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ext. keyboard for notebook? sm

Posted By: QAMama on 2009-02-20
In Reply to:

I JUST bought a laptop and my 2-year-old went to town on the keys.   So I need a keyboard I can use with it. I've heard about 'usb' keyboards and mice for laptops. Can someone recommend one that responds to a light touch and is economical?


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little red notebook
go to horusdevelopement.com. Your can use it free for 30 days and then buy it, I think for 20.00.
Notebook ?

Do you think this is adequate for a notebook for what we do? Thanks!


http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/321957-321957-64295-321838-3329741-1839150.html


Notebook if you have the $$$$$
If ALL you are doing is wordprocessing, which is what transcription is classified, you do not have a need it for graphics etc., and you have the $$$ to put in to what you need, a notebook is best because it is portable. BUT -- remember that notebooks no longer come with serial ports and few companies will include it unless it is a custom build, so a serial foot pedal cannot be used for transcription. I have tried many different adapters, and they do not work; it was explained that the TRUE serial port technology is so old that it is frequently incompatible with the USB technology used in the new operating systems, and that is why an adapter will not work. If you would like more info on your question, feel free to email me.
Another notebook ?

I really know nothing about these sort of things and would like a second opinion, so thank you for your patience in answering these questions for me!!


I looked at Sam's and basically saw nothing that was decent in memory and still high prices. I've been looking at Dell's website and saw they have a new line out for businesses. There are 3 here I am looking at. Each looks the same for memory. I really do not see what the difference is on each one or if one would be better than the other for my needs. Could someone please take a look at these 3 and give me their opinion.


For the money and with the amount of memory being offered, it seems that Dell is the way I need to go.


I appreciate the help! :o)


http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/odg/latitude_refresh?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd


Notebook
I would suggest instead of a notebook, use WordPad instead or any word processing program your hospital has on their computer. I would keep my WordPad document open at all times while typing, then use the Alt+tab key to switch between Meditech (the program my hospital uses) and WordPad. Every single thing I looked up, I added to my WordPad document. The advantage of having it in a computerized document is that you can instantly find a word by just typing in part of the word or what it s/l, then using the Ctl+F function to search the document using the whole or just part of the word. If it sounds like a certain thing, when I add it to my WordPad document, I also type "s/l _________" beside it. So that when I look it up with the search function, it will find the the word even if I didn't spell it right. I kept two separate documents, one for medications and one for all other words. If you take the document home, you can use MS Word "sort" function to list the words in alphabetical order, which I did periodically (but has to be saved in text format to be read in WordPad). If you have any questions, e-mail me at angelathrall@yahoo.com.
Little Red Notebook
Google for it.  I love mine and it is really cheap. 
notebook/lap top
How many of you use a notebook or laptop to do your work?  Are there any disadvantages? I just brought one and figure I can go to the library or somewhere else to work and not be stuck at home.  TIA.
notebook/lap top
Thank you. I had not even thought of HIPPA. At least I can work other places in my house.
Get a notebook...

Divide it by accounts.  Print samples and client profiles if possible.  Put some spare paper in there to make notes when you've done a Google search for a drug, city, street name, referring doc, etc.  Write it down.  Then when you get that account again, you slap open your notebook and it all starts coming back to you. 


Gone are the days of the same dictator over and over again.  They can only dictate so much in a day, so most of us have to expand our horizons. 


This notebook has been my lifesaver! 


P/S:  I do not use an expander.  I only use Word autocorrect.  I am old school, so to me Expanders seem like they would confuse me as I can type pretty quick after 20 years. 


Vostro notebook (sm)

Pros, cons, any other info welcome.  Thank you!


Have a notebook or rolodex (sm)
or anything with alpha tabs to record terms looked up. The very act of writing it down will help you commit it to memory. I once knew an MT who used a little rolodex system and would write a definition on a card for later reference. Periodically she would look through her rolodex and weed out the cards that she had completely memorized, keeping her system streamlined. I thought this was the best learning system I ever heard of.
URL for Lil Red Notebook inside
Sorry, I meant to add the website, although you can find it quickly by using Google.

http://www.horusdevelopment.com/rednotebook.html
Acer notebook
I had a Radio Shack notebook several years ago. I loved it. It was back in the days of floppy discs 3 1/2 inch. I never had to have it serviced.

I have a laptop now and would not go any other way. I have used it for transcription for over four years and had very few problems other than spy ware which you can get on any computer. I got mine at Sams with s 3 year service agreement and never had to use it.

Hope this helps. Good luck either way you decide. I am sure you can take it back if you wish since you just bought it.

I love my Dell notebook (sm)
When I bought my Dell notebook I had the same concerns, so I purchased a "docking station."  I don't think that's the correct term.  But the notebook hooks onto it and then I can easily adjust the height of the screen.  I can also plug into that my ergonomic keyboard, foot pedal, etc.  Love it!
Notebook and Legends of the Fall....nm
nm
My husband and I watched The Notebook (sm)

We both teared up.  He told me that he loved me like that, and that I was his Allie.  My birthday was shortly thereafter and on my envelope he wrote "To My Allie."  What a guy I'm married to.  After 23 years of marriage, our love is still growing strong!


Notebook/Laptops with calculator key pad?
I am in search of the brands of notebook/laptops that have the calculator key pad on the keyboard.  I really do not want to have to buy a separate calculator key pad to carry around along with the headphones and a foot pedal.  So, can you all tell me which brands have the calculator key pad already on the keyboards?  Thanks MT Mom
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.


What are the technical specs on your notebook (sm)
Would like more info on the specifics such as the brand, RAM, processor speed.
Another option would be to use an electronic notebook sm
Like Microsoft OneNote or Little Red Notebook (is this still available?). It's so much faster to cut and paste with the keyboard rather than stop what you're doing to write it down!

Plus after typing so much for so long, my handwriting is practically illegible at this point!
crash was decent, the Notebook is good
they dont make them like they used to tho !
Considering buying a Dell notebook to transcribe. How easy is it?
Meaning, how is the ergonomics?  I'm afraid it may cause carpal tunnel or maybe back problems due to positioning.  Would like input.
17 years, my husband's got yours beat, he's STILL crying over the Notebook!

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


I use a MSFT Natural keyboard at home and the laptop keyboard on the road. nm

favorite keyboard over the holidays is called "no keyboard"
nm
If you use a standard keyboard you can buy an old IBM model M keyboard on ebay or clickykeyboards.co

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.


I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  


 


I use a laptop with a full-size keyboard (no separate keyboard)
I'm using a lap desk but previously was using a pillow with a book on it under the laptop. No additional keyboard though, I bought one with a full-sized board with regular size keys (an HP) which I LOVE and it took no time at all to get used to it. I also love that when the weather improves, I can take my computer outside and get some fresh air! What a great job... :)
Keyboard and mouse. Is there such a thing as a keyboard that has a mouse on the actual keyboard?
nm

Has anyone used the Smartboard keyboard? Everyone tell what keyboard they have and rate it nm
nm
Kinesis Keyboard and keyboard tray

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.


I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.


I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.


I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?


Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?


Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.


'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.


 


Does anyone know of a keyboard that has the backspace key in the center of the keyboard? NM
nm
Split keyboard mounted on chair arms versus split keyboard on desk

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?


Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?


I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.


Gold touch makes a keyboard without number pad. Also the evoluent keyboard has the number pad on th
It is a very small keyboard and has laptop keys which are very quiet and light to the touch.  Almost no noise.
"The Searchers", "Gone with the Wind", and "The Notebook" nm
.
Keyboard
I'm in the same boat. My PC Concepts had the integrated touch mouse on the keyboard. PC Concepts no longer makes this in the English version. It was the best ergo KB I have ever used. I bought a Micro Innovations keyboard to replace it after much searching and this keyboard is a PIECE OF GARBAGE!

The touch buttons for the mouse are on either side, rather than below and it's very akward to use the mouse.

Not to mention the fact that their "ergonomic design" is one of a thumbs down with the "gentle curve" going inward rather than out.

Just DO NOT waste your money on a Micro Innovations keyboard.

By the way. I sent an email BEGGING PC-Concepts to bring back the English version. Never heard anything from them.

I did order another keyboard from them tho. Should be here hopefully today. The only difference is that the integrated finger mouse is detached on a little pad. I figure I can glue it to the keyboard and give that a try.

Will let you know how it works out and if I find a secret stash of the old PC-iMMT keyboards anywhere.
Keyboard
Try E-Bay for different ergonomic keyboards.  Quite often I have seen keyboards with the touchpad bottom center.  You can also get touchpads just by themselves, that you can position any place you want.  I got my Goldtouch keyboard off E-Bay and I love it.  I tried using my old flat keyboard again and hated it.
keyboard
I go through at least one if not  two keyboards a year because I wear the letters off.  Though I don't need them it is weird to type without them.    This last one was expensive and so am trying to get 15 months out of it.   Never spilled anything on it, just wear out the keys. 
keyboard
I would also suggest not wahing an ergonic keyboard.  When I got just one little drop of water underneath the keys, it shorted out the keyboard.  All I could get after that was jumbled characters.
911 keyboard wet
I spilled pepsi on kb last night.  I have used ergo kb for over 10 years.  I am trying to type this on regular kb, not doing too good.  My backspace on ergo was affected.  I don't have money to get new keyboard because I recently went to work for company that puts up good posts but steals lines.  How do I fix KB.  Any help appreciated.
Keyboard
You can try seeing if the keys will pop off that are giving you trouble and then use a Q-Tip and alcohol to clean the keys and the area where you spilled the drink.  That may work. 
keyboard

If neither one works then you are not getting a reading or connected via the received.  Have you pushed the "connect" button on both?   Are by accident using rechargable batteries?  Are the batteries good?  I have a rechargable Logitech now and thinking back to my one that wasn't to remember  how it works.  Sometimes you have to move the receiver around a bit so that it can receive the connection as that is how it works.   Are you sure you are plugged into the correct port on the back of your computer.  I am sure you have checked all of this but just going over in my mind what I would check  Again, you have to sometimes push the connect button simultaneously  on the keyboard and the connection base station.   But move the base station around, recheck the batteries and that is all I can say.  I could not type a couple of time but moving my base made it possible.  GO onto Logitech and check out their site for help also. 


Good luck - Patti


 


Keyboard
Yeah me too...but now that I contract I never stop typing and I usually spill something on my keyboard before it gets that old anymore! Do they have a keyboard with straps like a hotdog vendor? Now that is something I'd be interested in.
new keyboard
Thanks for answering. I am
contacting clickykeyboards, because it sounds like the IBM M is the one I want. I have never done well with the ergonomic keyboards.

Thanks again.
I'd get the keyboard and get rid of the DH. but thats just me.
nm
Who was looking for the NMB keyboard

I found one in my pile of old computer stuff that I'm sorting through.  It sams NMB The Right Touch and it is a heavy keyboard with a big round plug-in, not USB or PS2.


I left e-mail address, if you want it let me know and you can have it for postage. 


 


Just go and buy the keyboard...
They are about $30.  I've got one and haven't had a problem since.  Get rid of the husband.  If he has time to go stay with Dad for hours at a time..... he has time to get a part-time job!!  I can't believe you put up with that crap.   Grrrrrr -- some women really tick me off when they let men walk all over them.  They have no backbone!!    I feel sorry for the kids.  They have horrible role models whether it's mother or father!
Jan, I would like to know exactly which keyboard
I have a totally split one very much like the one you describe (a PerfecTouch or Ergo 2000), but this one is wearing out again, and I think I'll go for another brand of split next time.  The Kinesis Maxim you showed doesn't seem to split totally apart as you described yours doing, though?  (Mine can separate up to 14 inches apart, so I can also put a notepad or whole sheet of regular paper, etc., between the halves of mine.)
keyboard
I'm in Illinois. Where are YOU? :)
keyboard
Mine is a Lexmark, one of the very first totally split keyboards with totally separate sides. I really need a new one, though, as the keys are wearing out. I'll have to look at the Maxim again. I thought it came apart; guess not, huh? I'd want mine to come apart, like my own and like yours (SM). Then let's look at the Goldtouch. I believe it comes apart. There is a really new one called (I think) Safetype, too. The two halves actually stand up vertically, instead of being flat on the desk. I'm not sure I could get used to THAT much of a change, but it does seem to prevent wrist injuries.
keyboard
I believe mine came already programmed with the left space bar as the backspace.  But it's been ten years, so I can't swear to it.  Believe me, if it had to be programmed by me, and I accomplished it, then it can't be too difficult...hee-hee!