

If you are satisfied with current package. I don't think it's necessary to upgrade right now. Because you won't need the all features L6 offers and, you won't read 1000+ resources. But come back for upgrade when you feel for more needs.

Bryan Hawkins

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649093#Comment_649093

Todd,

I did something similar. Did you buy L6 Silver and then add on the cross grade to get the additional features? Just wondering how much it would be to go Bronze or Silver and then cross-grade versus having to buy Gold.

J. Wright

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649120#Comment_649120

NAC is still included in silver.

It is one that I like pretty well, even if I don't agree with it 100% of the time. I doubt anyone agrees with anyone else 100% of the time.

Like you and I unix - we seldom seem to agree, but we don't disagree 100% of the time.

Yeah, I actually already have most of the NAC from my former package. I'm not sure what's not to like, as I find it mostly solid.

Anyway, I'm appreciating the thoughts so far. Keep 'em coming.

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649121#Comment_649121

Not that relevant to the post, but: oh boy, I wish I had the Greek Alphabet Tutor. Won't afford it for years. When I look at some product pages it doesn't say it's available in a base-package or crossgrade only, but when I search for it separately in the Store I can't see a price and purchase-button so contacting Sales wouldn't do any good.

Have to try to find some really cheap software elsewhere for this. Probably outdated softwares for XP are the cheapest ones.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649135#Comment_649135

Unix I believe that is available in THIS package. Shows as being 21$ for me, though I already have an L6 package and thus the datasets.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649131#Comment_649131

Anyway, I'm appreciating the thoughts so far. Keep 'em coming.

My process is to look at the resources - total up the value of the ones I need or want, and if they are cheaper apart from the base package I purchase them seperately. If they are cheaper in the base package, then I jump in with both feet. The extra titles are a bonus that I don't think too much about, though they have turned out to be a blessing a few times.

Then I consider my budget. Often this last step is a splash of cold water. However, it isn't always and wasn't this time.

JT (alabama24)

I'm currently still using Logos 4 (Silver package from way back when).

For clarification: When you write "sill using Logos 4," do you mean the software or the base package? If you mean the software, why have you been using old software for two years when it is free? Similarly, you will have the ability to update to the L6 engine for free in February (if you don't make a purchase first). NOTE: The software is FREE... the resources and datasets are what you must pay for.

For all you folks who have spent some time in Logos 5 and now 6, feel free to give me some good reasons as to why it's worth the upgrade. Will be graduating seminary soon, but I'm already in full-time ministry.

Others will give you specifics about features they use and enjoy... Let me suggest two reasons why "now" might be a good time for YOU.

If you don't currently have an academic discount, you might qualify. Use it while you can.
Base packages are generally the cheapest way to pick up resources... and the prices are cheapest during the launch.

J. Wright

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649153#Comment_649153

I'm currently still using Logos 4 (Silver package from way back when).

For clarification: When you write "sill using Logos 4," do you mean the software or the base package? If you mean the software, why have you been using old software for two years when it is free? Similarly, you will have the ability to update to the L6 engine for free in February (if you don't make a purchase first). NOTE: The software is FREE... the resources and datasets are what you must pay for.

For all you folks who have spent some time in Logos 5 and now 6, feel free to give me some good reasons as to why it's worth the upgrade. Will be graduating seminary soon, but I'm already in full-time ministry.

Others will give you specifics about features they use and enjoy... Let me suggest two reasons why "now" might be a good time for YOU.

If you don't currently have an academic discount, you might qualify. Use it while you can.

Base packages are generally the cheapest way to pick up resources... and the prices are cheapest during the launch.

Thanks. I'm currently in touch with my rep about an academic discount. If I qualify, the upgrade is a no brainer. I was initially denied as I'm in my final semester and my Capstone is only worth 2 hours credit (nevermind the 40 hours credit I've received up until this semester). Apparently, you have to have 3 hours credit to qualify. I'll let my rep figure that out, and if I qualify, it may make the upgrade decision much easier.

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649138#Comment_649138

That would currently be $171.83 for me. I don't know how much it would be if I would add Verbum Foundation at the same time (no I'm not a Catholic but I was in Catholic college until a year ago) and I won't check if I can't finance it tomorrow, Friday:Unix I believe that is available in THIS package. Shows as being 21$ for me, though I already have an L6 package and thus the datasets.

Todd Phillips

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649127#Comment_649127

Todd,

I did something similar. Did you buy L6 Silver and then add on the cross grade to get the additional features? Just wondering how much it would be to go Bronze or Silver and then cross-grade versus having to buy Gold.

I actually bought L6 Reformed Silver. The Feature Crossgrade is now only $20 for me. However, the only feature in it I don't already own is the Logos 6 Maps Volume 3. I haven't got it yet but I may eventually.

Sean Boisen

Hi All,

I'm currently still using Logos 4 (Silver package from way back when). For all you folks who have spent some time in Logos 5 and now 6, feel free to give me some good reasons as to why it's worth the upgrade. Will be graduating seminary soon, but I'm already in full-time ministry. Ready - Set - Go!

You might look at the features videos: that's a good way to get an overview of the new features and datasets. If you already have the resources you want, the new features and datasets will be the primary motivation to upgrade/crossgrade.

Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649199#Comment_649199

J. Wright

Please call Logos and check the price you may get a discount from what is shown on the logos.com from your cart. I know that i saved that way.

Todd Beall

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/649131#Comment_649131

I agree. I like NAC quite a bit.... (to each his/her own!)

Kendall Sholtess

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/651150#Comment_651150

NAC is a good, solid collection of Bible Commentaries. The one that might be controversial is Revelation. It is pre-trib pre-mil. But even so, the scholar that wrote it lays out probably the best argument I've seen for interpreting it that way.

Everybody keeps saying if you want a deal, call sales. But frankly, I have called and asked for deals many times, and haven't received a penny off by calling. In fact, last time I called, the rep had a rather gruff tone. Maybe they don't like me over there? At least in sales. I have talked to accounting and they seem so much nicer. But they don't sell things, they just adjust my payment plan. They're nice.

John Fuson

Hi,

I am disappointed. Although I can not give you good reasons to upgrade I do have something to say about the cost of upgrading and who should have to pay for upgrading. Many of you may be new to Logos but I have been using it since I purchased it as an employee when I worked for Focus on the Family. It was originally offered to the MIS department and I think for a brief time as one of the product offerings at Focus. The one thing that drew me to purchase the product was a life time guarantee for updates. The reason was that at that time most libraries were not digital. To give a measure of security regarding your investment this was stamped proudly on the box. It was called Libronix then. I received many updates under this banner and eventually when they changed the name to Logos. I was told I would have to pay for the Logos 5 update when it came out to cover the cost of the features and the format changes to the library. That cost me a year of payments. I paid for that upgrade thinking it provide functionality and upgrades as before since it was billed as the new platform. Now I am told I have to purchase another 150.00 base package. I actually own the scholars package but can not see paying what they want just to upgrade for that either. They ignored the original guarantee and contract in favor of profit. The changes are do not justify charging or ignoring the original guarantee. I think it is pretty bad when a company selling bible software does not keep its promises. I know they need to make money. But extrapolating it from your current customer base is a Microsoft ploy. How many do you think are out there who bought the software with that guarantee in the first place? If you were unfortunate enough to purchase after the policy change I feel your pain. But they should live up to what they promised for those of us who supported the product when they were a struggling start up don't you think? Gods blessing on your ministry!

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/651186#Comment_651186

I think it is pretty bad when a company selling bible software does not keep its promises.

I have had Logos since L2 and have found them to keep its promises. L4, L5 and L6 I know all had free update paths. I don' recall between L2 & L3 as I wasn't using the product much at that time as it didn't meet my needs very well. What broken promise or policy change are you referring to? I don't recall any promises that new features would be free.

Bradley Grainger (Logos)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/651186#Comment_651186

The one thing that drew me to purchase the product was a life time guarantee for updates.

The core "engine" is always available as a free update. Right now, the Logos 5 engine can be downloaded for free; the Logos 6 engine will be available for free download on February 3, 2015.

Now I am told I have to purchase another 150.00 base package.

You only have to pay if you want the new resources, datasets and features. (The "free updates for life" promise does not mean that every new feature added to the software will be given away for free.) If you just want to keep reading the books you already have but use the latest software, you can install the free engine update.

For more, please see these posts:

Rob

Yesterday morning I upgraded from Gold 5 Standard to Platinum 6 Standard (and added Tyndale Commentaries).

I was surprised how quickly the upgrade downloaded and indexed, even with my technically 'old' computer.

I was able to use the 'Before and After' feature of the city of Jericho this morning in the Adult Class I taught this morning on Joshua 6.

The DIY bible study provided some simple but thoughtful group discussion questions that helped in the application of the lesson as we finished up.

I wouldn't say this mornings experience by itself, made the upgrade worthwhile - but it was a great start for a program that shows lots of promise!