I have an Acer laptop, almost 3 years now, no problems at all.
Posted By: AmphionFan on 2009-02-14
In Reply to: Acer notebooks - anyone? - Amanda Howard
nm
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I have used a laptop only for 7+ years.
I have a 17-inch screen and use an external keyboard 99% of the time.
Been working on a laptop for 6 years.
Definitely need an external keyboard and I would also recommend an external mouse instead of using the touch pad, unless you have a keyboard that has a touch pad. Unless you plug in an external monitor too, the smaller screen may be an adjustment, although several of the newer laptops have 17 to 17.5 screens now. A major plus to a laptop is if the power goes out and you download via wav files you can work, at least for a little while, using the battery. I have cable internet, but I also get 20 hours/month dial-up with that, so I can use the dial-up to download/upload and use my battery to work for 3+ hours. You can also get an inexpensive inverter to plug into your cigarette lighter in your car and plug your laptop into that to charge your battery, or use for working in the car while traveling. I have a box about 1-1/2 inches tall that all my power cords plug into and I have my laptop sitting on that and it makes it the right height for typing.
Laptops generally run considerably more than a desktop, though you can find a decent laptop now for $800.00 or less, though most will run you around $1000.00/more depending on what bells and whistles you want.
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.
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.
Been using a laptop only for 7 years now. Some laptops aren't
meant to be mobile, at least that what a salesman told me. I was looking at the Sony Viao and he said there weren't really meant to be mobile, at least not as their main function. Get a good padded case, use an external keyboard. Anything you get off the shelf these days should be enough for you to work on. I'd get one that had a DVD player just in case you want to watch movies while traveling. I'd get a minimum of 512 RAM, preferably twice that.
With all the back to school sales now is a good time to be buying a laptop. Also, if your state has a tax-free weekend (ours is this weekend) you can save another $200.
I'd make sure you had enough USB ports to plug in everything you need. You can always buy a USB hub for $20 or less if you need more.
Be sure and get the extended warranty. If you need repairs it will pay for itself the first time.
Whatever you get don't get Vista. It might be hard to find one without it unless you order it. I'm not sure if you can dump Vista and install Windows or not.
Whatever you get give yourself a couple of weeks to try it out at home and make a check list of all you need to take with you. I've traveled and left my external keyboard at home, I've left the adapter to convert my PS/2 keyboard to USB, and I think I even left my power cord once, so it is good to have a checklist so you don't forget stuff.
When I upgrade my Stedman's I get the electronic ones so when I travel I have them on my computer and don't have to worry about carrying my books, or not being able to look things up if I don't have constant internet access.
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.
I have a 19 inch Acer (sm)
I am very happy with it. Crystal clear, much better for your eyes.
Acer notebooks - anyone?
I just bought an Acer notebook from Walmart. Anyone have experience with this they can share?
I know they are not much good for transcribing (too small), but I also go to college and seeing as they only weigh 1 pound, I thought it might be good to have.
Do you think I wasted my money? Should I have spent the extra $200 and got a real laptop?
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.
Acer and Wal-Mart
A netbook/notebook is made to check email, surf the net, do light transcribing. It should perform as well as a larger laptop and has a better battery life than a laptop (4-6h compared to 2-2.5h). You can check Consumer Reports or PC World to find out how well each brand performs. Acer is a nice unit, plus it has XP. Buy a full-size laptop and you get Vista.
As far as buying electronics from Wal-Mart, I buy all my PCs, cameras, etc., from there and have never had a problem with any of them. The PCs are the same as the ones in Staples, BestBuy, etc., just a $100 or more less. They also offer a service contract like the high-priced stores. No, I don't work there.
Bad experience with Acer s/m
A friend's daughter bought one for college and was never able to connect to the internet. Unfortunately, she waited past the time to return it before bringing it to me as I would have told her to return it. We could get her microsoft update to work, but nothing else. I tried for days to get through to their tech support, which was horrendous.
First you have to send an email explaining the situation and what you have done to fix it. They will then email you back with solutions and a number to call if it doesn't work. You have 7 days from the date of the email to take care of it. I called the number as everything they suggested had either been done or just did not work. Call was answered by someone in India of course, who could not fix the problem and needed to escalate the service. You then get transferred. Once transferred, the system automatically hangs up after 27 minutes. I was never able to get through to anyone no matter what I did. I called daily, several different times of the day, explaining that I was being disconnected, etc, to no avail.
She is going to take it to a computer repair shop locally to see if anything can be done, but after paying $500 for a laptop, why should she be paying for service on a new machine?
My son was just telling me last week that he was thinking of a laptop for college and mentioned the Acer and I told him to stay far away from it explaining what happened to our friend. I personally have had a Toshiba for almost 8 years (the same one!) and just love it. I am getting ready to buy a new one and will definitely choose Toshiba again.
Acer or Toshiba?
Hi. Bought 2 computers tonight. Which one do I keep? They are both approximately the same price -- Acer is $50 cheaper. I just want to know pros and cons of the brands. Thanks for any advice.
I bought an Acer monitor from
Walmart for in November of 2007 and it went kaput in December of 2008.  Hope you have better luck.
I also bought an Acer monitor
from Wal-Mart 2+ years ago and I love it and it's still going strong.
We have a few Acer laptops in our family. No probs. nm
s
I also bought an Acer monitor from there in 11/2007
Mine still works great, though.
I bought an Acer monitor from Staples
It's been well over a year now... Towers are a different story, but I've had pretty good luck with e-machines from Best Buy.
Family member got an Acer recently. Working great for her. My PC
s
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??
58, AHP/self-taught, trained at hospital 5 years, now with 2 of my own accounts for 10 years, employ
Also worn out 2 keyboards in 4 years. I will never retire. DH will come home some day from work and I'll be slumped over my keyboard. I put in 14 hours a day 7 days a week.
Pack years = packs smoked per day x years of smoking - sm
25 pack-years = 25 years of 1 pack a day, or 12-1/2 years of 2 packs a day.
I don't think pack-years applies to someone who smokes only cigars. But I don't know for sure.
I worked for Cbay for 3 years. I was also part of their lay off back many years ago. sm
Even though I got stuck in a lay off era, I still love the company. They paid well then. The people were nice (exception of 1 person) and if I had the opportunity I would go back again. Fortunately (or unfortunately - depending on how u look at it), I have a great paying job right now, so I am not looking for a change. I do know that at one time, they asked management to accept late paychecks, but never sure of the reason why. My check was never late.
I know it used to be 5-10 years back, but the laws changed within the last 2 years. They can only g
x
6 years legal then switched to medical 17+ years ago. sm
I don't mind doing legal and will do it now from time to time, but be prepared to be totally bored out of your mind.
At least that's the way I feel. I love to transcribe, learned legal in college, went on to get my paralegal degree, etc., etc., but I did temp work when the kids were younger, which was about 90% medical and I would never go back to legal except for once in a while.
Booooooring.
Only 3 years away from reaching total years for retirement
but if I had to do this and raise a family, would feel exactly like you do. The pay is terrible compared to what I used to make. I work 32 hours a week, hope to be able to continue even after full retirement age. I have worked on VR now and unless places get to where they really do not care about how their reports look, think they will need MTs. I very seldom do a report and it is 100%, just cannot remember 1 like that and most take a lot more editing. Working now because want to, not have to anymore, thank goodness!!
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?
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