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laptop usage

Posted By: Barbara on 2008-04-19
In Reply to:

I am considering purchasing a laptop to use mainly outdoors this summer so that my soon to be 4 YO twins can play outside while I am working.  I already have a Verizon air card so that shouldn't be a problem.  There is a place here that sells used laptops and new ones and they are awesome IT folks so I am going to talk with them more about my needs on the tech end.  What I am looking for here is if anyone has any suggestions on a setup of the laptop itself and a separate keyboard and mouse, i.e.  What to sit them on while I am working?   I would like to find something either weatherproof that I may not have to move if it is heavy or something that i could at least roll around to bring back in the garage or something when I am not using it. We have pretty level ground where I will be at.  TIA for any suggestions.  Oh, and have a wonderful summer! 


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try splitting LD usage with 2
The last poster was right - it doesn't matter that you are calling in to hear a voice.  Technically you are calling a computer to access that voice file, not actually talking voice-to-voice with someone, which they will say violates the terms and conditions.  You can talk to some supervisor about what you are using it for and maybe can permission to keep using it for MT, but unless you have it explicitly in writing they can still get you at any time by cancelling your LD or (much worse) retroactively charging you.  The magic number for that "alarm" is 5000 minutes a month.  I split my LD with a regular ULD plan and Vonage.  You can't have 2 different LD companies on the same phone line, so you either have to use 1 regular LD and some sort of VoIP (such as Vonage, but there are others), or you have to have 2 different phone lines, each with its separate ULD plan and then split up your phone time between the 2.  It's a headache, I know. 
internet usage
I have Comcast and have never heard anything like that.  My internet is basically used 24 hours a day!  I get on at 4:00 AM and work on and off all day, my husband is on when I am not, and when my son gets out of school he is on until about 1:00 in the mornig each day.  I would think that would be excessive if anybody's was...
Hyphen usage in the following
arthroscopic report:  crabmeat-appearing cartilage Yes?  shovel-like basket forceps ?
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. 
comma usage
QA is correct; the commas do belong there, and it would be wrong to omit them. The first comma is a series of adjectives; the other comma is to separate two conjoined sentences.
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??
question about computer usage...sm

Hey, y'all!


Do y'all let your kids/husband/family use your work computer when you're not using it? I do, and so far haven't had any problems, but I am just wondering if this is a good idea!


question about computer usage
I let them use it but I am on it so much that they really don't have much of a chance. The kids are in college so have to watch the porn sites. LOL

Sue
I guess that would depend on the usage. sm
I worked with a gal once who literally pounded and stomped her foot pedal. The hospital replaced it twice in 6 months. After the second time, she was told she would have to pay for her own. I'm easy on mine and have had it for 10 years.
Pay for amount of usage -- might not be bad idea
Phone bills used to be like that, -- shows my age. I say sometimes I think it would be nice that those that use the most pay the most,.  I have my cable TV on at the most 2 hours a day and yet I pay the same as those that watch 14 hours a day.  Just like we get paid on the production of work we do, maybe we need to pay for the amount of usage on certain items.  
comcast cap on usage official
http://biz.yahoo.com:80/ap/080828/comcast_internet_cap.html?.v=2
Also - new vs old Sprint for unlimited usage sm
Any new Sprint accounts as of 11/2008 are subject to the 5GB cap. From what I am understanding, accounts created before then say that they can throttle your speeds, terminate service, or charge overage fees for going over 5GB but so far have not really done so.
sprint limited usage
Do you work more than your 5GM? I just wondered since I am thinking about getting a card. I think Verizon and ATT do the same. My daughter has 5GM on her cable and she went over once, but they did not charge extra.

Thanks a lot.
I see all the postings about phone usage and I'm confused. sm
Are you talking about a long distance service you need to use a C-phone?  Or are they questioning the use of your DSL connection?
Sorry, but you are wrong....not familiar with usage of apostrophes?
It has to be written like this

colon cancer's point of view

to be the colon cancer's point of view. The doctor just made the sentence structure weird.

Regarding the colon cancer, the patient is doing well

would have been better.


Kids at home? What ages and do you limit their internet usage?

We have a 15-year-old that is limited to 1 hour on the internet when school is not in session, and we have parental controls that allow us to see everything she has done while she was on line.


What about your household?


Yeah, I used to years ago but no heavy usage, what killed by brain cells
not getting high. Granted if I had done it a lot, maybe so, but I have 1 good friend who got high every day, she has a Master's degree and is a respected Speech Therapist, though we tease her about her specialty, "swallowing".
OF INTEREST TO ALL TIME WARNER CUSTOMERS...THEY ARE GOING TO START CHARGING FOR USAGE AND NOT A FLAT

This really sucks as the article said it would impact heavy users only.  My cable bill is already high but to be charged for actual using will skyrocket my bill.  I think I could spit nails right now.  I can post the article if anyone is interested.  They said it will be a trial period.  Anyone else use Time Warner?


laptop

I WOULD USE A LAPTOP. THIS CONDITION HAS TAKEN MY WHOLE LIFE FROM ME. MY JOB , MY INDEPENDENCE, BUT I REFUSE TO LET IT GET ME DOWN ALL THE WAY. AT HOME YOU ARE ABLE TO CHANGE POSITIONS OFTEN, GET UP AND WALK AROUND, SIT IN A DIFFERENT PLACE, LAY DOWN IF NEED BE. MY DAUGHTERS ARE NOT USED TO DOING WITHOUT AND I DO NOT INTEND FOR THEM TO START NOW.  ANY POSITIVE HELP IS MUCH NEEDED, BUT I GUESS YOU CAN KEEP THE BAD TO YOURSELF. MAYBE I JUST DONT WANT TO FEEL LIKE THERES NOTHING I CAN DO. MAYBE I DONT WANT TO GIVE UP AND FILE FOR DISABILTY JUST YET. ANY HELPFUL ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU SO MUCH.


ANGELA LEE LPN


 


I use a laptop too
We bought it a year before I started working - not knowing what the required ports would be for foot pedals, etc. I have a Compaq Presario. I also have Bellsouth high speed internet connection. It works for me fine even when I go out of town.
laptop is the only way to go s/m
I would never have a big computer again!  I have worked on DocQScribe and other internet platforms and never had any problems. Also have BellSouth DSL. My computer is a Dell Inspiron. If any disasters strike here that I can see coming will load the pets some clothes and the Dell and take off.  Good luck getting put back together!
Laptop
Can you tell me which Dell you purchased - I am trying to decide which one would meet my needs - using DQS as well. Thanks
Anyone using a laptop?

Am in the market for a laptop and looking for suggestions.  Thanks.


laptop
Yes, but hook up an ergonomic keyboard and a mouse. The portability of it is great.
Laptop
I use my laptop as a backup or to work when I am out of town. The only problem with it is the smaller screen. Performance is no different than my PC though. I do have a regular keyboard for it, and a mouse.
Laptop
I have a Dell Inspiron 2500 but it has nowhere near the memory to download from an outside transcription company. Another problem is the footpedal, how on earth would you use this in your automobile. As well, the DSL, how on earth can you tell when you're traveling if you have access to same? This would be a lifesaver for me, as I have osteoporosis and can go like mad in my recliner without back pain which kills when I use my desktop. I sure would be one happy gal if I could work from a laptop. You do get used to the keyboard, I thought at first I would never, ever have any speed, but one does get used to it. Please e-mail me or write any suggestions here. How much minimal memory do you have on your laptop to comply with companys you work for?
Laptop
Does anyone out there use a laptop for transcription?
laptop
on cold days, in front of the fire place.  in the summer, outside....can't live without my laptop!
laptop
I use my laptop in a regular desk setting and I use a regular keyboard with it, not the laptop keyboard.  I like to sit outside on the balcony in the spring, summer, fall, but I have never not used a desk; can't imagine using it in my lap.  I think that would be too uncomfortable, but hey that's just me.  I have a very comfortable chair.  I mainly have mine because I travel quite a bit and this way, I can take my work with me if I want.
laptop
My step-dad is an over-the-road truck driver and he uses a laptop with a PC card just as you are describing.  He loves it and has no problems whatsoever unless he is in an area where there is no service (just like with a cell phone).
My Laptop is

an HP Pavilion and I love it -  one thing to be sure of is that you get one with a good big screen or a port where you can connect our monitor, and be sure it has a port for your keyboard (USB if you have that kind of keyboard).  You'll never be able to do any good at MTing with the tiny keyboard that a laptop has.  I made a big mistake by buying one without a floppy drive, but it's not hard to get an exernal floppy drive (ask me how I know) and costs about $50.  As for the internal stuff ie RAM, hard drive, that's in pretty much the same ballpark as a desk top, get as much as you can possibly afford. 


 


Laptop use

I also would be curious as to how this would be done.  How do you get your voice files?  How do you use a foot pedal?  My husband drives semi and this sure would be nice for going with him on long runs. 


 


laptop

Anybody use a laptop for MT work?  Is is pretty reliable when you are using wireless?  I assume you have to have an electrical output for the foot pedal.  Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks!


laptop
No, you don't have to have an outlet.  Your foot pedal plugs directly into your laptop.  You might need an adapter for the USB port, but I have done it, and it works great!  I bought a hub for my laptop because I have to use my ergonomic keyboard instead of the laptop keyboard.  Everything plugs in, and then you are ready to go.  It's really great as far as I'm concerned.
Laptop

I use a laptop for work and had only had a few times whem my wireless network card has gone out for one reason or another.  It's a little slow, I would say somewhere between dial-up and the slowest DSL/cable connection.  The only electrical outlet that I use is the one to plug mjy laptop into. I have a USB foot pedal and that just plugs into the USB port at the side of the computer.


One thing that I would DEFIINITELY check on first though is making sure that the software that you use supports a wireless connection.  One of the companies that I work for, I have no problems using my wireless.  However, with the other company, I still have to use my dial up connection to download my files as their particular software does not work with a wireless connection.


Hope this helps.


 


Laptop anyone?
Does anyone use a laptop to do their daily transcription? Just curious?
laptop
Which laptop is best?
laptop

I don't know everything about computers, but I will just throw out a suggestion to you...do you have an (I think its called) an ethernet card in your lap top, and the place that you took you laptop to...did they have a wireless router so that your computer could get the signal from the router in order to get online.....A lot of people think that just because they have a laptop, that they can get online anywhere...I'm sure you know this, but your laptop has to have the card and the place you are at has to be giving out a signal in order for you to get on, other than that I don't understand why it would not work...it should have?  Let me know what you find out if you don't mind becasue I am considering getting a laptop so that I can take my work with me when I want to be away from my home for a few days!


Thanks!


laptop
Thanks for responding. The place I went cannot get online, but I downloaded the files before I left while I could still get online. I was stil at home and online when I tried to get the wav files to play, but it would not allow it. Someone told me once I may need to download a codec, so I am looking into that, too.
Laptop
I purchased a laptop recently, so I can take it with me when I travel.  I use autocorrect in Word 2003 for my shortcuts; does anyone know how to copy and move these entries onto my laptop?  How about my medical spellchecker?  I appreciate any advice on this subject. Thanks!
laptop
Here's a how to concerning moving the autocorrect entries.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/207748/EN-US/

As for the spellchecker, if you have a CD that came with it, you'd simply install it on the laptop, I believe.
laptop
I work on a laptop when I travel.  I love the convenience, but not the small keyboard.  When I'm traveling and have room in a hotel I also take my ergonomic keyboard which is much better.  I have a Toshiba Satellite A105 Series Intel Celeron M Processor with the little over 15" screen size.  I love it.  It's not the fastest one out there by any means, but it works great for what I need it for.
Laptop
That's what I was thinking, more on the lines of comfort. Can I ask what type of laptop you have? Where do you find it most comfortable to sit and work?
laptop
I use a laptop to work with.  I attach my ergonomically correct keyboard to it and away I go.  I travel quite often, so it makes it easier to pack up and taken my work with me when I need to be gone.
Laptop
I use mine to work with.  I love it because I can be mobile if I need to be.  I also attach my ergonoic keyboard and mouse to it.
laptop
I would think it would work. I use one for my work. I attach my "ergonomically correct" keyboard and mouse to it so that I don't have to use the touchpad or that rinky dink keyboard! Good luck to you!

I have an HP laptop
I have the Core Duo processor which I was told specifically this is better for running multiple programs at once, i.e text expander, word, etc. Gateway has similar ones, and their customer service is MUCH better than HP. I never had an issue with the computer itself though. If you want more details, shoot me an e-mail.
Where can I buy a laptop with XP on it?

Is there anyplace selling new laptop/notebooks with XP instead of Vista?


Thanks


Laptop
Have laptop will travel is my motto. I can work anywhere on the planet because I can carry it with me. Your second purchase should be a super dooper rolling laptop carrying case that holds your foot pedal, mouse, etc.
laptop in the car

There may be some adjustment, but it really isn't difficult.   You might have to move the pedal around to find where it is most comfortable.  If you're short like me you might need to put something under the pedal to get good enough pressure on the pedal.  The hardest part for me working in the car is that because I'm so short I don't have much lap to hold by laptop.   Some SUVs/trucks have armrests and they may a kidney-shaped desk that you can lap on top of the arms and work, which is nice.  It folds in half when not in use, so you don't have this huge thing to deal with.