help me understand laptop travel
Posted By: cat of Eric on 2008-02-18
In Reply to:
I'm a hard-wired girl but I got a good deal on a laptop and would like to know exactly how you travel and work. I remember mention of air cards - where do you get these and is there a 1 time charge or do you have to sign up and pay monthly fees? Now - I still have to figure out how to connect it to router at home - TIA.
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Does anyone travel with their laptop
and use a Sprint broadband card for internet access, or one of the other company broadband cards. Just wondered how it worked for you for traveling and if you can use it on the road? I've been trying to research this but not really finding the answers. From what I read, if there is good cell phone signal you should be able to get service, but the guy from Sprint told me that his parents tried it down the road in Nebraska and did not work, and I asked why since it said on the site that you would get service if the cell coverage is there, maybe just not as fast as in a city such as Lincoln or Omaha, and he didn't know why but said I could try it out for 30 days. Thought maybe some of you road warriors would have some suggestions. I would like to stay with my mom and use something like this since she doesn't have internet. Thanks for any suggestions if anyone has used this particular method for working. 
Laptop travel
I take my laptop with me every weekend. If we go someplace besides our place in the mountains, I get my internet service to get me a dial up number of where I am going so I can connect with the internet service through dial-up. It is much slower than my DSL, but works like a charm. So contact your Internet Service Provider about numbers in the place you are are planning ongoing and so far I have had not a single problem. I have worked in Florida, in New York, in Oklahoma, in New Mexico, using the local numbers that my internet service provider gave me. I have SBC/Yahoo, now called AT&T. They even helped me set it up the first time as I could not figure out how to do it.
I travel with a laptop, printer, and keyboard - sm
My printer is small enough to fit into a backpack - about the size of a portable DVD player. So the printer, along with the laptop go on the plane with me. The keyboard and mouse go in my suitcase that gets carried under the plane. Now, if i have to take a transcriber with me, depending on where I'm going, I will either ship that ahead or TRY to take it with me on the plane, but it depends on where I'm going and how long I'll be gone. I have had to replace a transcriber because of security deciding to take it apart when it was packed in my suitcase. Lesson learned on my part.
I hope I dont sound naive, can you tell me how you travel with a laptop and transcribe? I have neve
I have never done this but I'm trying to plan it so it is feasible for me. I know to travel I'd need a laptop. Does the laptop accomodate a regular foot pedal or does it take a USB and also do your headphones plug into it? What do you do about internet when traveling? Thanks, you can email the info if you'd like, I'd like to get these plans figured out and all the answers on this I could get would be great!
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 can travel while
There are no restrictions on that. Of course, you are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the records you work on while you are away. As far as a bare bones summer cottage, you would have to make arrangements as you see fit and necessary in order to make it comfortable for you to work in.
I do when I travel.....sm
I dock my laptop when I'm working from somewhere else (i.e. my elderly grandmother's house) and use my own keyboard and mouse. If I'm just going to work a couple of hours I don't do all of that - only if I'm working all day.
Where did you travel to? sm
I guess my main concern is going overseas to England and for some reason not being able to work there. The internet in the house I would be living in is high speed internet but I just want to make sure that my computer would work there and everything goes smoothly.
astral travel
Always thought it was hogwash until it happened to me too. I was working in a bank as a teller. On my fourth day as a teller a guy came to my window with a gun, couldn't believe it. It was like a rose above my body and watched this poor girl being robbed. To this day, 30 years later, I can still see the dress I was wearing, hairstyle etc. Back then they called it "out of body experience."
Anyone here travel and work (sm)
I am thinking I could work while I travel if I had a laptop computer and am wondering if anyone here does this and what is involved. I know many motels offer free wireless internet now. Is that all I need to be able to do this? Thanks for any help!
I prefer the CD. I can travel with my
job and used a laptop. I am able to have all my references available because I have them on the computer. Stedman's only allows 2 downloads though, so if you are one who may have lots of computer issues where you will need to reload your computer a coupld of times a year or if you might want to resell then CDs wouldn't be the way to go. The books you can find used on the classified board.
You can use www.drugs.com as a drug reference.
There aren't a separate set of books for clinic work, but I would recommend a book called Sloane's Medical Word Book by Ellen Drake. It is a large book with all the specialities and while obviously not as thorough as the Stedman's books, the terminology used in clinic work isn't as technical as acute care and will probably be good enough for you. I haven't looked at Stedman's lately but they may have a similar book.
Travel and work
As my parents are getting older I would like to visit with them more often. I live in the south and they live on the West Coast. I would like to work from their house, but they don't have an internet connection. I have thought about wi-fi but this presents privacy issues and the inconvenience of having to drive to Starbucks every day. My parents are not receptive to getting an internet connection as they do not have a computer. Anyone have any ideas how I can get some work done and yet still travel to see them several times a year?
My dream job would be to just travel, (sm)
see the world, play, ski, go on mountain bike & hiking trips, and do all sorts of unusual outdoor activities, and indoor activities (drawing) that I enjoy, and then get paid to write about them.
working while you travel
May I ask what company you work for, that lets you take your work overseas? I think this is a great idea, to travel while you work (or work while you travel) :)
I travel quite a bit. I used to have satellite, but no longer
do. Wireless is only good if you are in a place that has wireless service or you can get WiFi. Most of the chain hotels now have free WiFi and there are lots of other places that have free WiFi if you are on the road. It's always good to have a plan B too, just in case.
I read it... does it mean US patients would have to travel - nm
.
they require your uncle to travel; thus, pay him to
nm
question for those who travel and work
Does anyone have to use a C-phone for their work and use a long distance plan that they can use while away from home? I looked at Vonage, but I looked over previous posts and it sounded like the voice quality was not that great, which for obvious reasons I cannot have. Thanks for all input/suggestions!
What? I am a low income MT, can't afford to travel anywhere.
 I can't even afford to drive out of the state...gotta fix my motorcycle.
I am not taking all this too seriously but I think your post is a little inflammatory.
Nobody expects tourists to speak whatever the native language is. I think it is reasonable for local medical professionals living and working here to be able to speak easily recognizable English since the accuracy and quality of the medical record depends on it, not to mention turnaround time. My time is valuable too. Forcing me to relisten over and over just to decipher simple phrases is not fair. And that applies to the native speakers too (who tend to rattle everything off too stinking fast and IMO just as bad or worse than ESL).
Travel to Florida/Disney - experiences?
We are planning a trip to Florida for the Daytona 500 in February - we are having problems lining up a hotel in the Orlando area that includes suites with kitchenettes and also has shuttle service to the major parks in the area. We want something in the mid range, maybe 3 star or 4 star, and will only have 2 tweenagers traveling with us - the rest will be adults. Can anyone recommend a place to stay with some atmosphere, pool area, restaurant, etc.?
We've been there before when our kids were young and stayed in very basic motels which was fine. We hardly spent any time at the motel anyway. This time, with some going to the NASCAR race, there will be down time for others, so a nice pool/outdoor area would be a plus.
Why not just ask a local travel agent? You don't have to commit thru them. nm
s
I guess I should say who work for a company that has you travel
to different on-site facilities and work for a few weeks providing all travel expenses and then on to a different facility?
I travel frequently and I have not found this to be a problem.
You can either search on-line or go to store like Office Depot and look at keyboard trays. They have them that will clip on. You can clip one to a table. Many times I've propped a pillow against a table and put the keyboard tray on the pillow. I've worked at a picnic table with a folded towel on the edge of the table. The height isn't the best and the towel kept the hard edge from pressing into my wrists. I've used a bed tray and put my laptop on top of that and placed the keyboard underneath.
I'd try a few things now before you go. I found that if I had to work I found a way to get the job done. I've even typed on the laptop keyboard with the laptop on my lap as we are going down the road.
oops... travel program should be LogMeIn.
oh yuck, I have to travel to NY next week for a hospital job - now I'm going to be cold!!
x
Any time I travel and don't have room for my keyboard I use a pillow in my lap or prop
it on the edge of the desk. I find it also takes some of the stress off my wrists and I tend to sit straighter in my chair. Takes a bit getting used to, but if you travel with your own pillows you can use your own and it won't be so bad. You could also go to one of the office warehouse companies like Office Depot and look at their keyboard trays. They may have some that slides or clamps onto a desk that would work for you.
Thanks for sharing. I also travel A LOT..and the majority of the time things go smooth, but sometime
Last time we went on vacation, I forgot to pack my keyboard that I had just bought for $50 and had to run to Radio Shack and get another cheapo for $30. Then, the hotel internet was AWFUL and kept cutting me off so production was sloooooow..Overall, I just check ahead to see what the hotel offers in terms of internet etc..and I do end up having to pay anywhere from $10-12 a night at hotels but it is worth it so I am not missing work or using all of my PTO time. We're heading to Mexico next year and the hotel has wireless so I think I'll give it a whirl. We have a condo in Hawaii and I have sat out on the lanai all day looking at the ocean and working. It was the highest production I have ever had. The only downfall I have found is trying to remember all fo the time changes so I am starting and stopping when I am scheduled. Hawaii is 5 hours different from home so I had to factor that in. In any event, thanks for sharing and I agree. Vacation can be fun AND productive.. LOL
How long was the in-house training period? I'd be willing to travel for a few days for a decent
nm
One time I typed "Tp and his wife are retired and travel in their rectovaginal." Caught it tho
x
I use my c-phone whenever we travel. You can hook it directly into your room phone. Be sure and as
xx
I don't work on DQS but I do travel/camp and work.
A lot of campgrounds have some type of internet hookup and more and more are getting WiFi. If you know where you are going to stay you can call and ask them what they have. If you don't have a place picked yet, get a Travel Life directly. It lists campgrounds by state and then city with all the amenities they offer. I would still call to verify what internet setup they have. Not all campgrounds are in the directory because it is a pay listing, but it should help you. The directory costs about $20.00 and can be found at most camping stores. Don't know if B&N would also have it. You can search on-line too, just a bit more time consuming.
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!
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