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Type of computer for working at home?? - Maggie

Posted: Apr 26, 2010

I am needing to replace my computer-- my desktop is so slow it is really nonfunctional and I fried my laptop. My question is, I would prefer to buy another laptop but if I wanted to do work from home, does a laptop really suffice? Is it possible to hook up a wireless mouse and real keyboard to it, and is it possible to connect a foot pedal to it? If not, I will need to look at desktops.

Thanks for any advice anyone can give out there!

computer for home - INMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I use a Dell laptop for MT work. I have an external 19" monitor hooked to it, full sized ergonomic keyboard hooked up, foot pedal. Completely love it. If I need to be away from home I pack up everything but the 19" monitor and away I go. Obviously I had to buy an adapter to get more USB ports,, got one that has 4 extra plugs, so I also hookup the printer and have spear USB ports just in case.

I use a laptop exclusively - Ann

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I've never had any problems with it. I have used a regular keyboard with it, but prefer to use the laptop keyboard. You can purchase keyboards and mice designed specifically for use with laptops. I actually have two laptops that I use: one with 1 GB of RAM and one with 4 GB of RAM. The one with more RAM works a little faster, but the other one works fine as well. My footpedal works with both with no problem.

Thanks! So nice to know- - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
I could never type very well on my laptop keyboard. I knew I could get another keyboard but was not sure about the pedal. I think this time I would have to get something to put over the keyboard to protect it if something spilled.

I like those all-in-one computers where its a desktop but with no tower, just the monitor and keyboard, but I hear they are not quite as powerful as one would hope.

So just to be clear- - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
What exact kinds of ports do I need? Does an adapter plug into a USB port? And do the footpedals plug into USB ports? Do I need a special kind of port if I want to hook up to an external monitor?

Thanks- nobody at the computer stores seems to know what I am talking about when I ask these questions!

computer for home - INMT

[ In Reply To ..]
My Dell has 4 USB ports,, I use 1 of them to plug in the adaptor for more USB ports,, I plug my foot pedal into the USB adaptor, just cuz... I have a wireless mouse that uses 1 USB on PC,, I plug in my keyboard to the adaptor USB just cuz too, no reason, it works so I dont have tons of wires on desk. for the monitor it has sort of like the old pin plug with the screws on each side,, that came standard on the Dell no problem there. I plug in the printer to the USB adaptor too. I actually have a few ports still available on the USB adaptor and 1 left on the PC. You can buy USB adaptors with more than 4 plugs, I just got the 4 to see if I would be okay with that many,, hubby runs 1 that has 6, I believe. Good Luck

footpedal adapter - me

[ In Reply To ..]
if your foot pedal comes with one of the plugs with the 2 screw in prongs, you just need to get an adapter that takes it from the prongs to the USB - the one I'm using has www.tvps.com on it, don't know if that's the manufacturer or not, but at least you can try taking a look and seeing if that's what you need. I run a laptop wiht a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse (Logitech has a set that only uses 1 USB for both), foot pedal and the laptop screen. It works great, and I haven't yet needed to use it outside the house but I like knowing that I could if I wanted to.

sm - sm

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http://www.tvps.com/Products/-ECS-USB-to-15-Pin-Joystick-Gameport-Converter-Adaptor-Cable---New__ECS-DB15FUSB.aspx

so i'm looking at a compaq - maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
laptop that has a nice wide screen and a full size keyboard. It has 4 usb ports. If I had an adaptor to expand the number of USB ports, is that all I need? Do I need any of those other types of ports like HDMI or anything like that? This Compaq is a nice, decently priced laptop that would at least get me started. It doesn't have a webcam but I don't think I will need that and it seems to have good reviews from the people who have used it.

Any flat screen desktop computer with - computer

[ In Reply To ..]
2-3 USB ports and a serial port for the foot pedal, Windows 2003 or XP.
Some transcription softwares work only with a serial port (in the back of the modem)

I like doing MTing sitting at my desk, not lying around on the couch or floor working on a laptop.

laptop - make sure

[ In Reply To ..]
Make sure you have an ethernet plug (larger than a regular phone jack plug) for high speed internet. I am sure most of them have it, but make sure.

I'm not sure - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
what a serial port would look like--- I do know what an ethernet port is, but a serial port I'm not sure. I had thought you could get footpedals that use USB plugs.

a serial port is rectangular, larger than USB ports,in the back of the modem - ports

[ In Reply To ..]
and are in the back of the modem.

They habe either 9 or 15 pin holes, 9 pin holes are more used than 15.
If your foot pedal has an USB port you can solve the problem by buying an adapter.
USB ports are round or flat.

Before buying a laptop for work, need to check - SK

[ In Reply To ..]
with your employer/client. My IC job will let us use a laptop, but per HIPAA standards/laws or whatever they are, if you use a laptop it should be secured and NEVER leave the house as it could be lost with patient information on it which is a violation. We were sent a 2-page summary on what is allowed, what is questionable, etc.

computer for home important to ask - INMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I also would check with your company to see what operating system they can handle. Some are up and running with Vista, don't know about Windows 7 so that is going to be a large decising factor for you in your purchase of a PC of any kind. Good Luck

Agree, both companies I work for still use Windows XP. - NM

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Type of computer for working at home - MT55

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My new employer provided me with a netbook computer, 19" monitor and footpedal. Takes some getting used to, since no CD drive, but I sent my expander program in an email and so far so good

All good to know- thank you! nm - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
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