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

• Replacing old desktop - can
  • New Desktop - Jerry Leinwand
  • Go on the websites and search them - They said what
  • I think Dell will still let you choose XP. sm - TechSupport
  • I'll leave the specs suggestions to others, but - sm - NWMNMT
    • Is it dangerous to buy used? - can
      • I've purchased one laptop and one desktop system used/refurbished, sm - NWMNMT
      • not if you get it from the right place - deenibeeni

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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.

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!!

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...

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

 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. 

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.

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