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

purchasing new laptop - cris

Posted: 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 realiability is a must so that I can continue my MT work. Other than that, I play a few games and that's about it.

Please, please, please I covet your insights on what laptops you are using along with the pros and cons. I don't have budget that I have to stay within. Again, I just want something that I can count on. Thanking you in advance for your help.

Have a new Tosh Satellite - see/mess

[ In Reply To ..]
. . with a 17.6" screen . . windows 7, DVD writer . .I love it, was about $$659 on sale at Best Buy a few months ago. The larger screen is always the main thing for me. Used to have Sony Vaio with the largest screen - they are real workhorses of laptops, but between those 2, the Toshiba was a better price this time. Good luck in your computer hunt !

Take a look at HP's. I have a dv6833 Pavilion, 15.5 screen - DVD, all the stuff you need. SM

[ In Reply To ..]
Do you have a computer person in your area you could ask for advice? When I decided to buy a lap, I asked my guy what he would recommend and he came up with this. Haven't had a problem with it in 2 years and love it. I think I paid 750 or so 2 years ago.

Don't get a 17 inch screen if you plan on carrying it around, it's too much. Tech guy said his supervisor got one, against tech's recommendations, and later said he was sorry he got it that big. 15 screen should be fine.

Sony's are good too. Figure out exactly what you need or want for features, make a list and take it to a store with you. Don't let the salespeople buffalo you in to something else - they're only in it for the sale. Don't buy those extended warranty plans either, not worth it.

Have fun shopping!! And BTW, get a good laptop cooling stand, I have the Antec Notebook cooler, plugs right into USB port of laptop, no batteries. Have a tech set it up so you can go wireless throughout your home, that part is great!!

Re the screen - s/m

[ In Reply To ..]
I have the 17.6 Tosh mentioned above - they are larger, no doubt, and my old Sony Vaio was quite heavy also, but this new Tosh Satellite is unbelievely lightweight and thin, albeit wider, which is what sold me this time - I truly dislike the smaller screens - just personal taste . . and I travel a lot - with my husband on work trips and fly to visit children in other states, so I'm always toting it along with me somewhere to work while I'm away - fits nicely in a carryon or backpack. The mouse of this Toshiba is also higher quality than others I looked at. . So I agree, pick the features you personally want.

Why do you need a big screen to do MT? You can - only type one word at a time. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Puzzled why this bugs you?? - s/m

[ In Reply To ..]
Just "personal taste" as mentioned before. Work part-time as IC, when traveling, use it for everything, not just work. Had a 15" screen in between, and missed the larger one, just that simple.

Where in the world in that post does it say a big screen - bugs me?? Having a bad day? nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

big screen - old hand at this

[ In Reply To ..]
I strongly suspect this poster has a very droll sense of humor -- so thanks for making me smile -- it's been a rough day!

YW. I am glad someone undstands my humor. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Laptop - cindy

[ In Reply To ..]
I recently purchased a laptop at Best Buy and have been happy. They can help you pick one that is right for your needs. I recommend purchasing the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Service plan. This will cover repair cost of a lot of things and you can even get accidental damage protection. It also comes with an 800 number for online support.

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