I have a desktop Dell and it has been alright so far, but I've never owned a laptop.
Posted By: sm on 2007-05-20
In Reply to: I don't like Dell. I bought a Dell laptop and it - me
What brand are you currently using then?
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Made by Dell. I have had no problems with any of my laptop or desktop Dells.
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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 I used the laptop happily for many years (still have it, though it's quite out of date now), and the PC is going on it's 2nd year with no problems.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.
I have both a Dell Latitude Laptop and a Dell Dimension desk top PC and bought both...
off of Ebay. The laptop I paid $300 for had Windows XP and works great. It wasn't wireless, but they sent me a PCI card with it and it works fine. The desktop PC has XP on it as well and I paid $250 for it. Both have Pentium IVs. Both work great for work. I have no complaints and I feel like I got a great deal both times out on Ebay.
Have you ever owned a laptop?
The single biggest selling feature of a laptop is that they are...wait for it...portable. So much the same way I don't leave any valuable laying on the table when I go to the bathroom, my very portable laptop goes in with me. When I am in what I feel a safe, secure, environment to leave it at the table/desk, I time it so I am not in the middle of a report and close the lid, thereby requiring the password to get back into it. It does not require a degree in IT to take safety precautions.
I don't like Dell. I bought a Dell laptop and it
was a piece of junk, so I'm not the one to ask if you should buy a Dell. I'd get at least double that processor speed. My computer is about 10 months old and I have 5 times that, which means that there is probably something faster out now, or soon will be. It is more than I need for work, but I also use computer to download music/pictures, and a bunch of other stuff. The Dell I had had 650 mHz and it was slow and that was almost 6 years ago. You may have to customize anyway to get XP unless you buy one previously owned, which you can also buy from Dell. It is always a good idea to buy bigger than you need currently just to allow for updates to any software or new software you may add. You need to also think about tech support. I know Dell has tech support in India, which can be extremely frustrating. I don't know that other computer companies don't offshore their tech support, but that would be a question I would ask and find out if there is a locally authorized dealer to handle warranty repairs or if you need to send off the computer. I would not recommend a Gateway computer and I would not recommend any computer that has a Celeron processor. They tend to be in all the lower end computers.
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...
You need the same specs in a laptop as you have in your desktop.
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.
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've had two dell laptops and 5 Dell PCs. Here's the thing...
Make sure you get the extended warranty, again, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. And, here is why.
My first laptop went out on my, though it was a couple of years old. Because I had the extended warranty, a service tech came to my house, replaced motherboard, hard drive, heat sink, and keyboard. He was able to back up everything first and restored it once all the new stuff was in place.
One of my PCs kept giving some weird blue screen error and I couldn't get to go even in safe mode. I called up Dell, told them the problem, they looked up my extended warranty and they sent someone out to repair it.
Overall, I have been happy with Dell products. The only drag is that everything Dell sells regarding accessories is proprietary and you have to order it through Dell. No generic accessories will work. My suggestion is if you decide to buy a Dell laptop, make sure you get the car power supply and you might even get a 2nd regular power supply because I have been known to leave town and forget the power supply at the house. Now, I have everything in my laptop bag for when I go out of town and can just throw my laptop in the bag and know everything is there.
Lastly, some Dell laptops require a special aircard to connect to the internet. I ended up getting a 2 cabled USB air card and I'm glad I did because 2 USB plug ins give better reception than one.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
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.
Laptop preferences.......I currently have a Dell...
Hi Everyone!
For those of you who use laptops, I was just curious if you would share your brand preference. I currently have a Dell and I love it. I am thinking of getting a second laptop so my son would be able to use this one for school and I would then have one just for work. Like I said I have a Dell and love it (and will probably purchase another Dell) but before purchasing another, I want to make sure I am not missing something with another brand.
TIA.
I used a Dell laptop for 5 to 6 years and I never had
a problem with the monitor. I did turn it off at night though and used a screen saver. I now have a Toshiba that I've had for about 18 months. I turn it off for the weekend because I also have a desktop I use for non-MT stuff, but I leave it on most of the time otherwise, unless going out of town. I have not had a problem with this monitor either. I also have an HP laptop that I've had for about 5 years. I don't use it on a daily basis, but I have never had a problem with the screen on it either.
I have never used an external monitor, though I do use an external keyboard.
Right now I have a Dell, HP, and Toshiba laptop
and an HP desk top. The Dell is a piece of junk and I'm fixing to piece it out. I haven't had any problems with the Toshiba but I still prefer my HP and if I were to get a new computer it would be HP.
The cheaper computers of any brand tend to have Celeron processors and they are really a cheap processer and I personally wouldn't buy one, but otherwise there is nothing wrong with the computers, they just don't have all the bells and whistles. If they last 2 years you've gotten your money out of them and they have become practically dinosaurs by then anyway.
I bought a new laptop at dell.com yesterday with XP
The deal they were running was that you can buy certai new computers and have them preloaded with XP. You also get the Vista CD so if you ever want to upgrade you alread have it. It cost an extra $150 but worth it to me. Also they do a free upgrade in memory to 2 GB.Check it out. I think the deal is limited time only. My is set to ship on 08/04/08. I am SOOO excited.
Getting my ducks in a row for my big job search. I just bought a Dell laptop for X-mas. SM
It was used when I bought it and I want to make sure that I have everything I need to work from home on it. The PC I'm on now will be going back to the hospital. It is a Dell Latitude. It has a Pentium IV processor, 512 mg of RAM, 40 gig hard drive, wireless internet plus ethernet card, Windows 2000. Will that laptop suffice for working from home? I assume it will, but I just want to make sure before I starting applying places.
Thanks!
Gosh, do you have a Dell laptop. Both mine and my sister's E kept falling off..
We had to call them because then the mouse broke down and so they finally replaced the own keyboard etc..best use of buying a 3-year warranty that I ever saw...especially with Dell.
I've owned cheaper chairs and learned the hard way.
The old saying that you get what you pay for is true when it comes to these cheap chairs! My back always hurt and I was having to buy a new chair at least yearly. You do the math; I've already had the $1000 chair five years and I quit having the backaches five years ago. This chair is no where close to wearing out and will last me at least another five years, probably more. So, if you think that spending $200 every year on a cheap chair is worth it, you go right ahead; I didn't hear anything but thanks for the OP for my suggestion.
I've tried Dell, which is what I prefer. sm
The reps have told me that all home desktop models now come with Vista. Period. I even asked if I could purchase one with XP if I paid extra and received a negative response. :(
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...
I've heard with Dell if you tell them you're a business,
you'll get someone from the US. I already have two HPs but tried it anyway. I used to say home or home office but said I use it for business and still got someone from India but he spoke very, very good English compared to some I've spoken to in the past.
I've searched and not all Dell laptops have the parallel port.
So I just wanted to check to see more specifics from those who have. Thanks.
I've worked on a Dell Inspiron 8600 for 3 years
I've heard they're not as good as they used to be, but so far (knock on wood), I haven't had any problem except last week my AC power pack died. They mailed me a new one within 3-4 days (I was under 4 years parts warranty). I use a USB keyboard and mouse and don't bother to try to use the scrunched up laptop keyboard.
I've lost more than one hard drive on Dell computers
That's the message you get normally if the hard drive if fried. I just called Dell and they diagnosed the problem and sent me a new hard drive and I returned the bad one. Is yours still under warranty?
Escription users: I have a question. I've about had it with Dell junk computers.
and their Indian call centers..nothing like getting help from someone whom you cant understand. Even if they hear you, they have NO comprehension skills. Anyway, I have like 3 Dell computers which goes from bad to worse. For Christmas, I got my husband an Mac IBook ...wow..what a difference, now that's a computer. Anyhoo, they now have Microsoft office programs for Macs..anyone know if this computer would be compatible at all with the Escription platform since it's so picky. If not, any laptop computers suggestions that are not a piece of junk.
I've never had a problem with my USB/laptop, but
if you have any concerns why not just power down, attach it, and restart.
I've been using a laptop exclusively for 6 years.
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.
I've worked on a laptop only for going on 7 years.
I do use an external keyboard the majority of the time though. The USB WiFi does not accept a card, it is small, plugs into a USB port and acts like your card does, you don't use a card. Go to a website like best buy and search for Wireless USB adapters and you'll see what I'm talking about.
I've used my laptop to MT for about 5 years, full-time. Couldn't
I love being portable, plus I have a small working space. It's great transcribing on the deck (or at the beach) on nice days. Have never had any technical issues; there's always some sort of adapter thingie that's available for whatever comes up.
Company provides a Dell for work, I have a Dell for personal use, too.
x
Dell customer service is overseas. I have had a Dell, a
Toshiba Satellite, and an HP. The Dell was a piece of junk from day 1. The HP hard drive crashed after 4 to 5 years, but otherwise no problems. I bought a Toshiba about 6 months ago and it is okay, nothing special. I was looking at the Sony Viao and the salesman said that some laptops are made to be portable, but that the Sony was not one of them, but the Toshiba was. My keyboard also has a numerical pad on it, but it throws the other keys off a bit, so when I'm in a portable mode and don't have room for an external keyboard it really slows me down. I have a Duo Core processor and notice no difference whatsoever in speed, the number of programs I can have open, etc. I have also noticed that even when I am not on battery power that every so often the battery is charging. I don't know if this is a defect or something that is supposed to happen, but I need to investigate it.
I'm so sorry. It is alright to cry.
zz
Hey, it's alright...I'm sure none of us get paid..
what we deserve..and that includes ALL the different work types! LOL Just wanted to be sure she got a fair representation of this specialty.
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Yep. It is scary alright.
Know what is worse? These are not isolated incidents. It is everywhere. I was talking to my friend who is a nurse. She just started back at this place she used to work at about 6 years ago. It goes down the ladder with this stuff. She said she came across a nurse the other day who does not know what the difference is between a gluteal cleft and a gluteal fold. She wanted to know how people pass state board exams much less take care of people.
Her name is mother alright. hahaha
Brace yourself. You know it's coming. It's Mother Busy MT'ing (???) Hammer (Preaching) Time!!!! YOU WILL LISTEN TO BUSY MT'ING!!!!!
When you said EdiScript popup looks alright to you
Just makes my point on why the MTs on here cannot do VR. Just not up to par. Thanks for that. I do both types of transcribing. You should try using the entire brain, not just 1 part.
It's a scam, alright - you see similar posts asking
Go to bed. Get off the thread. You're tired alright. Looks like you have been working
all day trying to defend MQ. Get some rest. When's second shift coming to relieve you. Hope they have something more original to say. RIGHT? Whoops, my caps are starting to run away with me and I can't stop myself...... I have been reading too many of the multiple personality CAP person's posts. HELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP
Oh he reads this board alright. I used to post my e-mail in my posts.
I use to post on the offshore board a lot. He took the liberty of writing me and telling me his opinion several times. I finally just blocked his e-mail. He reads here.
Yeah, he rocks alright..... the cradle! He is the epitomy of a dirty old man. Blech!
x
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??
Buy a Dell!! You can't go wrong with a Dell but
I bought an Emachines and had trouble with it from day one. I returned it, as the store I bought it from a six month return policy, so I returned it after about five months. I bought a Dell two years ago and have had no problems since!! Buy a Dell, you won't be sorry!! :)
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