AS in Christian Ministry - what kind of computer should I use? Does it matter?

LRose613 said:

Hello!

I am planning on going to school online soon for an AS in Christian Ministry. I am trying to determine what the best device I should use for my classes would be? I prefer windows and Android devices to Apple and I think a two in one that I can use for writing notes might be useful? But I am also torn because I don't want to spend a ton of money on a device that I'm not going to use to it's fullest potential? I do like gaming so I was thinking of making this a dual purpose purchase and get a laptop I can game on a little too - but between going to school and working full time I don't think I'll have time to game anyway?

I'm over thinking this, but I've been out of school for almost 10 years so I'm worried about getting the most useful thing for my studies? I'm rambling now. Suggestions are appreciated.

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I have to chuckle. I spent a couple of years in college from 1971-1973. I took an interim computer class. They used punch cards to feed giant size computers with input.

I was scratching my head how I could answer your question, knowing as little as I do about these things. And then suddenly the answer seemed obvious. What's wrong with the old-fashioned way of taking a tablet of paper and pen to class, and then taking notes?

Power Notebooks, a Christian laptop gaming company, custom built me the best , longest lasting laptop I have ever owned, by a lot. Unfortunately, it no longer exists, but it's owner, Donald, works at another, similar company, so I would recommend calling or emailing him (as he will be able to sell or custom build you the best laptop computer for your needs).

You can reach Donald by phone at 888-666-3418 Ext. 44 or email him at Donald@HIDevolution.com

The service that is included with these laptops is amazing as well (and that has continued under the new business HIDevolution as well.

All of PowerNotebook's custom built laptops were named with Scripture verses and I must say that it is a wonderful thing to have sales and service people on the other end of the line who are far and away Christians first, and businessmen/techs, second

Yours and His,
David

LRose613 said:

Hello!

I am planning on going to school online soon for an AS in Christian Ministry. I am trying to determine what the best device I should use for my classes would be? I prefer windows and Android devices to Apple and I think a two in one that I can use for writing notes might be useful? But I am also torn because I don't want to spend a ton of money on a device that I'm not going to use to it's fullest potential? I do like gaming so I was thinking of making this a dual purpose purchase and get a laptop I can game on a little too - but between going to school and working full time I don't think I'll have time to game anyway?

I'm over thinking this, but I've been out of school for almost 10 years so I'm worried about getting the most useful thing for my studies? I'm rambling now. Suggestions are appreciated.

Click to expand...

I'm guessing that your Ministry course won't require anything more exotic than internet access plus basic word processing/spreadsheets etc. If that's the case you need only buy a basic, inexpensive laptop with a basic processor (say I3) and 4gb of RAM. Don't worry about memory (i.e. hard drive) size - they're all big (apart from tablets) these days.

Add in gaming and that changes significantly. To game you'll need a higher level processor (say I5 or I7), at least 8GB of RAM and a graphics card. A good gaming machine will be in the order of twice (or more) the price of a basic machine based on my (Australian) experience.

After deciding if you really, really want to spend $$ on a gaming machine, you need to consider the size of the screen. Smaller screens use less power (i.e.battery lasts longer) and are lighter to carry around but they can be annoying.

If you want to save money, forget the gaming and buy a basic machine. Unless your course includes things like animation or video editing ,a basic laptop is all you need.
OB

LRose613 said:

think a two in one that I can use for writing notes might be useful?

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I would think anything big enough to game on would be to big to drag to class. Maybe better to decide what note taking program you will use, with syncing between devices a major requirement. If the prog is browser/cloud-based, should be no problem.

OB makes some very good points. If you do decide to eliminate the gaming "side" and go for ministry only, do consider the power requirements of modern ministry tools/needs (which often includes animation/photo, video editing, as well the power requirements for massive Bible library/search engines like Logos Bible Software, for instance).

Perhaps the power of the bigger/badder computer 'is' in order for you if you can afford it (get as much RAM as possible ), though you may not have as much need for a super-powerful video card if you are not playing games.

Another thought I had concerns security. If you carry around a fancy laptop, it is subject to being stolen or simply dropped. And if it is set up for convenience, once they break the Windows password they are into a treasure trove of data.
But if you have a cheaper netbook, it is easier to carry, and you can set it up to require logins for each browser session, which is especially important if you use a browser password manager. You can limit the data you store on the unit to what's necessary for school, in case the worst happens. And if it is stolen or lost, you're only out a small amount.
I use CherryTree for notes, and it can be synced across units using a Dropbox account. Evernote and Onenote are alternatives.
Also, if you have an older netbook, a lightweight Linux distro can be installed to breath new life into it. You generally don't need a residual antivirus on linux, which acts like a heavy tax on Windows machines. And the right linux installation looks and feels much like Windows, but IME is much better.

LRose613 said:

All my classes are online. That's the main reason I'm concerned. I use my phone for everything now so I'm kinda nervous about what computer to use? And like if I could just do it on a tablet, which would be cheaper and easier?

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I am pretty good with a desktop computer, so that would be my first choice, but if you can find something cheaper that can do the job, go for it. I guess I'm not much help, though.

LRose613 said:

All my classes are online. That's the main reason I'm concerned. I use my phone for everything now so I'm kinda nervous about what computer to use? And like if I could just do it on a tablet, which would be cheaper and easier?

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There is considerable price overlap between tablets and lower end laptops so don't assume a tablet is cheaper. Bigger screen, 32gb tablets are as expensive as a decent laptop. "Easier" probably depends on what operating system you're used to.

I don't want to overload you with info but you need to keep a few things in mind:

• From the point of view of processing power a cheap laptop kills a tablet. If you want gaming forget tablets unless Angry Birds is your thing.
• Tablet prices are determined by two things; screen size and storage (memory) capacity. Are you going to be happy with a 9" screen?
• A top end tablet will usually have a round 32gb of memory; a basic laptop around 500gb - 1000gb. Some tablets have a mini SD card port allowing you to increase memory capacity. Will you need to store data or add extra programs/apps for your training?
• Typing on a tablet involves an on-screen keyboard or buying a separate blue tooth keyboard. Hunching over a tiny keyboard can get a bit wearing.
• Tablets (and small laptops) don't have disk drives. Will you need one?
• Tablets have limited connectivity (i.e. ports). You will probably be limited to a micro/mini USB port and SD card slot. Check connectivity before you buy.
• Will you need to use specific software for your course. If so will it be compatible with your operating system? Windows is the safer bet.
• The good news is that tablets have Solid State Drives (SSD) so they boot up a lot faster than laptops

If I were you I'd get an inexpensive 15.6 inch laptop however I will admit to having an old school bias which regards tablets as toys with internet access.

OB

For the kind of use You intend, I'd say a tablet with some physical keyboard sollution that runs Windows 10 and has an AMD CPU, if You can find one, and install Accordance Bible Study software on it. Try installing the free version first just to test speed and think whether You could use it for everything speed-wise!
If You can't find that, I'd say the above except a laptop: Look for how many pixels the monitor has. Specs doesn't matter as much as You think, but I'd stay away from AMD "E2" CPU:s. I'd stay away from Intel - they have more built-in errors that can't be remedied in any way and are more expensive. To further cut down the cost, buy used in great shape, and buy an extra battery. Choose a model in which You can change the battery and which has at least three USB ports - as those are prone to wear and You often need more ports than You think, four ports would be optimal. A magnesium frame helps.
Go to PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts for the final comparison of Your alternatives! Pay attention to single core rating vs power in Watts -ratio! If possible get one with decent L2 or L3 cache.