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Anybody here work only on a laptop and not use desktop computer at all?

Posted By: SM on 2008-01-21
In Reply to:

Does it drive you crazy with the small keyboard and small screen? Maybe it's something you get used to and compensate for when working. I'm considering getting a laptop just for work to keep things separate but looking for pros and cons of this. I figured somebody on the board has some advice on this.


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using desktop computer mobile as a laptop

Anyone have an idea about using a desktop computer as a laptop?  I am wanting to take a roadtrip and I had a laptop that has a cracked monitor screen that I used a Belkin wireless internet PCI card in the side of it with WiFi internet connection.  Is there a way to use my physical harddrive and establish the same wireless internet connection with WiFi?  I do not have the same port that the laptop has on my harddrive that the Belkin wireless card fit into, but is there another card that plugs into the desktop harddrive that will have the same effect?  Thank you all.


 


A computer is a computer, whether it be laptop or desktop.
I have both and use both and I bought both of mine...most companies do not provide computers...
Thanks! It sounds like an air card can also work between desktop and laptop
Thanks so much for all this info...It sounds like you can get air cards that plug into USB ports that you can interchange between your desktop computer and your laptop for on-the-go or if there were a power outage. Am pretty low tech but seriously considering this. A lot would depend on the dependability of the signal from my home. If it were steady, I would consider cutting (ha ha) the cable internet which is 48$ plus taxes and just have the broadband (60$ ?) which I could use with my desktop computer or take with me using a laptop and also could use with a laptop in case of power outage. hmmmmmm
I am a bit computer dumb, but what would I need with a laptop to work while at the hospital with my
nm
A laptop is really no different than a desktop and whatever

you need on your desktop to work, you want on your laptop.   More and more laptops aren't coming with a dial-up modem and I would want that if traveling so that you have another option for connection.   Depending on how/where you travel you may never need it, but I think you always need several options for connecting.   I have used a laptop only for 5 years.   I do use an external keyboard, but it isn't wireless.   I don't know if computers have the ability to have something built-in for a wireless keyboard and/or mouse, but if not you have to have to connect something to your computer and that will just be another piece of equipment to have to keep you with. 


There are a lot of companies who advertise "internet based," but that doesn't mean necessarily that you can just download dictation and work off-line.  Many companies want you to type live into their system, so if you are going to be looking for a new position you need to be sure about the details. 


Some companies require you to use their equipment, so traveling wouldn't work well with something like that.   If you are able to use your own equipment if you had a laptop already they could load your laptop to start with. 


 


I have an HP laptop and a desktop....sm...

I've had the laptop since January 2007 and the desktop since December 2005. I have been pleased with both.  Tech support is from India but make sure you tell them you use your computer for business purposes and you'll get someone who speaks very good English.  Otherwise, you'll be repeatedly saying, "Scuse me.  Could you repeat that?"


My DH has two HP laptops and has been pleased.  Then again, my DD and her father, my ex-husband, both have Dell laptops and have been pleased.  They don't run theirs as much as I run mine though with several programs running at one time.


Get Windows XP Pro.  Don't go with Vista.  There are still some compatibity issues with MT software.


Laptop vs. desktop - I don't get it
The size of the computer shouldn't matter. It's probably the "wireless" that concerns them (though if a VPN is used and/or you have very good security software it shouldn't matter). Just plug in like you do at home and you should be able to connect.

I use a laptop and desktop...
The company (MQ) provided the desktop, the laptop is mine.  I do not think they provide laptops. 
I have a desktop and a laptop...
I got the laptop for Christmas just in case the other computer died and guess what, the other computer died...the motherboard...just I just got a brand new desktop instead of paying to fix the motherboard since they wanted an arm and a leg...so for me having the laptop has been a God send...but it is not something you need to do to work at home...
You need the same specs in a laptop as you have in your desktop.

You needs at least 512 RAM, a good sound card, Ethernet/wireless card, and a dial-up modem if you plan to travel and work, so you have multiple options for obtaining work.   Any computer you buy off the shelf should have everything you would need but maybe the dial-up modem. 


If you use a foot pedal you may need to be an adapter to convert your pedal to USB, if you are using serial/game port with desktop. 


 


How to connect laptop to desktop sm
My desktop will not connect to the internet, no internet explorer working yet my laptop connects so if I can connect to my desktop somehow could I start up the internet that way and download internet explorer to my desktop so I will not get an error message? Confusing, I know, but I did a disk compression and I think that's how it got messed up. A system restore will now be allowed on any old dates tried. It's very frustrating.
Desktop or Laptop? Gotta buy a new puter...sm

Not sure whether I would like to buy another desktop or a laptop.  My hubby has a laptop and the only way I can transcribe on his is if I use an adaptor to connect my ergonomic keyboard.  I am wondering if the screen from the laptop would cramp my style.  I am leaning more towards another desktop because I can use my hubby's when traveling, but then still question what brand.  Anyone willing to give some suggestions as far as brand, specs, capabilities.  I would rather hear from fellow MTs versus sales people in the store selling me things I really do not need.  Thanks!!


switching peripherals from desktop to laptop

if they have previously been used on that machine, does the machine have to be turned off before attaching them?  don't know what i'd do without you guys on this board, be lost in space i guess...


Usually one desktop install and one laptop per license. nm
x
I bought a desktop and laptop in December. Can I claim on taxes..
and is there a limit to how often you purchase computers for your work? A friend thought you could buy one a year and claim it.  I bought the laptop and desktop in December and already hate the laptop, but I hate to purchase another one if I cannot claim it this year. Oh, also if I charged the computers on my Dell account in December but did not start making payments in January 2006 can I still claim for 2005 taxes. Thanks.
I have a desktop Dell and it has been alright so far, but I've never owned a laptop.
What brand are you currently using then?
Made by Dell. I have had no problems with any of my laptop or desktop Dells.
.
I've purchased one laptop and one desktop system used/refurbished, sm
...both from that place I mentioned, and you wouldn't know them from used. I used the laptop happily for many years (still have it, though it's quite out of date now), and the PC is going on it's 2nd year with no problems. You do have to be careful when buying used, but if you're dealing with a reputable site that has a good rep, it's usually not a problem at all and the savings can be tremendous.
Can someone tell me how to have Vista and XP on same desktop computer?
Someone said a post was on this board, but I have not found it yet.  What does this process entail, please.  I don't want to get rid of Vista, but have both XP and Vista running on the same computer.  TIA
LAPTOP COMPUTER
I am thinking seriously of switching to a laptop computer and getting the DocQScribe platform put on it.  I lost a lot of money from Hurricane Katrina and am still losing money as I still cannot type as I have cable high speed and it is not up and running. Will most likely switch to Bell South high speed and go from there but was just wondering if anyone had a problem with the program being loaded on a laptop or anyother national for that matter.   I could have worked for 3 weeks while in a hotel if I would have had a laptop.  Do not want to get caught in that position again.  If you are working from a laptop, is there anything else that I would need to hook up in a hotel room and which kind of laptop do you recommended?  Appreciate any and all answers that I receive.
Need information about laptop computer for MT sm

Exactly what do I need to look for in a laptop.  I have an ill family member which requires me to be more mobile.  Ram?  Hard drive?  How many ports?  Do you like any particular brand - I lean towards Dell, but am certainly not a diehard Dell fan. 


Any tips you might have would be appreciated.


 


Thak you


Wondering about a laptop computer
and how is it to use with transcription.  Anybody use a laptop in their job.  Am I right, laptop or lap-top, or lap top???
Using a laptop computer while traveling

Hi,


In answer to your question, I have a USB aircard through Sprint, which I use here at home since I am in the "boonies" and only a mile and a half from a cell tower however, so my connection speed is great.  When I "travel of the weekend" it is usually up to my significant others, and he has DSL available there so I use either or,


Hope this helps.


 


Has anyone tried accessing your own home computer from a laptop remotely with PC Anywhere or similar

I'm wondering if this is possible instead of having to install everything on my laptop to work remotely.  It would be nice if I could hook up to my home PC with my laptop and am wondering if there is a program that would allow me to do so or do I have to re-install everything on my laptop to work remotely.


I have auto corrects, medical spell check, medical dictionary, etc., that I would need on both computers.


TIA


I work on Escription platform and the adapter didnt work for me. I tried it on my laptop though
and the foot pedal would just not play correctly with the adapter. I think others have tried it and done it but it just didnt work for me.
I work from a laptop on DQS
We travel back and forth between our main home and a cabin. It works fine. I got all kinds of help from another poster on this board before I bought and then did a lot of research on the internet. DQS loads just dandy. Just make sure you get a fairly powerful processor and plenty of memory and storage. Also you'll need several kinds of ports to accommodate an external keyboard, foot pedal and mouse. Mine came with all these. It's an HP with an AMD-64 processor. Very very happy with it!
i have a laptop so i can still work on
battery back up, but i still unplug everything and wait it out.  it's not worth the risk because it only takes once and you lose everything.  i'm in the midwest with tornados going through right now....i couldn't live without my laptop and battery back up!
Anyone work on laptop?
Wondering if any MT's work on laptop versus desktop computer?
Does anyone use a laptop for work?
Do you like it? My PC is about to take a dump and Im gonna have to find something else to take its place. My friend has a laptop I can borrow. Everything new has Vista and work has advised us not to upgrade to Vista at present.
About laptop for MT work..sm

i just got a very nice, widescreen laptop for work. I have medical issues and could not withstand working at my desk any longer. People are telling me that it won't last for MT work becuase the keyboard is not durable enough. Well, i still use my ergo keyboard hooked up and i only use the laptop keyboard for work when I am completing my work for about 2 to 3 hours at night. My question is, has any of you ever had a laptop keyboard go bad with MT work?

I hope not, took me years to even afford this one. :)


About laptop for MT work

I have been using laptops (first one was a notebook) for about 10 years. The one I have now is over 4 years old and doing fine. I too, use an external keyboard. I wouldn't have anything else.
Using Laptop for Work

Yes, the keypad in the laptop is not designed for typing work and it is VERY costly if need to be changed.  So, you can hook up an USB keyboard and optical mouse with your laptop's USB port.


 


 


You CAN work in bed on a laptop
Okay, so maybe I'm the last laptop MT out there who just discovered this but I've figured out how to work from bed on days when I'm struggling physically (I have RA). I have propped my foot pedal on a pillow under my elbow/forearm, and gently lean on it while I type. MUCH better! Just wanted to pass that wisdom on in case there was anyone else out there that could be helped by this.
No - no laptop - no computers and no work
I'm just going to leave - and try to relax and work this out. I have no support at home with this, so I am sure it will be at least a day before anyone at home will realize that I am not there. Probably when someone needs me to do something - it will be hey - where's mom - I thought she was just going to the store. My husband has been in the garage today with his brother and another guy since about 9:00 a.m. - and it is hot here. Thanks for everyone's support. The rest of my immediate family is dead or I am sure that they would help me with this. That is why I have to go somewhere on my own, since I don't have any family to help me.
I work outside with my laptop with no problems.
I also have a Sprint USB wireless card and can work anywhere I get a signal, which for me is basically everywhere I travel. I purchased a 9-cell battery and get approximately 6 hours of work time. I use Express Scribe for work and I just use the hotkeys and I don't need to use a footpedal. All my resources are electronic and are downloaded onto my laptop.

While I still prefer to work at a desk as I am more productive when working at my desk, it is nice to have the option to work outside when the weather is nice or if my kids want to go outside to play.
How many of you use a Laptop solely for work? nm
xx
Laptop/notebook recommendations for transcription work?

I am going to get a laptop/notebook in about a month and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for one that seems to work well with transcription.  I need to know specifics like hard drive, RAM, memory, model number, etc.  Thanks in advance


Doesn't work with "wireless" - my laptop is wireless sm
And my tower is wireless, does this mean I can't use it at all? Sorry to be so uninformed was looking forward to the 2 computers,1 screen and keyboard. ???
Last year we went to Disney and I work on a laptop so I brought it and didn't
take any time off so I could work. After much probing, calling, and trying to set up my internet (I made sure the hotel had wireless or I wouldn't book it), I finally got on line, but it was the night before we had to leave anyway.
I absolutely love my Dell laptop because of the flexibility and I can work on the dining table, office, kids room, etc. I can't imagine ever going back to a desktop PC.
But, you never know when you travel if 100% you will be able to get online.
Does anyone use laptop & cell phone/Internet Card for work?

I am not real computer literate but am wondering if I couldn't get unlimited Internet with a cell phone plan and use that for my on-line job/Internet connection exclusively. I have found plans for around $70/month.


If so, I was thinking too I could possibly give up my land line phone, Callwave, my dial-up ISP (as that is all we have available where live) and actually save a little money by doing so. I don't make/receive a lot of land line calls and I have a TracFone cell phone that I don't use much now. I get excellent reception with that where I live. We have a huge tower within walking distance of where I live but we live out in the "sticks". :D I know my connection would be dependent on the reception where I live and the cell phone service I would use. I am not sure which one truly has the best coverage and/or who may be using the tower by our home but TracFone apparently does. :)


TIA. 


That's strange I bought the adapter but couldnt get it to work right. Maybe cuz it was a laptop..
I'll have to try it again. I just could not get it to work right. I would get sound but then it would freeze up.
So you can work completely remote on a laptop and access your home PC with this program

please e-mail me with more info if you can.  thx


I have one work computer (sm)

in a  corner of the living room at my real desk (with places to put reference books and such) and one on the dining room table until I can get another desk. It's Grand Central Station. Have learned to concentrate while blips and bleeps and music are coming from PC on which son is playing.   First thing people notice when they come in is the unusual number of computers in one place.


I work 2 and use my own computer, so yes
they are both on the same computer. However, if you are using a company-furnished computer, you CANNOT work your second job on that computer.
This is not my work computer and I am not scanning. This is not my job, so __
qq
i'm glad my work computer is
separate. I thought I had good security on my home computertoo but it still makes me paranoid.
I need computer help. How do I make PRD work

PRD is on my old MQ program, but I can't seem to get it moved over to my Microsoft Word page.  I can't seem to get my Stedman's Spell check over there either.


Help.


is he playing this on your work computer? (sm)
make a password for the computer. I don't agree with be glad it's just video games -- addictions are addictions and can affect the family life just as bad as alcohol, porn or any other bad addiction.

If he's ignoring his family due to the games and it's creating a problem, then it IS a problem. I'm so fortunate in that my DH doesn't even know how to turn on a computer. He's never had an interest.

Password protect the computer. Tell him it's off limits. He will get used to not playing anymore.
Computer work area...

Does anyone have their computer work area in a computer armoire?  I am thinking about changing my work area to that, but I am used to an open desk area, and I am wondering if you feel at all boxed in by the armoire. 


 


           Just wondering...


           bookworm


They should definitely ask. I have a lap top in addition to my work computer and it is for the..sm
kids and anyone else who wants to use my computer.  I'm not saying I'd never let anyone use my computer, but I'd have to trust them because this is my livelihood.
The MTSO I work for on my own computer
block certain sites when I am connected per their system. The internet is not disabled, but I have to disconnect from them to check my e-mail. However, research sites are still allowed.