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I've purchased one laptop and one desktop system used/refurbished, sm

Posted By: NWMNMT on 2009-03-06
In Reply to: Is it dangerous to buy used? - can

...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 I used the laptop happily for many years (still have it, though it's quite out of date now), and the PC is going on it's 2nd year with no problems.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.


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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?
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.
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.


 


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...


Anybody here work only on a laptop and not use desktop computer at all?
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.
Usually one desktop install and one laptop per license. nm
x
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 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.
Made by Dell. I have had no problems with any of my laptop or desktop Dells.
.
I've purchased them at both Radio Shack and on Ebay. sm

If I remember correctly, they're called earbud cushions. 


A variety of them can be purchased online here:


http://www.transcriptiongear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=EARCUSH


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...
I've never had a problem with my USB/laptop, but
if you have any concerns why not just power down, attach it, and restart. 
I've been using a laptop exclusively for 6 years.

 I use an external keyboard 99.9% of the time, use the laptop keyboard if I'm in the car.    I'm used to the monitor, but if you're used to a larger one you can also hook up an external monitor.  Not sure how many USB ports computers have now, but I have 3 on my laptop and I have a USB hub I can connect if I need more.   I haven't used a desktop in so long, but I can't think of an advantage of one over the other.


I have a power box that all my equipment hooks into that I sit my laptop on top of.  You will need to elevate it in some way or you'll get a crick in your neck. 


I've worked on a laptop only for going on 7 years.
I do use an external keyboard the majority of the time though.   The USB WiFi does not accept a card, it is small, plugs into a USB port and acts like your card does, you don't use a card.    Go to  a website like best buy and search for Wireless USB adapters and you'll see what I'm talking about. 
It's great you've got a good system; I'm happy for you! nm
nm
I've used my laptop to MT for about 5 years, full-time. Couldn't
I love being portable, plus I have a small working space. It's great transcribing on the deck (or at the beach) on nice days. Have never had any technical issues; there's always some sort of adapter thingie that's available for whatever comes up.
New dell or refurbished
why would you need to install a video card if you bought a new dell? no need to reply just curious
anyone tried the refurbished Tracfone?
x
I bought a refurbished (sm)
It is a e-machine rebuilt all new inside and out... Athion 64 3200+/512 MG DDR/ 160GB HDD with DVD/RW dual layer/flash media reader, AI Radeon Xpress 200 video, 10-100 Mbps LAN/ Windows XP home with both Norton or McAfee built in so you can choose. #399.99 plus shipping & handing... A computer tech said he has 12 of them for his businesses, wouldn't spend the money on a new computer because it isn't the name it is the upgraded equipment inside that wooed him. try tigerdirect.com
I'm a big fan of refurbished computers too
I would never buy a new computer again. The only downside that I can see is that they don't give you the operating system CDs so if you run into trouble and have to insert the original OS CD, you are out of luck.
I bought a refurbished one
about 3 years ago from overstock.com and it's still going strong. It's my main work computer. I don't buy new computers anymore. I've had better luck with the refurbished ones, which also come with substantially less junk software.
Google refurbished computer monitors. nm
x
I bought a refurbished eMachine for DD in college, works great. nm
x
Meditech is an operating system and Fusion is voice for a dictation system
nm
To all of you Escriptionist out there...Laptop question. Have any of you found a laptop that you can
thing. I tried one of those adapter that goes from the 9-pin to the USB but when I plugged in the USB my foot pedal did not work right. I know supposedly there is a help section on the escription website that says the adapter may work and how to make them compatible etc but it never worked for me. Has any of you find a solution or a laptop that this foot pedal with work with. I'd like to work while traveling and get a laptop but it never worked on my old one. Ideas??
have not purchased
No have not purchased another house but am moving out of state, going to rent for 6 months to see if we like the area before buying again but wanted to move over the Christmas holidays to make it easier on the kids changing schools. I am not sure I want to buy again because am a single mom in my 50s and it is getting to hard to keep up with things that need done
I purchased one of these (sm)
laptop stands and it has been great - http://tinyurl.com/2uwhkz.  It allows me to elevate my screen, which is necessary when working with a separate keyboard in order to keep the screen at eye level and arms/wrists at proper angles.  If your chair does not have a height adjustment, you may want to consider one that does.  Stretching, of course, is important, too.  I'm thinking about getting an inversion table to help with my neck...we'll see .  I also have an elliptical which I use usually halfway through my day for around 30 minutes to exercise my legs.  If you want to do some quick exercises in the house, you may find it nice to workout with pilates DVDs.  It breaks the day up nicely.
You must have purchased them a few sizes
'cause you are really wiggin' out.
I actually purchased this last year (sm)

It's really a neat little program that acts like an alphabetized notebook where you can add entries for quick reference ... say you can't ever remember how to spell certain words, you can add those words and bring up TLRN and look up words you've added. You can create multiple notebooks with different facts/data/addresses or whatever. I found that I never used the program as I had other methods that reminded me of words, i.e., my expander, for one, and I already have tons of programs loaded and running in the background while working that the last thing I needed was another program running behind about six or seven already loaded.


I purchased an HP computer and
(per companies requirements).  The new computer does not have a serial port and therefore I am using a 9 pin to USB converter which works well with my old system but will not work with the new system.  Has anybody comes across this when purchasing a new system recently?  HP is unable to help me and so I am turning to fellow MT's. 
I also purchased an adapter...sm
Staples also carries these adapters. I had to convert to a USB port as my newer pc did not have the port I needed either.
If you only purchased the upgrade, NO. sm
If you purchased Office 2007, YES you can install it separately.


Heartland is finally purchased...

Spheris purchases Heartland Information Services.. more to come later in the week


I purchased it through Transcription Gear
express scribe thing yet. Have too much work today to fiddle much with it. I appreciate everybody's advice and help on this.
i purchased it directly at stedmans.com (nm)
//
I recently purchased the Stedman's (sm)
Medical & Surgical Equipment Words.  Can you tell me the difference between this and The Surgical Word Book?  Thanks.
Had same problem - purchased a 'hub'
store - cost about $80.  It has a serial port and additional USB ports.  Have used this for 3 years now.  Can also use it for all the peripherals you don't have enough ports for on your computer.
Has anyone ever purchased Jon Knowles' list. ...
of abbreviations for medical transcription that can be downloaded into ShortHand or IT, and if so, is it worth the $45?  I have been considering it and think it would be worthwhile but would like opinions.  TIA.
I recently purchased a 23-inch...
Phillips LCD flat screen TV to use as a computer monitor. The TV price was relatively the same as a computer monitor of the same size. Definitely go as big as you can afford...you won't be sorry!
MedQuist was recently purchased

I just purchased the ABCZ glossaries for IT sm
A few weeks ago, and I am glad I did.  It was definitely worth it.  I like that I didn't have to start over from scratch to start following a system.  I used his files and then used the workshop to convert my enteries over to the ABCZ system.  It has been a big help to me.  With 2 small kids I didn't have the time to try to figure out my own system and start creating the entries, so ABCZ was perfect for me. 
Still using my "old" IBM keyboard purchased, I think, around 1990.
I totally panicked when it started going haywire & finally found a company that will repair them, have their own "clone" IBM's which aren't "too" bad, and also have the cord you were searching for.

I bought "their" clone while they repaired my original IBM, and it was pretty close to the touch of the original - but still just not the same. Then a few years ago, my son became aware of my dilema about searching for IBM keyboards -and, Geez - his company had one made by Lexmark back in their supply room - but without a cord -

If you're interested - try looking at http://pckeyboard.com/repair.html -- Repair services are through Unicomp out of KY - 1-800-777-4886, Jim Owens, Ext. 202.

I've been very happy with their service and I, personally, am surprised at what they charge. I purchased their "clone" & the cord for the IBM by Lexmark for $42.69, and their charge for repairing my original IBM was $35.44.
To, me - it's worth it!! Plus - their repair to my original didn't affect the "touch". They replaced key tops, corrected keys that were messed up, i.e., "s" key & others not working, replaced split "attached" cord - but didn't mess with my "feel".

Hate to admit how many "ergonomic" keyboards I've tried. Guess I'm just "too" old, set in my ways, & need my clicky-clack keyboard to keep my rhythm & fingers going.

Does anyone know how to reset a DVI? I purchased one at a yard sale and *sm*
it did not come with a manual.  I am trying to use it for the first time and the dial tone comes up but it is asking for a log in ID.   I would also like to purchase a manual if anyone has one.  I do believe I can go to the DVI website and ask about purchasing one but that will not help me throughout the weekend in trying to figure out what do do now!  Assistance is greatly appreciated!
I purchased BOSE head phones
and it was the best investment I ever made. I got tired of replacing headsets. You can get BOSE earplug ones or the over the head. I have both and prefer the over the head. It is amazing what I can hear now. Just wonder what I might have missed in the past before BOSE.