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Anyone use a PC Card for their Internet/MT work?

Posted By: At Home MT on 2006-06-24
In Reply to:

I am bringing my question to the top from my response to someone's post below.


I live in the country and do not even have cable available - only dial-up. 


I recently purchased a laptop and it only came with an ExpressCard slot (which it is my understanding that laptops in the future will be built with these and not PC slots). The ExpressCards have not hit the local Verizon or Sprint stores yet but I hear they are to soon and I plan to try one. I hope to be able to drop my dial-up ISP and just use my laptop for my on-line job. I also have my own local account where I pick up tapes and deliver their transcription and I can continue to use my regular PC for that work if I choose to.


Anyway, I would really appreciate knowing how you like your "card" for connecting to the Internet and how well it works out for you. Do you know if Verizon or Sprint has more coverage area? Have you traveled much with yours to see if you are able to get connections? How reliable has this been and how fast of a connection rate do you get on average?


I sure would appreciate any info you could share regarding this. Thanks so much.


Sandi




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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. 


verizon has broadband internet card
for laptops..  it is about 15 dollars/wk but you can write it off.. i do lots of stuff in the car and verizon works everywhere..
You need an air card to connect to the Internet. Once you're connected, you can do what you norma
do.  I have Sprint PCS and like their service.  There are different plans you can choose from.  Some give you the air card if you sign up for their better plans.  Hope this helps.
I renew my subscription to Norton each year it is due by credit card through them on the internet.

If I change computers how do I get that back into the new computer as I dont have a disc or anything I just do it over the internet. I have the original disc that I purchase 2 years ago but have since upgraded over the internet as I said.


 


If you want to work on the internet from home, take an internet course
But only from Andrews School or M-TEC. Many companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement and will test and hire you if you go to either of those schools. Do NOT bother with At Home Professions, Penn Foster, US Career Institute, or ESPECIALLY Trans-Am, which is also known as Trans-SCAM and is a total ripoff. You will have a VERY difficult time getting hired without experience unless you choose Andrews School or M-TEC. Yes, they cost more, but that's because they are excellent training programs, not "correspondence courses."
Anyone use a PC card for their work

I use a wireless card from Sprint and I am not that close to a tower.  I checked with Verizon and their coverage does not seem to be as broad as Spint.  I have no problems with downloading work, but do have  a bit of a time lag when uploading work.


I would definitely suggest checking though with your IT department if you work for a national. I occasionally work for another service, and I when I download reports for them, I have to rely on dial up.


Hope this helps


 


 


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
Oddly enough, if I don't use my bank card as a credit card in the billing cycle, I get charged fo
x
Debit card. They've got the credit card logo on them, so they
can be used anywhere a credit card can be used.
I used to send a card and gift card to my direct supervisor, but that's it. sm
She was the only one who knew me as more than an employee number, and the only one I had any respect for.
Do you use the internet to get your work? If so, sm
I can tell you a lot about working on a laptop via the internet. Been doing it for about 2 years now. I've taken it all over the country, but since I need high speed internet, I haven't always been successful. Took it to Disney twice and it only worked once at one of the resorts. the other time I couldn't even get access.

Spent the entire summer in Houston (I live near Atlanta) and it worked beautifully out there. Stayed with my brother and didn't have to take any time off.

I can work outside while the kids play here on my wireless card.

I had no luck with external keyboards, though. I used my laptop keyboard to the point where the E doesn't work after 2 years, so now I am on a stationary computer at home.

I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing this, though. It's been great for me.
Oh please, of course your internet is for work
Other deductions include anything you've done to your home; I think we wrote off the fence in the backyard, a shed, etc.  Oh, and as far as mileage, any time you go to an from the supply store; you need to write that off.  I almost always run out of tissues for my office, and need to get them each week from the grocery store, so I write that mileage off....  You two can play the games the IRS plays, and if I'm self employed, then yes, I will take any deduction I can get down the pencils and light bulbs for the lamps and lights around me; it is all office supplies.  Be smart people!
Yes, any AV will work with any internet program.
//
Okay...do you work? How can you afford your internet? nm
x
Mine avg. around $2K a year that is it -- all work via the internet- sm
I cannot see how anyone can write off $10K unless they are fudging things or have a very large office area in a very expensive house with a BIG mortgage---and drive back and forth delivering tapes, print outs, etc. I do not do the mortgage/office deduction so I am sure I could write off another $1K if I did that, but as I don't know when we are moving (planning to one of these days) I don't want the hassle so I just eat that one. As for my write offs I deduct anything remotely used or needed for work, electricity, paper, ink for my printer (print patient lists), my fax service, internet, FTP, any programs/upgrades, virus protection, reference books, any equipment (did my computer a couple years ago), phone line for work, etc. I am sure there is more (i.e. a new desk, chair, etc.). If you use it for work, write if off. --From the sounds of it though your accountant is right.
Does satellite internet work to type into Meditech?

I can't get cable or DSL, and wonder if satellite will work.


All things being equal, do you prefer to work with a C-phone or use WAV files over the internet? sm
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.  I have only ever used a c-phone but think I may bet getting ready to use WAV files and foot pedal for an account and am a little anxious!  TIA
I didn't have trouble when I installed, but it doesn't work well with Internet Exploer 7. sm
I have had to uninstall IE 7 due to script errors and such.  Works great with the IE 6 though. 
Has anyone disconnected the internal sound card and replace with another sound card?

I am having problems with my sound on one of my computers.  Several different ExText program have been on it so I don't think it is the program and the sound is just now as clear as on my other computer.  Has anyone switched (disconnected the internal sound care and replaced) to a new sound card?  Did it make a difference. 


Everyone on this board is so knowledgeable, I really appreciate you.  You have helped me many times. 


Internet based transcription - need advice on how to go internet
Can anyone offer any help/advice on how go about becoming internet based from a call in system, or how to keep the call in system for the docs and put transcriptionists on the internet?  Not sure where to start to get information on how to go about doing this. Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks.
No credit card is a good credit card.
Just kidding. I'd suggest not using credit cards to pay debts. It'll only dig you in deeper. Look into a signature loan or putting a lien against a vehicle or house. Lower interest rate, pay off sooner.
card
Riversongs and angelrays are the best...but they are free.
2,000 debit card
When your boss gives you your paycheck, do they ask what are you going to do with that money?  Didnt think so.  Same thing for the people of the gulf coast.  They lost their jobs, their homes.  The money they will be given will be in lieu of a paycheck till they can find another job and home.  Its a paycheck from the govt.
Ethernet card
If your connection to the internet is through a cable connection, then you have an Ethernet card. If it is dial up, you may not have one. Look at the back of your PC, and if you have a plug for a cable connection (it is slightly bigger than a phone plug), then you have an ethernet card. Hope this helps. You can also go into MY Computer and check there too.
find a new card....
or, as long as your payments have been on time, call them and let them know you will move your business, and most of the time, they will lower it. Check your FICO score...if it's good, you can call the shots if they want your business. All have that little clause now that says even if you are even 1 day late on ANY other bills, i.e, utilities, dept store, anything, they can charge up to 36% interest on your remaining paymnents. Read the very small print.
Nothing but a card in the mail...sm
Do ya think it would have broke the company to have slipped a little something into that card? McDonald's $5.00 gift certificate; anything to show a little appreciation.

I've been thinking about it because there's not a lot of suits to pay; 1 owner. Now that I think about it some more, I'm thinking the owner might be Jewish, and not celebrate Christmas. But then why even send the card? And why not call it "appreciation during the holidays" instead of a Christmas gift? I duuno. The supervisors actually are MTs; I would have thought they would have brought it up during their weekly huddle. "what are we going to do for the MTs for the holidays?"

I thought about it some more and maybe only being with the company for 2-1/2 months might have something to do with not getting even a token. Oh well.
YES. We had an IBM selectric with mag card
and we thought it was great! HAHAHAHA
wireless card
thanks for the info. When I call today, I will mention what you said. Maybe I will just go to one of the local Super stores and see if they can set me up with a inout deal, if not i really am going to move if it does not work-eeks
Credit card? I'm not sure either.
NM
does anyone have a prescription card that
isn't through their insurance company? like rxdrugcard, pharamacistrxcard, etc.  i was considering getting one to cover the meds that insurance doesn't cover or pays very little on.  any info is greatly appreciated
Debit card use
I know the credit card companies charge the place of business a fee or percentage when you use your credit card but does anyone know if it costs them every time you use a debit card, does the business pay a fee?   Our apartment complex just offered the option of automatic checking account deduction because they said it costs them less than credit/debit.
debit card
Usually my purchases show up right away, unless its a holiday weekend and I use the debit card like a credit card instead; then its usually the next business day before those purchases show up. However, if I use it like a regular debit card, holiday or not the purchases show right away.
And if you got a $10 card you'd gripe, too. It's all you know
*
I use a Verizon card
when traveling. I have the Nationwide package, $60 a month unlimited. In heavily populated areas, it is almost as quick as my DSL at home, but even in low population areas it is still better than dial-up. I've traveled from coast to coast (mostly along I-80) and only lost signal in the usual remote places (certain stretches of Wyoming or in heavy tree coverage). You might want to buy a card from whoever has the best cell signals in your area.
Rx drug card
I have one that's only $4.95 a month, and it's fabulous!! When I first applied for it online, I had 3 prescriptions waiting for me that were close to $60, but I paid less than $20 for them because the card was active within an hour after I ordered it!!
If you have a sound card..(sm)

you should have excellent quality.  If the sound card is within your computer, you should hook the ear phones directly up to the computer.  If not, you can install an external sound card and plug your ear phones into that.  I have the external and have absolutely wonderful sound quality.  On my lap tap I have an internal sound card and, again, have wonderful sound quality.  I have speakers, but don't use them.  If I unplug my ear phones, the speakers work, but I honestly can't say the last time I did that.  I always use my ear phones.


My cat just stepped on my keyboard...Now I have two of them sitting right in front of me.  Lovely, I guess they want my attention.


My daughter made it to the state tournament for softball All-Stars and we are headed up to the high country in the cool 80s.  We will be out of this 115 degree weather for a week.  Yippeee!  That is something I love about Arizona.  You just have a couple-hour drive and you are up in the cool mountain air.


Hope everyone has a great Sunday! 


calling card
I used mine when I was out of town, and my minutes started as soon as I was connected to the dictation system. I diconnected in between reports when I proofread. It was cumbersome to do that, but saved some of my minutes.
Verizon air card
More info please.  My husband and I are planning to do a lot of traveling and have been questioning the same things.  I know we can leach off a signal if we are close enough to a wireless place such as a hotel, but what if we are up in the mountains or on a beach in the middle of nowhere?  
sound card
Thanks so much - great ideas!
Did anyone ever have a video card go bad and what does it cause when this happens. nm
:
wireless card
Well there are a LOT of factors - you may be a ways down the road from the nearest cell tower, which is one of the reasons that you only get one bar on your cell phone. I mentioned the "new wireless card" as a POSSIBLE alternative to those MTs who live in a rural area and cannot get a DSL or cable connection or satellite is not a viable option and are also utilizing a desktop computer. Until recently, the wireless cards were only feasible if you had a laptop computer, so I was just informing people that this might be another option. Sorry you have such bad cell phone service -- this is not an option for everyone but as I mentioned a POSSIBLE option with possible being the keyword
air card usage
Great that Sprint offers that.  I do know on my account with Verizon there is unlimited usage, unlimited area.  So I guess as well it goes to show that different companies offer different packages and most likely for different areas, depending on competition.  Hope you find one that suits you, but make sure that you get the name, ID# , etc. of every person you talk to.  Makes it a lot easier if you have to go back for whatever reason to them.  Also, Verizon offers an antenna that you can hook to a window with suction cups, etc., so be sure to ask whoever you talk to if they offer any accessories at the time of sign up and if they can throw those in for free. 
I don't know if you mean WiFi or the air card.

The air card lets you connect to the internet provided there is service available in the area.  Just like cell service if there is no service it doesn't work.


WiFi works in the same way, if there is a network available within range you can connect to it, but unless it is an open hotspot you have to have a password to connect to it.   Most computers now come WiFi compatible.  If you have an older computer you can get a WiFi card that slides into a slot on your laptop.  They range in price from about $40 up to $100+ and can be found at any computer store, or a store like Best Buy or Circuit City. 


air card Sprint or AT&T?
i looked at verizon and don't think i want that one.  I was going to go through Sprint/Nextel, but then noticed that AT&T has a network as well.  any advice? 
Would never cut my card list sm
I look forward to my cards and read them again at the end of the season. I hang them across a door on a string and down the sides. If someone cuts me off their list, especially if I know they can afford it, I think it's very insulting. I also love a little message as to how things are going but hate those "newsletter" type notices at how "well" they are doing, enough of that aleady - just a card and a little handwritten note to add that extra pizazz to lighten up your life. I understand some may have no choice, then a phone call would be nice explaining how they cut out cards this year but didn't want to forget us at Christmas, that I would completely understand. IMHO
what usb/card type is best

 


 


  I'm looking at AT&T and Verizon's line of "air cards" and other USB gadgets to do this wireless connection.  Do you have a particular brand or plan that you would recommend?


use the back of the card
to tell things like your turn around time, years of experience, specialties (though you don't want to if you are branching out because it may scare potential clients if you are not well rounded), what type of dictation/transcription you offer, as in tape, digital, FTP transfer, call in system, etc. Good luck to you!
A SS card has ALWAYS been required
for jobs--if nothing else, to verify it for tax purposes. Go to your local SS office and apply, have to do it in person as they require ID.
It could be your video card is going bad.

Does it give you any kind of error message when it won't boot up or does it just sit there?


I know just enough to be dangerous, but it sounds like there could be a problem with the mother board.


Wireless Card
I am working on getting a wireless card as I know I will be doing more traveling and want to use it with my laptop for transcription while away from home.  I will use the card as a write-off for my business, but I also get a check for buying it through my own website.  If anyone else is interested in making a profit off of this and other services that you use every day, let me know by sending me an email.  I will speak to you about it then. 
I also use wireless card
I also use Verizon wireless USB card and have no problem connecting and staying connected where I am at.  If you can get a signal, you are in.  I work online and have not had a problem.  Even in my busiest month, I did not approach 2 GB of the 5 GB limit.