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You need the same specs in a laptop as you have in your desktop.

Posted By: me on 2007-01-22
In Reply to: I just want to be mobile - KC

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. 


 




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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...
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.
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.
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...
Specs
Hi - sent you an e-mail outlining minimum specifications.  Good luck!!
I do it per the account specs.
I have some accounts that want it spelled out and some don't.
Well, maybe the account specs call for

whatever changes she is making.  It may sound silly, but some accounts do not want things the "correct" way including grammer, meds, etc.  


Every job and account have their own specifics.  Get some experience and stay where you are, then move on up!   You may find the same thing at another job, depending on the account.


check your account specs too

One of my accounts doesn't want 0's added if doc dictates 250 even though it means 250,000


computer specs info
The Belarc download to your computer will also tell you every single piece of hardware/software you have downloaded on your computer and it will also tell you if you have all of the Microsoft updates you need for your computer and will have a Red X on any item that needs to be downloaded again. I have saved this download to my desktop for future reference. This is a great tool that a tech guy from www.worldstart, message board, advised me to use.
What are the technical specs on your notebook (sm)
Would like more info on the specifics such as the brand, RAM, processor speed.
Could be the acct and/or lack of specs.

I also think it is important to start off with people who know the account, follow the specs for the VR to learn the specs correctly.  In time with everybody on the same page it should improve, but if you are using all the shortcuts and have experience in the account I can't help but wonder if it may be worth looking into another account.  My line count is actually down now from the account that made me really start like the Escription platform.  I had a mostly ER account with other basic 4 reports in it that would allow me up to almost consistently 800 lines edited lines per hour.  The work was very inconsistent and the company was not reliable so I moved on making less money but much less stress.  The accounts do make a difference but until you try another account you may not know what your potential really is. 


In answering the other question regarding hot keys, I learned just like mentioned above.  Learn them one at a time.  Start with Alt k, then Alt Shift K, Alt ., Alt ,, Alt :, etc.  Use you jump keys, which are very easy to learn and you'll use them all the time, ctrl arrows, ctrl shift arrow, ctrl backspace, etc.  All of them used together really are a time saver.  Get in the habit of using alt 2 and alt 1 too to adjust speed of playback.  For the nice easy ones go ahead and alt 2 to your content and get the report knocked out, for the tougher ones alt 1 and slow down.  I do this throughout the reports as I find it easier to listen quickly to some parts, and slower with others that need more changes.  Any bit of time saved makes a difference. 


Also, in my first report I mentioned working with kids, etc.  This is a biggy for me.  Working 3rd allows me to actually work without distractions.  Small distractions make big difference. 


I'll leave the specs suggestions to others, but - sm
one good place to check for both new and used equipment at a good price is Geeks dot com ... I've purchased from them many times in the past. They also sell factory refurbs,which can often be a very good deal.
Positively! When I designed the specs for this pc a few months ago, I made sure it would be...

VISTA READY.


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??
desktop
Can you save your files to your desktop until this is fixed possibly?
The same way you do with a desktop. It
depends on the type of connection you have/need on your pedal.   If you use a USB it is simple, just plug into a USB port, if you need a game or serial port then you have to get an adapter and then you still plug into a USB port. 
New Desktop
If under 1000 dollars is true, I would skip the used/refurbs and go directly to Costco. You or your friend must be a member but they have a system with a TERRABYTE Of memory. You cant go wrong with that much system. It is 600.00 without a monitor and you can get a compatible monitor for 100 or 200 these days.
Right click on your desktop (sm)
and select Arrange Icons and uncheck Auto Arrange.
Then seriously, save it to your desktop. That's it.
.
desktop calendar
www.cozicentral.com

Desktop Icons
go to your desktop and right click, hit new, hit shortcut, and then browse for your page.
Thanks, for that on my desktop, now where is autofill?
It says I can fill in by autofill but I see nothing like that on the top. Sorry for being such a duh type person but am struggling along today. Thanks so much!
copy that! (to my desktop) thank you! NM
.
Replacing old desktop
Hey, I need to replace my old desktop computer (too old and slow).  The only thing I've been told is that I should definitely go with at least a dual core, but do you have any suggestions other than that?  I work in EditScript and so need Windows XP.  Also would like to keep the price under $1000, if possible.  Any MT with a "favorite" or a "definite don't"?  Thanks!
Only when the desktop has to go into the shop,
and I have to move operations over to the laptop. I just plug my regular keyboard in, which is a Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000. I like this keyboard; it's cheap, so when I inevitably kill it (I am hard on keyboards; must be a hold-over from having learned to type on a manual typewriter back in the stone age) it doesn't cost a lot to replace. (I'm on my second one.) And it has a decent enough touch. The curve is just enough to straighten my wrists out to a neutral position, but not so much that I feel like I'm typing on an alien machine.
right click anywhere on your desktop that is blank, sm
and go into properties; click on the last tab that says settings and on the bottom left-hand corner is screen resolution. slide that bar left and right until you see what you are used to. FYI mine is on 800x600 pixels.
how to move desktop icons so .
 they won't return to original positions.  I know there is something to uncheck, somewhere, can't find it.  Probably am asking at wrong board.  Thank you for any help. 
Google desktop is awesome!
I downloaded it yesterday. Now if I search for some procedures, I do not even have to make a templatey, and try to remember codes or have a list in front of me while working. All I have to do is save such files for reference. I can just type on my desktop search engine the name of the doctor or various phrases (like total knee replacement, or left ventricular lead placement), and in seconds I have a list of all files (not just word doc) containing such words. Awesome!
Google Desktop is convenient, but...
All desktop search software is capable of exposing your hard drive. As far as I know, there is only one desktop search package that maintains this information on your own hard drive only. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of it, but it is not well-known (i.e. they don't have a lot of money to promote themselves). I no longer use any desktop search software on my own computer and I advise my friends to do likewise. It is a convenience, but not worth the risk in my opinion.
Pull your spf files off the CD onto the desktop. sm
Now go to My Computer, look at Programs, open the ShortHand folder, open the smaller SH8 folder. Now, drag your spf files into that. Close all of that.

Now open the shorthand program like you are going to use it. Go to File at the top, open, and you will see your spf files. open the one you want to use, or any. each time you open one, there will be tab at the bottom to choose which one you want to use.
Try right clicking on your desktop, select - sm
"Arrange Icons by", then select "Show desktop icons" (a check mark should be next to this for them to appear). Other than that I have no idea how to fix it.
I had this happen too but with the desktop. I got a new mouse. nm
s
Desktop Search Engines

Does anyone know of any desktop search engines that will let you use a keyboard command to get to the search taskbar without opening the whole desktop program or mousing to the taskbar, other than Google Desktop? 


I can't use Google Desktop because it doesn't search all the directories in the C: drive.  It only searches the main directory. 


Survey Notebook Vs Desktop (sm)

Which is preferred, Notebook or Desktop for working 8+ hours per day doing MT?  Any specifics you'd like to share about processor/memory would be helpful.  Upgrading my computer and deciding which would work best for me.


I like to send files to the Desktop as I can see them &
s
Anyone who has traveled working on desktop
I am getting ready to take an unexpected trip and can not use a laptop due to company policy.  I found a hotel with "wired" internet to the room.  Has anyone ever stayed in a hotel and used wired internet before?  My question is do you need a modum or anything or do you just hook in to the computer and it miraculously works?  I'm just trying to ease my mind because I'm scared to death I'll get there and have no internet to work on.
Setting up icons on desktop
…I have a page that I want to appear as an incon. How to do? Thanks.
I use a Logitec Cordless Desktop Pro
ergo keyboard. It came as a package with the cordless mouse as well. I had also bought a Goldtouch Ergonomic Split keyboard, but loved my Logitec so much, I didn't even use the other one and ended up selling it (not to mention I bought the wrong one that wasn't compatible with my laptop). In the past, I had used a Microsoft Natural and also really liked that. It did take some getting used to with the MS keyboard, but I haven't had any problems with breaking in the Logitec keyboard. Good luck finding your keyboard solution!