A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Does anyone use a laptop for their job? - just wondering

Posted: Jan 29, 2013

Just wondering if anyone uses a laptop to do their transcription, or if most people just use a desk top computer.

I did a few years ago...SM - Old Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
when my desktop died and I couldn't buy a new desktop right away, my daughter in law let me use her spare laptop. I just plugged in my standard keyboard, wireless mouse, and monitor and I was good to go. You can use a laptop as your main processor and if the keyboard is not to your liking then use a stand-alone one, same with mouse. If the laptop has a big enough monitor, then you are all set.

Awesome! Thanks for your reply :) - just wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
I just may do that!

I haven't used a desktop for - years

[ In Reply To ..]
My newest laptop has 8 gigs of RAM and a terabyte of memory. There really is no good reason to buy a bulky desktop any longer. If I'm traveling, I use the laptop keyboard and a small mouse to reduce the amount of stuff I have to carry. At home, I use a separate keyboard and a standard mouse. If I need a big monitor, I connect the laptop to my smart TV. Win win.

Great information! - just wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you!

what about foot pedal... - where do you stick that??

[ In Reply To ..]
and headphones?? just curious, as well. I don't think I could get used to a laptop.

Foot pedal and headphones - Canadian MT

[ In Reply To ..]
Headphones plug into the headphone jack. Foot pedal plugs into the USB port.

Footpedal and headphones - no problem

[ In Reply To ..]
I have USB headphones, and the footpedal plugs into a USB port as well. I have a USB hub that expands the number of USB ports on the laptop. I have no need for a desktop anymore. Laptops do everything I need.

Love my Laptop - Canadian MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I love my laptop. The keyboard is a full 101 keyboard with numeric keypad. I have had problems with keyboards in the past and this one is wonderful. I use a wireless mouse and the screen is plenty big for what I need. I spent a little extra and made sure I bought a commercial-grade laptop rather than consumer grade; the parts are just that much more robust.

Laptop - GioNYC

[ In Reply To ..]
My computer was destroyed on 9/11. In a pinch I used a laptop and it worked just fine with full keyboard using USB. I have it as a backup just in case and when I go on vacation (yeah, ha!)

Of COURSE! - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
This is a portable career! Why wouldn't you use a laptop?!

Similar Messages:

Dec 31, 2009

Okay, I should have checked all this out before I bought a new computer, I know. But I didn't and now I am paying for it. My company's software is not compatible with Windows 7 and that's what my new computer installed on it. I have learned that I can take it to a local repair store and have the XP installed on it and the Word 2003, but then I found out from my employer's IT guy that a 64-bit computer is also not compatible. Geesh! Anything else I sho ...

Jul 28, 2011

After being driven out of my house to a motel for 5 days last week due to the heat (94 degrees even with a small a/c, I think the time is here to get a laptop. I discovered the motel does have internet access. It's supposed to be 100 tomorrow. I need suggestions in choosing. Since I have to have Windows XP, I'm limited to getting a refurb online. There are lots out there, but mostly Dells, with widely varying models and prices. I know I want something wit ...

Oct 31, 2011

I am sure I could use a laptop just as well as I could use a desktop. I would like to travel more before things start getting really bad in America. Plus I would like to visit family more often. I was wondering if anyone out there works off of a laptop and how they liked it. I was thinking I would get an external mouse and connect my keyboard so I can make production better. Any ideas or suggestions? I have to buy a new computer and I am debating whether I cou ...

Feb 07, 2012

My Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop died today so I need a replacement ASAP. I'm writing this on my son's Toshiba Satellite, which has a 10-key pad that my Dell does not. Is anyone using a laptop w/a 10-key pad? Would you recommend it? Thanks in advance. ...

Sep 29, 2012

I know this is a dumb question, but can mmodal employees use a laptop instead of a regular puter? ...

Apr 17, 2013

Duh. ...

Aug 21, 2013

I am thinking of leaving the comfort of my PC and switching to a laptop so I can do a little traveling. Any tips or suggestions on specs? ...

Oct 04, 2014

Hi, I am looking for recommendations on a laptop. It will be a gift (not from my husband) but from a relative. I would like one with word processing but I am happy to download open office. I will mainly use the laptop for internet and I would like to get a wireless printer at some time. I know there is a Google type of laptop where nothing is actually stored. Some folks say it is better to get a regular laptop. I wouldn't be opposed to getting a re ...

Feb 14, 2015

Does anybody transcribe from a laptop? Thinking about trying that. ...

Oct 23, 2009

Can you use a laptop to do medical transcription if a different keyboard can be attached? Just wondering. ...

Oct 24, 2009

Does anyone know if a footpedal is able to be used with a laptop? Thanks. ...

Nov 12, 2009

If I want to travel with my lap top around the holidays to get some work in, do I need an air card in order to have a secure internet connection? TIA. ...

Dec 31, 2009

I am considering getting a new computer in the next few months. Trying to decide between laptop and desktop? Can you really make speed on the laptop keyboard? Opinions? TIA ...

Mar 10, 2010

Hi, I was wondering if there are any transcriptionists out there that use a laptop for typing? I am thinking of purchasing one of these but also have a desktop. I thought it would be great if I could work in different parts of my house when my kids are sleeping. My desktop is in my master bedroom so therefore its very difficult to work late. I appreciate any help/advice on this issue. Thanks, Jenn ...

May 16, 2010

Getting a new laptop and wondered what type of "cooling" pad to get. Does anyone use one? This is the type that sits on your lap while you type and has a fan for a cooling feature so your lap and laptop do not get too hot. Thanks for any help on which one is best! ...

May 27, 2010

I would love to switch over to a laptop to do my daily transcription. Would like to know if any of you fellow MT"s have been using a laptop, what brand/#, and how well does it work for you? I have 3 kids and need to be mobile! Thanks! ...

Nov 16, 2010

Is it better to do MT on a laptop or a desktop? ...

Feb 02, 2011

Am desperately seeking direction as I new to purchase a new laptop and don't have a clue on what is the most reliable. My husband, who was wise and always took care of these type purchases for me, passed away in October, and this is just one of a gazillion things I have to learn on my own now. Anyway, I currently have a Toshiba Satellite with Windows 98 that is about 4 years old but it is just not acting right lately. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles but reali ...

Feb 06, 2011

Just wondering if anybody who uses their own computer to do MT uses a laptop? I've had some problems with my computer and now need to take it in for repairs again, and I was considering getting a laptop as a backup so that I would still be able to work while my desk top computer is out of service. Any advice on what type of laptop to get? Thanks much. ...

Aug 11, 2011

I was curious how it is to work on a laptop? I have always worked on a desktop. If you work on a laptop do you get a standard keyboard and type on it or the keypad on the laptop? What other adjustments if any do you make? What is your preference, desktop or laptop computer to work on? ...

Dec 26, 2011

I would like to buy a new dell laptop to use to work on transcription because I have to travel across country and I need Dell brand because I have a Dell credit card that I can use to purchase it with. Do any other MTs/QA use a dell laptop that you like and if so, which one is it. If I can find one that another MT is using and likes, I'll order one. Thanks ...

Jan 30, 2012

The cheapo one I am using is really noisy and hard on my fingers. I have to pound the keys. I love the feel of the keyboard on my laptop but don't like using it for transcription because it doesn't have the numeric keypad on the right and for other ergonomic reasons. I just want something quiet that I don't have to pound the heck out of. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks! ...

Feb 03, 2012

I've been perusing laptops on Amazon. Never had one before, so don't know that much about them. If you were going to use one for one week out of each month to transcribe on, which one would you buy? Or, if you already use one, what kind did you buy and why? How many USB ports does it have? How much memory? Screen size? Headphone jack? Sound quality? How long do you work on it per day? Pros & cons? ...

Jun 18, 2013

I want to move to a small town where hi-speed internet is not readily available. Can i work with a laptop in this situation? Thanks so much! ...

Dec 17, 2013

I would be able to plug my headset, mouse, foot pedal and keyboard all up to it at the same time? Or do they make adapters for USB ports? Dont have mine handy to see how many USB ports I have; but 4 ports seem excessive for a laptop. Also my laptop is a windows 8 so a little concerned about how compatible it will be with the platforms out there. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated Thanks. ...

Jun 09, 2014

What is the best keyboard to buy to use with a Dell laptop 2013 Inspiron for transcribing? Anyone have any personal experience with this issue? ...

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. ...

Jul 24, 2014

Do you use a Mac or a Windows computer? My son bought a Mac and I can't get over how much faster it is than my Windows laptop. Wondering if anyone uses a Mac for transcription. ...

Nov 26, 2014

on a free or cheap antivirus. It's a windows 7. Thank you kindly in advance. ...

Jun 16, 2015

For those who use a laptop, how many ports come with your puter and do you need a HUB head port for more than 4 integrated USB ports in the puter? I have a desktop and think it might just be on its way out. Any info would be appreciated. I have used H&P for decades. How are they for laptops? Thank you in advance. ...