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!!

• Desktop or Laptop? Gotta buy a new puter...sm - Tasha
  • Laptop - Donna
    • What about a keyboard? - sm
      • I use a MSFT Natural keyboard at home and the laptop keyboard on the road. nm - Donna
      • Yep, it can be and is quite common! - Hayseed

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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'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.

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. 

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.

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...

and find all kinds of slander about the x-3.  So if you are confident that I have been "bad mouthing" the company give me your facts.  If I recall correctly I went off on you and apologized for it.  You are the one in the end that said you needed time to lick your wounds.  I have not bad mouthed the company to anyone!!!!  and to quote someone whom I thought was an excellent friend "venting to friends is okay, that is what friends are for."

I am actively seeking employment, will continue to do so, and keep my opinions of the company to myself.  If you feel I have done otherwise share the facts you have, give me a chance to defend myself.......

It tears me apart on a daily basis that we have no friendship........if you truly feel you cannot forgive me that is fine, but please don't bash me on a public board about things that are not true. 

I set up a second computer in my home.  I had a router hooked up for this purpose by my telephone technician.  It is a brand new router, Lynxys brand.  Since then I have had problems with staying connected to the Internet. 

I shut off the firewall on my pc and that seems to have taken care of the problem on that computer.  The second computer is from a MT co. that I am starting to work for.  I cannot stay connected to the Internet on their computer.  The phone tech was out and checked everything and the router and phone connection is fine.

I am at a loss since I am not an IT person but an MT.  It is so frustrating.

Any ideas? 

TIA

Or is a return trip to Office Depot in my near future...

Thanks!