Which Package to Start With

Hey there everyone! I am about to embark on my seminary journey this spring at Southern Theological Seminary online. I will be pursuing a M. Div with a focus in pastoral studies. I would call myself a reformed baptist, so I have been torn on what package to buy. Do I get a standard package and then add in my reformed and baptist desires and needs? Or start with a reformed package and then add in some baptist stuff as I move on? Or vice versa?

I would love as much insight as possible before I put money into all this!

Thanks so much for your time!

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GaoLu

Start with a standard package and get all you can afford. Eventually you are going to anyway. Then add on piece by piece--what you need--but watch for collections they may be a part of. If a lot of what you want is in some other base package or collection, save a lot of money and buy that package or collection then.

Robert Neely

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/943688#Comment_943688

If i had it to do over, i would have started looking in the facebook group that does resales for logos packages. You can pick up some really great bargains, But you do need to be careful as you can get burned. I try to pay the owner after the transfer only.

Gao's advice is very good also. Buying a package offers the lowest price per book, but you need to make sure you will use a significant portion of the books in that package. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a package than a particular set that you are interested in.

PetahChristian

Welcome to the forums, Michael.

First see if your school offers a special bundle for your studies. Your best discount will come through the school (if they have already worked out a deal with Faithlife).

Regardless, sign up for an academic discount.

You should also check out the biblical languages bundle. It's a special bundle available to members with an academic discount, but it doesn't offer dynamic pricing, so you may want to purchase that item first before buying anything else.

In addition to choosing a library, there are other options to consider, such as whether you want to buy (own) or subscribe to (rent) the program's features and tools. There are several existing threads discussing whether the Logos Now membership benefits are worth it or not, but you might find that any savings pays for the cost of the membership, depending on what you choose to purchase.

scooter

Hey, Michael: I just received the following email. I post it in its entirety, so U can access its value. I am the wrong person to answer follow-up questions about the ins-+-outs of the decision tree; others much better qualified will, and already have, assisted U. Email:

How to Get Logos 7: All Your Options, Clearly Explained from the Logos Bible Software Blog

How to Get Logos 7: All Your Options, Clearly Explained

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 04:00 AM PST

Logos 7 base packages are 20% off—just in time for Christmas. We want to make it simple for you to get what you need for Bible study, and we are offering our best price in years.

Need a bigger library? Just want the features? Working with a limited budget?

Whatever your situation, there’s a Logos 7 option to match. And if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to call us at 888-875-9491. We’re happy to help you sort through your options.

Meanwhile, I’ll walk you through all the different ways you can get Logos 7, explaining why customers typically choose one path over another.

1. Get a base package

If you want to own Logos 7 features and get more books for your library, purchasing a base package is the most cost-effective choice.

LineUp

What it is

A base package is two things: a feature set and a library.

A feature set. The Logos 7 Full Feature Set is in Bronze and above. It includes—you guessed it—all the features of Logos 7. The Logos 7 Starter Feature Set includes a smaller selection of Logos 7 features and is only available in a Starter base package. When you purchase a base package you permanently own those new features.
A library. As in previous versions of Logos, the size and value of the libraries grow as you move through the base package levels—from Starter all the way to Collector’s. When you purchase a base package, the books, like the features, are yours to keep and use on all your Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Who it’s for

If you want to own the latest tools and a new library this is the choice for you.
If you’re new to Logos, a base package is the most cost-effective way to get started.
If you already have a Logos base package, you’ll get a discount based on the resources you already own. We call it Dynamic Pricing, and it’s one of the reasons getting a base package is our most cost-effective option: you never have to buy the same book twice.

What it costs

It depends. Because of Dynamic Pricing, everybody’s price is different. For instance, the regular price for Logos 7 Gold is normally $1,549.99. But if you own Logos 6 Gold and take advantage of the 20% off sale running till December 30, your Dynamic Price drops to just $490.52.

How to choose a base package

We have a few resources to help you find the base package that’s right for you.

Get a personalized recommendation. Visit Logos.com/get-7, and be sure you’re logged into your Logos account. We’ll make a Logos 7 recommendation based on the resources you already own.
See all our base packages. Visit Logos.com/basepackages for a birds-eye view of all our base packages. Scan the page for the ones you’re interested in, then click to view the individual product pages.
Compare all our base packages. Visit Logos.com/compare to see how different base packages stack up.
Talk to a Resource Expert. Give us a call at 888-875-9491. We’ll answer any questions you have and walk you through your base package options. And don’t forget to ask about our payment plans: we’ll work with you to find the option that best fits your budget.

2. Get a Logos 7 Feature Set

Logos 7 is two things, but you don’t have to buy them both. If you have enough books and you just want to own Logos 7 features, this is for you.

FullFeatureSet-300x300

What it is

All (or some) of the features of Logos 7. After purchasing the Logos 7 Full Feature Set, you’ll own all the features of Logos 7. Or, if you go with the Starter Feature Set, you’ll own a selection of Logos 7 features. Whichever option you choose, those features will be yours to keep, forever.

Who it’s for

If you aren’t interested in new books but want the newest Logos features, this is a great choice.

What it costs

It depends. Dynamic Pricing applies to our Feature Sets, too. The regular price for the Full Feature Set $599.99, but if you already own a base package, your savings will be significant. For instance, if you own Logos 6 Silver, with Dynamic Pricing and our current 20% off sale (till December 30th) you’ll get the Full Feature Set for just $199.64!

How to get a Logos 7 Feature Set

Visit the Logos 7 Full Feature Set or Starter Feature Set product page and click “Add to cart.”
Check out and enjoy!

3. Get a Logos 7 Essential Upgrade

If you want new features and only the most essential books this is for you.

What it is

Each Essential Upgrade includes a Logos 7 Feature Set and a collection of books you’ll love. Just choose the size that fits your needs and budget.
- The Small Essential Upgrade comes with the Logos 7 Starter Feature Set and 39 books, including the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries and J.C. Ryle’s Holiness (with audio). See what else you get with the Small Essential Upgrade.
- The Medium Essential Upgrade comes with the Logos 7 Full Feature Set and 45 books, including everything in Small, the High Definition Commentary on Romans and James, and Grindheim’s Introducing Biblical Theology. Explore everything included in Medium.
- The Large Essential Upgrade comes with the Logos 7 Extended Feature Set and 93 additional books, including everything in Small and Medium, plus the Baker Sermon Outline Collection and Goldingay’s Old Testament Theology. See what else is included.

Looking for the perfect fit? Call us at 888-270-7536 and we’ll help you find the option that’s best for you.

Who it’s for

If you want the new features and want to make sure that they work with your library, this is for you. For example, the new Biblical Theology section in the passage guide isn’t much help if you don’t have any biblical theologies.
Many of the new features in Logos 7 are new and powerful ways of drawing from your books, but if you don’t have the right books you won’t get the benefit. The Logos 7 Essential Upgrades are designed to give you just enough oomph to make the feature sets work well in your study.

What it costs

It depends. As always, your Dynamic Price is based on the resources you already own and should result in a reduction of your cost for any upgrades. And right now, the Essential Upgrades are all 20% off till December 30th.

The upshot

What you need depends on who you are and what you have.

If you are just getting into Logos, get a Logos 7 base package. We buy in bulk and pass the massive savings on to you. You’ll get a Bible study library with dictionaries, commentaries, Bible texts, and much more.
If you already have Logos and are happy with your library (although which Bible student out there doesn’t want just one more book?), get one of the feature sets to get our new tools—such as Sermon Editor, a special 30-day Logos training course, the Concordance tool, Multiview Resources, and the Empty Tomb interactive.
If you are in between—you have Logos 6 but you only want the books that will help you use the new tools—get an Essential Upgrade.

***

Need more info before making your decision? Visit Logos.com/7 for an overview of what’s new in Logos. Or if you still have questions, give one of our Resource Experts a call at 888-875-9491. (And don’t forget to ask about our payment plans.)

Eric Back

I agree with other advice given, especially Gao's, that the standard library with specialized additions is a good way to go. I don't know if the educational discount is stackable with other discounts such as the current one of 20% off but it's worth enquiring about. If I'd had Logos when I attended Southeastern Baptist Seminary I think I'd have benefitted most from the language resources. The commentaries and dictionaries would have been useful but most papers required a specific number of primary sources so there's no getting away from a reliance on library resources. Access to ATLAS will also be very helpful and many schools make internet access available to students and alums.

Robert M. Warren

Michael:

You might check out these posts:

https://community.logos.com/forums/p/129632/842432.aspx

https://community.logos.com/forums/p/129642/875961.aspx

https://community.logos.com/forums/p/82252/575730.aspx

Greg Corbin

Michael, great to hear of your calling and beginning to train in seminary. I am writing to you as a 20+ year SBC pastor as well as an extensive Logos user since 2008. Here is my advice....First of all, totally ignore the denominational labels of the packages and the number of books you will be getting. Focus like a laser exclusively on which resources you will get that you will actually use. Forturnately, as the packages are presently configured, this is pretty issue to sort out.

Begin by climbing the Standard package ladder all the way through Gold. Keep upgrading packages as you have the funds through Standard Gold. This is easily the best "bang for your buck" and will give you some great commentaries (Tyndale, Pillar, Bible Speaks Today), references (Baker and Anchor Yale dictionaries), as well as all of the original language resources that are incredible.

After you get Standard Gold, then make a list of great resources that you will need/want - many of which will not be found in any of the packages. As you have funds, get them on sale, etc. Be patient. Set aside money. When you see a great deal on something you want - grab it. Here is my listing of what I would recommend you by first after the Standard Gold package...

New American Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Thomas Constable's Commentary

Bible Exposition Commentary (Old and New Testament)

Zondervan NIV Study Bible

MacArthur Study Bible

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

Grudem's Systematic Theology

Erickson's Systematic Theology

The King in His Beauty by Tom Schreiner

Word Biblical Commentary

UBS Bible Handbooks (Old & New Testaments)

DO NOT spend any money on anything else until you have all of these resources. After this, you can buy other great sets and supplement as needed. You will want Calvin's Commentaries in Logos, but you can get them free online several places until you can pick them up in Logos. After getting Standard Gold, double check to make sure none of these are in the other packages. For instance, New American Commentaries are included in Baptist Gold. Using dynamic pricing might mean that you could upgrade to Baptist Gold for close to what you would spend for New American alone. Again, if you can get a big ticket resource you want in a package, that is the best bang for your buck.

One other thing, most likely the package configurations will change in Fall 2018 when Logos 8 rolls out - meaning something you want that is in a package now might not be then. Also, something on your wish list that isn't in a package, might be in one at that time. Let me know if I can be of any further help. Keep studying!

Michael Riley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/943709#Comment_943709

Michael, great to hear of your calling and beginning to train in seminary. I am writing to you as a 20+ year SBC pastor as well as an extensive Logos user since 2008. Here is my advice....First of all, totally ignore the denominational labels of the packages and the number of books you will be getting. Focus like a laser exclusively on which resources you will get that you will actually use. Forturnately, as the packages are presently configured, this is pretty issue to sort out.

Begin by climbing the Standard package ladder all the way through Gold. Keep upgrading packages as you have the funds through Standard Gold. This is easily the best "bang for your buck" and will give you some great commentaries (Tyndale, Pillar, Bible Speaks Today), references (Baker and Anchor Yale dictionaries), as well as all of the original language resources that are incredible.

After you get Standard Gold, then make a list of great resources that you will need/want - many of which will not be found in any of the packages. As you have funds, get them on sale, etc. Be patient. Set aside money. When you see a great deal on something you want - grab it. Here is my listing of what I would recommend you by first after the Standard Gold package...

New American Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Thomas Constable's Commentary

Bible Exposition Commentary (Old and New Testament)

Zondervan NIV Study Bible

MacArthur Study Bible

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

Grudem's Systematic Theology

Erickson's Systematic Theology

The King in His Beauty by Tom Schreiner

Word Biblical Commentary

UBS Bible Handbooks (Old & New Testaments)

DO NOT spend any money on anything else until you have all of these resources. After this, you can buy other great sets and supplement as needed. You will want Calvin's Commentaries in Logos, but you can get them free online several places until you can pick them up in Logos. After getting Standard Gold, double check to make sure none of these are in the other packages. For instance, New American Commentaries are included in Baptist Gold. Using dynamic pricing might mean that you could upgrade to Baptist Gold for close to what you would spend for New American alone. Again, if you can get a big ticket resource you want in a package, that is the best bang for your buck.

One other thing, most likely the package configurations will change in Fall 2018 when Logos 8 rolls out - meaning something you want that is in a package now might not be then. Also, something on your wish list that isn't in a package, might be in one at that time. Let me know if I can be of any further help. Keep studying!

Oh wow! Thank you so much for this detailed response! This is exactly the type of response I was hoping for. I think I will take your advice and start with the gold standard package, and then from there add what is needed/wanted. I will definitely purchase those specific bibles and commentaries you mentioned.

I will be sure to message you if I have anymore pertinent questions!

Again, thank you so incredibly much!

Michael Riley

I wanted to say thank you so much for everyone who has responded so far! I will without a doubt be using all of your advice.

I am sure I will be using this forum a lot throughout these next several years of study, and will be requesting tons of advice from you all.