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


Need a new laptop - MT33


Posted: 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 refurbished.  Just looking for suggestions and experiences.  I also don't know how much the generous reliatve is thinking of spending and so I would like to get something but keep it under $1000 which I think should be doable. 

Laptop - nn

[ In Reply To ..]
Do NOT go with a Chromebook (Google based). Most companies will require you to have at least Internet Explorer in order to possibly run their programs. Also, most MTSOs use a Word-based platform, so yes, you would need to have Microsoft Office and not Open office which would not be compatible. Also, most MTSOs will require that you have Windows 7. VERY few MTSOs will not accept Windows 8 or 8.1.

I just 2 days ago, got a new Dell laptop for around $700 through QVC and am able to make payments on it. It has 8.1 on it, however, with the software my company uses, it is compatible. You should be able to find a refurbished laptop for possibly around $500 or less. The important thing to keep in mind is the amount of memory and the type of processor. The more memory the better and an Intel processor is much faster than an AMD processor. HTH

I got a really nice Dell Inspiron laptop new on - Amazon for around $680. (sm)

[ In Reply To ..]
I specifically got it on Amazon because I wanted Windows 7, not 8. (First I had gone to Best Buy, tried out all their laptops, made notes, then got it cheaper on Amazon. Also, I couldn't get Windows 7 at Best Buy. It has a 14" screen, a CD player/burner, lots of ports, and lots of memory. I love it! I had one HP, and hated it. I've had 3 Dells, and loved them all. Good luck! Enjoy your new laptop!

laptop - get this

[ In Reply To ..]
Get the largest screen you can if you are going to be on it all day.

check out Best Buy. They have pretty good deals on - new and some refurbished

[ In Reply To ..]
I've been looking at laptops myself lately. Best Buy has some pretty good deals and honestly, some of the new ones are just as inexpensive as some of the refurbished ones. I wouldn't go too cheap like in the $300 range, but you will get what you pay for, but you can find some pretty decent ones in the $500 range there.

What We Do - Dell Refurbs

[ In Reply To ..]
We have always been happy with Dell refurbs. I do believe you can get a Dell refurb for under $200. We have never had a problem. They last a long time, and the only time we've had to get another one was one of choice, not it tanking out on us.

I would Google dell refurb and see what you come up with and then review the companies who are selling them.

We used to buy from one in particular (not sure I'm allowed to mention names here), and they had great tech service, too. Helped me get it set up and registered and everything.

How much memory etc - MT33

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am wondering if you looked for general specifics in terms of memory, speed and other features. I noticed a lot of users are sticking with Windows 7. Is this because of problems with Windows 8 itself or compatibility with programs offered by MT services and failure of MT services to upgrade? Thanks.


Similar Messages:


New HP Laptop
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 ...


Laptop Help
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 ...


Laptop MT?
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 ...


Anyone Use A Laptop With A 10-key Pad?
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. ...


Using Laptop
Sep 29, 2012

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


Does Anyone Use A Laptop For Their Job?
Jan 29, 2013

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


Laptop?
Apr 17, 2013

Duh. ...


What Laptop Do You Use?
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? ...


Laptop
Feb 14, 2015

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


Laptop For Transcription?
Oct 23, 2009

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


Footpedal Is Able To Be Used With A Laptop?
Oct 24, 2009

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


Laptop Question
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. ...


Laptop Or Desktop
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 ...


LAPTOP FOR TRANSCRIPTION???
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 ...


Cooling Lap Pad For Laptop...sm
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! ...


Laptop To Transcribe Anyone??
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! ...


Laptop Or Desktop?
Nov 16, 2010

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


Purchasing New Laptop
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 ...


Laptop Computers
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. ...


How Many Of You Work On A Laptop
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? ...


Do You Use A Dell Laptop
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 ...


Need A New USB Keyboard For Laptop
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! ...


Use A Laptop For MT? What Kind Do You Have?
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?  ...


Need Help Re Using Laptop For Work
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! ...


Does Anyone Work From Their Laptop?
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. ...


Using A Keyboard With A Laptop
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? ...


Any Laptop Users?
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. ...


Question For Those Who Use A Laptop...
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. ...


Bought Myself A Laptop
Nov 26, 2014

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


Laptop USB Ports
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. ...