I need to purchase a new computer - mine just crashed on my job yesterday.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

When something stops working the way it's supposed to more than once, time for a new computer.

There was one reporter here that posted the link to a Dell laptop with all the bells and whistles she just bought.  I can't find that discussion now.  I wanted to buy what she bought but now can't find where that discussion is.  Anyone have any idea what I'm talking about?

Were were talking about getting great audio with computers and what works best.

[Quyen]

Hi, Kelli.  Here's the link to the discussion:  Netbooks

Here's the link to the Dell laptop Kerry was talking about: Dell laptop

Kerry's original discussion about the laptop: Click here

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Thanks, Quyen, but that wasn't the laptop I'm talking about.  Kerry wasn't the one that posted on it.  It was another girl.  It wasn't a netbook either; it was a full-size laptop with great internal microphone.  I already have a netbook that works great; saved my butt yesterday when my other one crashed.  I just can't edit at jobs on a netbook and want a full-sized laptop.

If I saw her picture, I'd know who it was.  I just have to keep searching for her.  She posts on here all the time.  Thanks for taking the time, though, to post that.

Her picture looks like she's standing in a backyard; there's grass all around her.  Anyone know who that is??

[Quyen]

I accept the challenge!  ;)

Is it THIS discussion on Pengad mics?  The reply was posted by Michele, talking about her Dell recording better than an external mic. Click here for her comment.  She does not specify what model, though, only that she called Dell directly and specified what she needed.

Oh, wait.  Michele bought another Dell and provided the link to it here.

I also have a Dell XPS system, the M1530 (Vista), which has been fairly stable, although the internal mic is garbage.  With an external mic, it's great. I've had it for probably going on three years. I've only used Dells my entire reporting career.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Quyen -

You rock!!  Yes, it was Michele.  You found it.  That's what I was looking for.  Thank you soooooo much!!!  I'm going to buy it right now.

[Quyen]

Welcome!  :)

Oh, yeah, my other Dell Latitude lasted me over nine -- yes, you read that right -- nine years, until I killed it with viruses; I let my Norton antivirus expire for years. I actually went back to "clean it up" about a year ago, and now it boots up again. Runs fine unless it overheats, in which case, it will blue-screen. Oh, and it recorded BEAUTIFULLY with the Martel mic.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I decided I'll send her a message and see if she likes it before I purchase it.  I went to buy it and was overwhelmed with all the questions to customize the thing.  I have no idea what I want.  Would love four USB ports but don't know if that's an option.

[Quyen]

Good idea to message her first.

I get overwhelmed with all of Dell's customization options too. When I bought the Latitude, I remember specifically calling Dell, also, and told them basically: I want your most stable system, i.e., the fewest service/tech calls. This is what I need/want in the laptop.  This is what I will use the laptop for.

The sales rep suggested the Latitude at the time. It was the best laptop I've ever had.

I don't think I've ever seen ANY laptop with four USB ports. Three is the most. I use a little Belkin four-port USB hub, and it works great.  I love it.  I plug my Diamante directly into the laptop's USB and plug my Eclipse key, wireless mouse and phone charger (occasionally) into the USB hub. Never had a problem.

This is the one:  Belkin USB hub

Maybe once you get your Dell, you'll finally be able to get your StenoCast system to work.  You'll think you've died and gone to RT heaven!  :D

Sorry, I was putting in html instead of using the image link feature. :/

[Michele Savoy Parente]

Hi!  It's me, Michele!

Thank you for posting about the Belkin hub.  I've tried two hubs and neither worked well for me.  My Eclipse key wouldn't run, etc.

 

If anyone decides to get a Dell, the MaxxWave Audio 3 is what you need to include in your order. 

Remember: recording audio is a different accessory than playing audio (like watching a movie or listening to music)

[Quyen]

Welcome. :)

I connected my writer to the hub once just recently before I started a job, and after having paused Eclipse on it for a while, it wouldn't read from my writer anymore. Not sure if that had anything to do with being plugged into the hub or if I did something, but I restarted the job with a direct connect.

[Michele Savoy Parente]

My guess would be yes, the hub affected Eclipse.

On occasion is stalls out when I've been on break.  It doesn't do it all the time, but it does freak out once in a while.

 

[Quyen]

Actually, I don't think it's Eclipse with the hub. I think it's the writer.  I've used the Eclipse key connected with the hub and writer directly connected to my laptop and never had a problem. It was only when I had the writer connected to the hub that it stopped reading from the writer.

[Janet]

 

Quyen, I can't tell by the picture.  Is this a powered hub?  I have the Belkin F4U018-BLK Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7-Port Mobile Hub - 7x Ports, USB 2.0, Black hub.  It has external power, not just powered from your laptop.  I love this hub.  I haven't had a single issue with my writer, software key, mic plugged in.  Yours looks very similar.