I just got a laptop and I can't believe I waited so long to get one!
Posted By: passen through on 2006-03-08
In Reply to: Next move, the deck. Tired of being cooped up. sm - mlstoo
If your account only uses WAV files and you don't need a phone line, you can work anywhere! I've already taken two out of town trips and was able to work at both places. this summer, I totally intend to be outside watching my kids swim and play while I'm working. Everybody should have a laptop!
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Not me. But I've waited for this for a long time.
Been through the daily grind for over 20 years. At one point I even had all four of my kids in different schools, having to drop them off before leaving for work. I don't miss it one bit. I still laugh when I'm lying on the couch in my pajamas reading the morning paper while all of the commuters are fighting for a place in line at Dunkin Donuts.
But with 4 kids, 3 still at home, my house has always been like Grand Central Station. I have never been able to complain about the quiet for sure. Hubby works nights so is here during the day and starting early afternoon there is an endless stream of hungry teenagers in and out as well as messy little grandkids. I don't remember the last time that I was completely alone for more than an hour. I wouldn't know what to do.
As long as they have decent internet service there, you should be fine and if you use your laptop no
my laptop because it uses a 9-pin foot pedal and I havent been able to get an adapter that works. Obviously, most all laptops these days have the USB on them. What I have had to do is bubble wrap my computer (I have a small desktop and flat screen) put it in the suitcase and off I go. Also, doublecheck on your time change. I take mine to Hawaii and have to remember there is a 4-hour difference so you'd have to factor that in if someone needed you to do something a certain time. Just check on your internet service before you go etc.. I travel all over with my computer. I cant afford to miss work. Best of both worlds..vacation and work..Nothing is nicer than sitting out on the lanai in Hawaii with that gorgeous view i.e. sunset and working away. I mean I could be home staring at the four walls..boring...
what were they going to pay you for while you waited? nm
..
NEVER sat and waited.
Among others, I have worked for MQ as an employee, and for MDI as SE. If there is no work, i go do something else. I check back and try again throughout the day, evening. If i cannot be that flexible on a given day, i just let them know, i was available, but the work was not. at least i am productive in SOME kinda way then.
My husband did this, only he waited until
he got to college to do it. He too loves the game but was burnt out on it. He had 7 colleges to chose from. He went to camp and after the first 2 weeks made first string as a Freshman, he quit the next week. He would have gone Pro but instead he quit school and joined the Army. He has been in the Army now for 17 years, going back to school after his first tour to Saudi, and he does not regret it one bit.
His opinion is that he started playing ball for him but when everyone saw how good he was, it then became about them and the fun was gone. He did not want to live the rest of his life doing what "other" people wanted him to do.
Your son has chosen academics over ball and there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe he doesn't want to be labeled as a "great football player" but instead as a "great man". Support him, like you are, don't be sad, be happy that he is mature enough to make this decision. He is bound for many a great things! Good luck to you and your family.
I waited 5 days for JLG
I'm sure I will have to wait until Saturday again this week!!!
pronto? The OP has waited months....just
and you waited all this time to say something why would be their first question...
nm
Waited 6 years to buy one could have made
and now I can't imagine living without it. I took a job recently and I could not use Smartype on their program, they had an Expander but with nothing in it LOL and I thought I was going to die!!! Get one...it is NOT faster typing it.
In Canada, my relatives waited months for an
nm
I am glad I waited to hear results on this before buying. sm
I need something that gives truly better syllable discrimination, and most head phones are geared for listening to music, not voice. I still have not found anything better than stethoscope earphones for that purpose.
went to a wedding once where we waited for 4 hours! we finally went to McDonald's. nm
x
Good grief, you started this all. You should have just waited. Xanax to the rescue. nm
f
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??
I hate Instant Text. It is expensive, long long learning
curve, and too much distraction for me.
How long should I wait after applying for a position before I follow-up. It has been as long as two
without hearing from some. Just wondering if I should send an e-mail to follow-up to see if they received my resume or not. I don't want to offend anyone but feel two weeks should be long enough for someone to at least acknowledge my resume and that I have applied for a position. Right now I would accept anything even a note saying no thanks. Any advice would be appreciated. I haven't had to apply for a job for the past 10 years so I am a bit rusty at this. Thanks again for any advice.
Congrats! How long have you been a MLS and how long did you study for the test!
Please see message. I have three daughters with long, long hair.
I also have long hair down to my waist and my three girls have hair that long too. My daughter brought them home from school last year. I was devestated and grossed out!!!! I have never had to deal with lice. Anyway, we did the treatments and two of my girls broke out in a severe rash with the OTC stuff. Their little heads were so sore!! I thought I was being meticulous with eggs, only to find them hatching again down the road. A nurse at the pediatricians office suggested I try oil to suffocate them since my girls were allergic to the lice solution. I bought a huge bottle of veggie oil and dumped it on all three heads, plus my own. I then wrapped the heads in platic wrap and then a towel. I left this on for 30 minutes. It takes a while to wash out the oil, but we never, ever had the lice or eggs again!!! If you try this, make sure you put on an old shirt and put a towel around your shoulders. Obviously we were desperate, but we all have such long hair and very thick hair so I was willing to try anything. And I figured there was no chemicals involved so that was pretty safe. And it sure did help my littles ones since their scalps were pretty raw from the solution. Hope this helps and Good luck!
It's been a long, long time since I've used a C-phone, sm
but I do think jobs can be paused.
I had a problem with this for a long, long time sm
I have always worked days, like from 6-3. Over the last few years, it didn't matter how much sleep I got, I became real groggy between 7 and 11. Really shoots the day. Talked to my doctor and he said my blood pressure pills were the culprit but he refused to change me to another brand or dosage since I have multiple aneurysms (2 in the brain). My BP has been stable for a long time and he wants to "keep it on the low side". I tried taking them before I went to bed instead of early in the morning, but then I had headaches all day. So, I am changing to a night shift for a few months so I can sleep when those pills kick in and so far it is working pretty good. I stay mostly awake during my shift and die when I hit the bed from 6 am to 10 am, then I lay down again later in the afternoon for 2-3 hours. I still get 6-7 hours of sleep, it's just split up during the day, plus I am mostly awake now when I sit down to type. I don't have to deal with the heat in my office, either. It tends to warm up real fast in here with the south sun on the house and 2 pc's running all day, even with the air conditioner on.
Way back when, a long, long time
ago and in a galaxy far, far away, I had my own accounts also and some years cleared $75,000. Yes it can be done, but you need to have your own accounts. Also lots of delivery, and other duties involved. I work for a large national now and make much less, but I got tired of accountants, having to deal with hardware problems, deadlines, driving deliveries, printing, printers, etc. So I decided to simplify my taxes and stay home and just type. Don't have to worry about computers either, because the company will just send me a new one.
Long, long files. Seemed like they'd never end! I'd never go back to VA again. nm
s
I've been doing this a long, long time...
I used to make $70,000 and up a year and did so for most of the late 80s and 90s (one girl used to make six figures a year working 7 days a week!) Because we were making more money than the supervisors and Medical Records Directors in hospitals, they began to switch to transcription services which were sprouting up all over the place. Plus AAMT came into existence and even though in the beginning it claimed it was to fight for transcriptionists (although assured us it was NOT a union), they eventually morphed into an organization that was more management friendly. They developed the "guidelines" and the 65-char line. That was the beginning of the end for those high-end wages. Then all those mickey mouse transcription schools popped up, and now outsourcing overseas. YES, we're complaining.
Been in this biz a long, long time, 30+ years and....sm
I love/loved MTing. However, things have changed so much during these years. The job definitely gets easier; don't have to look up much, can decipher ESLs much easier, in other words, you get pretty comfortable with things and you have confidence in yourself. The more experience you have the easier the job, but....
I actually made more money 10 years ago!! We didn't have speech recognition and you actually got paid for headers/footers, demographics, carbon copies, etc., you got paid for what you did fairly; today, I am not so sure.
You will feel burned out at times, but that passes and you find you like your job again.
Good luck to you!!
A long, long time ago, I was going thru
a really bad time emotionally and physically. I was suffering, and my transcribing suffered. I assure you - if you are to the point of not paying your rent, literally, and needing food stamps, there is something else going on in your life than current transcription rates. We are all in this industry and many are thriving, most getting along comfortably. If you are literally to the point of food stamps, you honestly would be a fool to continue. I blamed it on my job, on my line rate, on everything but the honest truth that I was ill and was NOT working as I should or could. It is a really sad thing that you keep spreading this propaganda that MTs in our culture are doomed and now destined for food stamps. Food stamps are not something to toss around lightly, as you would know if you ever had to use them. Please let's not be quite so dramatic. Again, if you are really in those dire straits, you really need to face that MTing is not the fit for you, personally, and do something about it rather than blame our industry. You dwell on the past, but we can't do that. While you may have made other wages 20 years ago, may I remind you that we were pounding away on IBM Selectrics using layers of paper and bottles of white out, going crazy trying to rewind tapes over and over to get that dang word, with no idea what an Expander was. Technology is fantastic. Things have changed, but things are still great in this industry, and in this world. Those who change and can adapt will be fine, but you need to recognize that most of us are not ready for food stamps.
Sure did...you been around for a long, long year
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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