Working from laptop
Posted By: Linda on 2009-02-24
In Reply to: I do.... - TravelingMT
I also travel with my laptop. I have AT&T mobile broadband, works great. I use a separate keyboard and mouse (bluetooth wireless). Works really well.
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working on a laptop
does anyone here do their transcription on a laptop? I know you can add a normal sized keyboard to the laptop to work on, but are there any problems with working on a laptop full 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.
Working on laptop using a C-phone?
 Considering taking a position where I'll have to use a C-phone. I travel and work on my laptop frequently. Does anyone know if this is possible while using a C-phone? Sorry, may be a dumb question but I'm not that computer savvy.
working on laptop while on trip -- q:
If i do work some while on a trip, with good reason but still not required of me, is that trip then tax-deductible, or would that be wrong?
laptop not working with foot pedal?
I just tried my new laptop with all my peripherals; everything works except the footpedal. Laptop is Toshiba; foot pedal is an Infinity IN-USB-1. I plugged it in cold (as the others) and have no clue what to do or if it needs replaced, what to replace it with. Can anyone help?
thanks a whole lot.
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??
You get more working the evening or night shifts and working w/o benefits. And producing like a mad
,
Ditto....granted I am not working much these days, but am currently trying out a new way of working
when I do work which seems to be helping. I am timing myself and keeping a log of how long it takes to to type however many minutes. I am averaging anywhere from 13-18 minutes of dictation an hour now doing this. Granted the time fluctuates between who I am typing, and if I have to look up names, addresses, etc., just depends on the division I am doing at the time. But work that used to take me 3 hours to do is now taking me under 2 hours, I am also trying to put in more macros as I go along, which slows me down initially but pays off in the long run of course. I was working "all the time" before but took forever to get done since I was not applying myself. This new "attitude" has helped me a lot. My goal, in the Fall, is to do 90 minutes a day consistently at 6 hours, and then maybe get up to 120 minutes a day at 8 hours, still while having at least half of the day free (do 60 minutes at night, and the other 60 by Noon). Thereby doing 1200-1400 lines a day. I have never really buckled down and done more than 8000 lines per pay period, so it will be a nice change. Maybe you can do something like that and have a specific knock off time as was suggested below. 
Working holidays? Out shopping in stores where someone IS working
that holiday you refuse to work? Grocery stores, food joints & seems any store is open on holidays and you expect them to be fully staffed, so why shouldn't we?
Yes, I took off for the first time on Christmas day, in 18 years and it was great, but I worked Christmas eve and this whole past weekend.
Someone has to do it!
working IN A HOSPITAL is different than working at home.
Someone can steal you identity from the internet if they want to. Why would you go to the time and trouble to jeopardize a job that requires some level of skill to steal someone's identity or medical records? You could get a job as a retail clerk and get info easier than going through the testing required to become an MT.
Somehow working at home translates into not really working
My in-laws are the worst. Whenever they plan something last minute and my husband says that I had to work, they say, "but she works at home!". When I one time mentioned I had a "schedule" and basically punch a clock and work full time, I don't think they believed me. They will sometimes call mid-day during the week if they are in the area to see if I want to go for lunch, etc! The best is, my husband doesn't make all that much money, so where is it coming from, the money fairy? I am ready to strangle someone! So I know how you feel and I'm sorry it upset you. You are not alone.
I daydream about NOT working while I'm working.
There are so many other things I need and want to get done. I've been working way too hard lately, and summer is just slipping by again. Well, I'm outty.
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?
laptop
I use a laptop to work with. I attach my ergonomically correct keyboard to it and away I go. I travel quite often, so it makes it easier to pack up and taken my work with me when I need to be gone.
Laptop
I use mine to work with. I love it because I can be mobile if I need to be. I also attach my ergonoic keyboard and mouse to it.
laptop
I would think it would work. I use one for my work. I attach my "ergonomically correct" keyboard and mouse to it so that I don't have to use the touchpad or that rinky dink keyboard! Good luck to you!
I have an HP laptop
I have the Core Duo processor which I was told specifically this is better for running multiple programs at once, i.e text expander, word, etc. Gateway has similar ones, and their customer service is MUCH better than HP. I never had an issue with the computer itself though. If you want more details, shoot me an e-mail.
Where can I buy a laptop with XP on it?
Is there anyplace selling new laptop/notebooks with XP instead of Vista?
Thanks
Laptop
Have laptop will travel is my motto. I can work anywhere on the planet because I can carry it with me. Your second purchase should be a super dooper rolling laptop carrying case that holds your foot pedal, mouse, etc.
laptop in the car
There may be some adjustment, but it really isn't difficult. You might have to move the pedal around to find where it is most comfortable. If you're short like me you might need to put something under the pedal to get good enough pressure on the pedal. The hardest part for me working in the car is that because I'm so short I don't have much lap to hold by laptop. Some SUVs/trucks have armrests and they may a kidney-shaped desk that you can lap on top of the arms and work, which is nice. It folds in half when not in use, so you don't have this huge thing to deal with.
Laptop
I went to Las Vegas two weeks ago. I was able to get internet service. The hotel where we stayed gave me a 1-800 number and it only cost me $30.00 for five days of interenet service.
I just got a new laptop and
I have read that so many hook up their monitor the the laptop to save on the laptop scrren, I am wondering how do you do that without the laptop screen being in the way. Just hook it up and keep the laptop in your lap so you can't see that screen?
Laptop?
Forgive me for sounding dumb, but I am thinking of purchasing a laptop and I was wondering how you hook a foot pedal to it?
laptop?
Does anyone do MT work on a laptop? Am thinking of getting one for when I go up north for a few days, which is often! Any thoughts or suggestions?
laptop
I plan to do that, too, if I ever get a job! Most hotel rooms have desks or tables and high-speed internet. It sounds like a real plan to me.
laptop
I do all my work on a Toshiba laptop - I really like it. I have it sitting up on a shelf and attach it to a full-size keyboard and a flat screen monitor. Just like a big computer, only when I want to travel I can take it with me. I have a rolling backpack which has room for two computers. I use one space for the keyboard. That way I don’t have to carry it. It has room for some books, too, if I want to take them. I took it on a plane trip this winter and it’s small enough to fit under the seat on the plane so I don’t have to lift it - it’s heavy. Good luck.
laptop
I take my laptop and work everywhere. It's great. As for hotels, if the desk is too high, I just pop a pillow or two on the chair and so far that has worked fine.
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