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

Looking for laptop suggestions. I want to be more mobile - this summer!

Posted: Mar 21, 2011

I'm wondering which laptop to buy, so I am looking for MT consumer reports! I want a bigger screen, not one of those net books with tiny screens!

Be sure the platform you use works with Win 7. DQS does not. NM - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

That's why I'm thinking about buying a used or refurbished laptop. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
I like XP and everything works with XP. I don't understand why Microsoft feels like they need to come out with a new OS every other year. It irritates me to no end and everything is always so buggy when Microsoft first releases stuff. Darn that Bill Gates!

XP is 10 years old. That's like 100 in computer years. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

So! Because it's 10 years old, it's worthless? - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
It works just fine. Most all MTSO's platforms and software are compatible with it. What exactly does Vista or Windows 7 have to offer that would make my job easier?

In technology? Not worthless, but close to obsolete. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
What does Windows 7 have that XP doesn't? Speed, stability, hardware compatibility, UI improvements...it's a rather long list. As for what could specifically make your job easier, my favorite is the way Windows 7 handles audio devices. I can choose to have the audio from Express Scribe play through my headphones but everything else play through my speakers, so I'll still hear my e-mail notifications when I step away from the computer without having to remember to unplug my headphones. And the built-in "Enhancement" options for playback devices makes the audio louder and more clear than it ever did on XP. And Windows 7 actually does a pretty good job at recognizing new hardware and automatically downloading drivers (and automatically updating them). Setting up my new computer for work took way less time than it did on XP.

Once you finally make the switch to Windows 7, XP feels like a HUGE step down.

I'll concede that software upgrades aren't always improvements (I'm still using Word 2003 because the newer versions still don't cut it), but sticking with one version because "it works" is silly. XP came out in 2001, along with Internet Explorer 6. Do you still use IE6? I should hope not, because IE7, 8, and 9 are faster, more secure, and more stable.

Microsoft certainly could have made the upgrade transition smoother, but Windows 7 definitely fixed all of the issues I had with Vista, and I'm very happy with it, and VERY happy I'm able to work on it. It's not Microsoft's fault it's so hard to find a new computer with XP on it. Your frustration should be directed at your IT department for dragging their feet instead of making their software compatible with today's technology.

Not all companies have upgraded to Win7 or even - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
used Vista. Mine still uses XP and Word 2003 or older. You have to know what the company is using/compatible with before buying a new computer for work.

First of all you could not work on a netbook - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
they are mainly made for surfing the web. Whatever you get, make sure you talk with your tech people to be sure the "newer" platforms/programs are compatible. Not all have upgraded.

Similar Messages:

Sep 30, 2011

Been thinking about getting a laptop to be more mobile. Any suggestions about type and special features would be appreciated. ...

Mar 21, 2012

I am thinking a nice fast one with a bigger screen. Does anyone manage to do well on this with DocQscribe and can you type anywhere? I would love to be away from the same old desk and would like to be able to move around, perhaps even sit on my porch if I can. Is this way out there or is it possible. If some of you do it, I am going to go for it when I have about 300.00 saved... Thanks in advance for feedback. I sure hope this is a solution to being chained to the same de ...

Sep 12, 2012

I am going to need mobile internet access to work. Sprint has a mobile hotspot for $50 a month that gives you 6 GB of data. I have no idea how many GB I use working. Has anyone ever used a hotspot for working and how did it turn out? Thanks ...

Sep 28, 2012

Hello: I have been given the opportunity to travel with my husband. I was wondering if there are other MT who travel with their spouses. What internet connections do you use? We are looking into Mobile Hot spots, but I am afraid that with the large / high volume account I have, we will run into usage overages. Please let me know what you all think. Thanks! ...

Oct 20, 2013

I am jumping back into the workforce and need to work using a mobile hotspot, preferably a prepaid one. Does anyone work using a mobile hotspot and if so, which one and how much is it? Is it even possible to use a mobile hotspot for transcription being you need so much data? Thanks! Amy ...

Oct 07, 2014

Any info would be helpful. ...

Mar 30, 2011

Does anyone work from a mobile broadband internet? Looking at land to build a home and that is only internet available through my cell phone, wireless modem - have always worked via cable - anyone know anything about this - maximum usage 5 GB a month. ...

Nov 08, 2011

Curious about a company by the name of US Transcription who also do Mobile Assistant. Has anyone ever heard of them or worked for them? ...

Apr 20, 2013

Was offered a job by this company but once they sent the email requesting all of my personal information, I felt uncomfortable sending my information to them. I know that is normal when you are hired for a position but the way they went about it, and the amount of information they required, copies of things, etc., plus wanting access to my computer immediately, but a work start date of more than a month away - made me just question sending my info to them, so I didn't. ...

Jan 22, 2014

Does anyone work as a Mobile Assistant? I am wanting to find out approximate range of pay before applying. Thanks :) ...

Dec 02, 2014

Wondering if anyone has heard of or works for mobile assistant out of Wisconsin. Experiences? ...

Dec 06, 2014

I want to get off the Comcast merry-go-round. Will netzero mobile broadband be do-able? If not, can anyone suggest an alternative to using these big companies? Thanks very much. ...

Jun 11, 2010

I used to have a Verizon USB for my internet backup and to use on trips. It was $60.00 a month. Does any one know of a cheaper USB/air card internet service for traveling with my laptop and working? Thanks. ...

Jan 09, 2013

Wondering if anyone has tried these Bose headphones and if they are worth the price and if they really make a big difference. Thinking of getting some. My work will reimburse me for them if I get them from my account they have set up for us for stuff like that up to a certain amount but I still want to make sure it's worth it for that much. I know Bose is a very good brand, as several years ago, we had a Bose stereo and the sound was so great. Just wondering about th ...

Mar 17, 2014

I sent a resume to several jobs from the MT Jobs search and was sent a test for this company. Has anyone ever worked here before or is currently employed. If so, could you tell me about them. ...

Mar 26, 2013

Has anyone worked for Mobile Assistant, a company that has financial and insurance transcription? If so, what was your experience like with this company? Thanks. ...

Aug 09, 2013

Hi, I am being offered a job at Mobile Assistant, but they want me to update my operating system to Windows 8 and I cannot afford this, but if they are worth it, I might consider. Does anyone know anything about this company? are they worth it? P.S. I am in desparate need of a job. ...

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? ...

Jan 29, 2013

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

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. ...