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.

• using desktop computer mobile as a laptop - Fingers2TheBone
  • USB wireless cards are available. - Closet techie
  • You can get an internal board for WiFi or you can get a - me
    • USB WiFi - Fingers2TheBone
      • I've worked on a laptop only for going on 7 years. - me
        • Wireless USB adaptor - Fingers2TheBone
          • The USB adaptor does the same thing the card does, you don't need - me

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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'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.

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. 

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!!

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...

Exactly what do I need to look for in a laptop.  I have an ill family member which requires me to be more mobile.  Ram?  Hard drive?  How many ports?  Do you like any particular brand - I lean towards Dell, but am certainly not a diehard Dell fan. 

Any tips you might have would be appreciated.

Thak you

Hi,

In answer to your question, I have a USB aircard through Sprint, which I use here at home since I am in the "boonies" and only a mile and a half from a cell tower however, so my connection speed is great.  When I "travel of the weekend" it is usually up to my significant others, and he has DSL available there so I use either or,

Hope this helps.

I'm wondering if this is possible instead of having to install everything on my laptop to work remotely.  It would be nice if I could hook up to my home PC with my laptop and am wondering if there is a program that would allow me to do so or do I have to re-install everything on my laptop to work remotely.

I have auto corrects, medical spell check, medical dictionary, etc., that I would need on both computers.

TIA

I just want to be able to move around the house with a laptop, which I am still looking for a good deal on.  I am looking for a 17 inch screen.  What is your laptop?  Give me the specs please.

Thanks

KC

Interesting question!  I own a small MTSO that is essentially a family business.  My Dad is retired, but does sales and bookkeeping for me.  My Mom is retiring August 1st, and she is planning on getting back into transcription, working for me.  They own a big RV and are planning on being "snowbirds" - living in Arizona for at least 3 months of the year.  The place they are going to is a big RV community which has WiFi internet, so they can both work remotely. I am also an avid camper, so we've been looking into remote internet options.

We explored the different satellite options, but it was very expensive initially for the equipment and the setup at each stop seemed kind of complicated.  The other problem was the upload/download speed - I can see why many services won't hire someone with satellite service.  We ended up going with Verizon Broadband access - anywhere I can get a cell phone signal I can get internet.  The speed isn't the greatest, but it works for us.

What I've found is if you work for a company that requires you to be logged on to the internet the whole time you are working, this option won't really work because of the connection speed.  However, we use a product called DocShuttle by Bytescribe that allows my staff to download the audio and disconnect, type the reports, and then connect and upload the documents.  It works great for that - I even have an employee who lives in the country where there is only dial-up available, and she works just fine like this.

It can be done - I've worked while camping several times this way.....

wireless internet through Verizon.  I currently have a Verizon cell and have no problem with reception in my home, so I'm hoping this is a go.  I also have a 30-day trial period, so I'll know for sure if I have any glitches. 

What I don't understand is this lingo about voice files, etc.  I'm on the Bayscribe platform, so any info would be greatly appreciated.  Please "dumb it down" for me, as I am not a PC person.  The lady that signed me up told me that the limit is 5 GB and that that generally means about 35,000 web pages a month.  How does this correlate to voice files?  Do I even use voice files on Bayscribe?  I'm assuming so since I have an audio player. 

At least I know if this doesn't work out, I can cancel and not lose anything.  Then I'll have to sign up for satellite, which is about $300 upfront and $60 to $90 per month for service.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Verizon will work for me.

Thanks for any info.

Shop around for repossessed homes. I have a double-wide Palm Harbor that we picked up for about 60% of book. Yes, they do depreciate like cars, and some brands hold value better than others. Palm Harbor and Patriot seem to have the slowest depreciation rate, and do have pretty good records for storm survival (always remember, they have earned the term Tornado Bait honestly!)  Our home was barely lived in, with very little evidence of wear, and a great price.  Try to look for a repo-only lot - they are usually run directly by the mortgage company and if you have good credit, a good deal can be made, especially if they have had the home back for a while. They can also show you homes alreay set up in parks, or on lots of 1/2 to 1 acre or even more, and if you like the location, won't even have to wait for moving and set-up. Make sure they are able to demonstrate that the heat and air work properly, even if they are lot-set in a temporary sales lot. Don't know about AZ, but in Texas they do have to have certain warranties for roofs, appliances, etc. for at least 90 days.  New home dealerships often have some repos, but they are usually dogs to make you want the new ones.  Shop around, take as much time as possible (we stayed in contact with the repo dealer we brought from for about a year, and he called when he got in what he knew we were looking for) and you can find a deal, especially if you have great credit. We are way more happy with the mobile home we bought when we remember how little we gave for it. Stay away from Fleetwood, Shulte and SOUTHERN ENERGY (run-don't walk-away), unless they just give you one, then be prepared for problems anyway.  I am running on, aren't I? I just wish someone had steered me this direction in the first place.   21st Century Mortgage Company is a good lender for mobile homes. There are not many companies out there who still do trailers, but you can find them if you look. Hope this helps. Contact me if you want more info. 

Be sure that you're using a secured wireless network/hot spot. Your laptop should have the wireless card already installed, unless you're using an old model. Try Google search for VPN to learn more.

Most importantly--make sure it is allowed by your company!!

here is the section on Cingular's web site.  Sprint also has one.

http://business.cingular.com/businesscenter/solutions/wireless-laptop/modem-cards.jsp