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Any laptop users? - December

Posted: Jun 12, 2014

Hello. I'm wondering if anyone uses a laptop for work and if so any suggestions on the best ones, value and performance. I am starting a new job and was told a laptop would be fine. I would only use it a small amount of time and generally use my desktop computer, but would like the option, without spending a fortune or having it breakdown. Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

laptop user - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I use a laptop. It's nothing fancy, but it's more than adequate to get the job done. I got mine at Costco. They had a reasonable selection of laptops with decent specs and they were a little cheaper than other places I checked out.

I use laptop. Just make sure it has enough USB hubs, or you - might need a hub. I have external keyboard which S

[ In Reply To ..]
is much easier, IMO, to type on than the laptop keyboard. And a mouse which is much easier to use than a touch pad, IMO. You can get wireless mouse/keyboard combos, which will need a USB port or a hub. Also will need hub for foot pedal, and if needed, external speakers. Also my work laptops have always set on a pad with a fan, to keep down excessive heat, which is the main killer, besides viruses, of computers.

So, for me, a lot of gear goes into using a laptop, but nothing more than your PC. Get a good case that everything will fit in, and off you go.

Oops, above meant USB ports. Also some MTs use a bigger - external monitoer. nm

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question - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
In reference to "You can get wireless mouse/keyboard combos, which will need a USB port or a hub." Why would wireless anything need a port?

And, basically with all those extras...why bother with a laptop at all? The whole laptop concept is to be able to pick up and go. To each their own, but, holy cow, there are desktops these days that are just a screen and keyboard only.

You might want to - xx

[ In Reply To ..]
research how wireless devices actually work. You need a USB port to insert the receiver for the transmitter in the wireless keyboard or mouse. How do you think they communicates with the laptop? Magic?

yes I am computer illiterate and figured they communicated - the same way my laptop does with my cable.

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(x)

I do this 44 hours a week. Truthfully, if I am going anywhere - it is to get away from work. SM

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After 15 years of this, when I leave my office, I am done. And I would rather work in my office cause it is set up just how I want it.

I can see doing without the keyboard and mouse, but don't you have to have the foot pedal? I, of course, could work on just the laptop, but my speed would be cut by a lot. It is nice having the laptop as a back-up in case anything happens to the desktop.

I work longer hours and like to get out into different - surroundings. refreshes the job for me. anon

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everyone is different.

I tried workin on the deck but the birds, breeze, etc - I couldnt stay awake, lol. NM

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x

Most Important Thing to Consider... - Rose

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Is the operating system. Very few use Windows 8, yet most new laptops are sold with Win 8. Find out what you will need and you may have to shop for a used laptop. As far as USB ports go, you can get adapters that plug into one USB port and give you 5+ other USB ports to use. These are less than $10. Also, your company will probably not want to pay their IT person to install the database and set up on two separate computers.

I use a laptop and external monitor, keyboard, and trackball so if I travel, I can take just the laptop with me and continue working.

Another great thing about laptops is if you suddenly lose power, it goes to battery backup so you don't lose work.

An adapter is also known as a hub. I have had 3 diff MTSo - happy to put platform on laptop and desktop. nm

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