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Use a laptop for MT? What kind do you have? - Or would you buy? - Cant Retire Yet

Posted: 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?

I would get one with a lot of USB ports - for sure

[ In Reply To ..]
When I used my laptop, I had to plug in my regular keyboard as the one on the laptop was too small. I only had two USB ports, and bought a hub to give me 4 extra, however, the foot pedal would go in and out then, dont know why. I also am not happy with my screen size as it was too small. I also am very tall, and would have to stack encyclopedias up and then put the laptop on it to get the screen up where I needed it for my neck to feel comfortable.

Thanks for the input! Maybe I should also look into - just getting a regular desktop - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
processor set up for work, and just leaving it parked at my mom's house. Still, I like the portability of a laptop, but I DO need lots and lots of ports! Decisions, decisions!

I should probably talk to my employer about that, as well - see what they say.

Thanks again for filling me in on your experiences with the laptop!

laptop - I use one every day

[ In Reply To ..]
I bought a 17 inch HP has 4 USB, one for my wireless mouse as I don't like the touch pad, one for my footpedal, and have one left over. I use the keyboard on the laptop, took a while to get use to as I used to have the next smaller laptop, but you could plug an external keyboard, so would need another USB.

I was only going to work on the laptop when I was gone, but I also do some dogsitting on the side and they like to sit near me, so I do sit on the couch and use the laptop more than I thought, and is hard to go back to a desktop now. But sitting on the couch can get a little uncomfortable, maybe you have a nice easy chair or something.

I was able to get my laptop for about $750 after the setup fees with my computer shop, but I have alway thought getting a 17 inch HP or Dell off QVC or HSN would have been better.

I have really no problem with my laptop at all, you can get the font to a reall nice size, so it is easy to see. I used to have a smaller screened laptop as I was gone in the winter in 2006 and 2007 for 3 months at a time working in the sunshine of a rental I was able to afford back then, better than in the nice long winter in Minnesota, but can't afford to do that anymore. And the laptop came in handy then and it worked well.

Get the biggest size you can afford, and believe me the price is half what I paid for my smaller one back 6 years ago. 17 inch really, really makes a difference.

Don't have any problem with the voice quality, I just have a cheaper headset from Radio Shack and I have no problem. Most of the laptops come with at least 3 USB ports, and you could get another add on device if you need more. Keyboard, wireless mouse, and foot pedal, what else would you need a USB port for? That's only 3 USBs.

Good luck. I really like my laptop for doing MT. Can't stand being in my comfortable highbacked computer chair sitting at a nice big computer desk anymore. Would rather have my dogs laying on the couch next to me anytime.

Your info is reassuring, because I changed my mind - again and plan to get a laptop!

[ In Reply To ..]

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