So many Machines, where do I start?

[Jessica Guardado]

I am relatively new to the world of court reporting. I am currently a student looking to buy my very first machine, the only problem is I have so many questions and not sure where to find the answers.

1. In California, does it matter if you are writing with the most modern machines, or can I get by with a Stenture 400 SRT for at least my first year? Or A Stentura Protege?

2. What are the major differences between a Stentura 8000 and a Stentura 8000LX?

3. Are ebay machines really trustworthy? How do I know I am not going to get some old moldy machine? Is there any accountability from the seller?

4. In Southern California, where are some good places to take my machine to get serviced, just in case I get a moldy machine form ebay?

5. Are there any grants available to students to help with machine payments?

I am struggling to keep myself in school, but I know this is what I want to do and thus I am giving it my all. I am trying to keep the cost of my machine under $1400. I feel like a baby taking wobbly steps, but I know that perfect practice makes perfect notes. If anyone can point me in the right direction or answer any of my questions (Jeanese, thank you so much for all the help! And I appreciate you helping me through the winding road of a student) or just give me tips I will be forever thankful to you =)

Jessica

[Tami]

Good for you, Heath!

Since we're on the subject. . .

I started with a manual, too, and worked my first three years with it. I honestly think my fist manual had a better touch than the Protege.

Even when the Protege was adjusted to the least tension and the shallowest stroke, to me it still felt like the Grand Canyon. I think you should make sure you test drive it before you chunk out the change.

[Heath Dedman]

Well I am a student, I have a manual machine that I bought off of ebay for $30. It works great, I did have to get a ribbon and ink (both cost me about $30) so all-in-all I spent $60 for a great machine. I will be upgrading to a prodege soon but for now the manual is great.

[Tami]

I still remember when I was in school starting out I'd catch a glimpse at a few of the higher speed students in the lab, and I thought how amazing they were to watch -- especially the girls whose hands were absolutely flying, coming way off the keys and back down again.

I remember when I finally got to be about 140-160 trying to copy one of those girls. It was a fleeting moment, and I soon figured out I should just keep writing the way I had become accustomed to. I also started incorporating a lot of briefs about 160, so my hand speed always was relatively slow.

Now I write like a snail. :)

[Tami]

Russ Greene is my machine guy in San Diego. He's great, and I think he usually always has used machines for sale. Hopefully he's still around. I haven't used him since I've been writing on my Mira.

I wasn't real impressed with the Protege simply because the depth of the stroke was way too deep in my opinion.

Just a note to the new students:

You want your machine settings to be on the lightest, shallowest touch. You only want to have to hit the keys hard enough for them to register on paper. A good repair guy can even shim your machine to make the touch even more light. Now, I don't think you want to be doing that on a brand new student writer, but if you find a good old one out there, I'd run the idea by a reputable repair guy.

You don't want to get in the habit of banging either. All that banging is so not necessary, and if you keep your hands close to your keys, I personally think you have a lot less chance to hit the wrong ones.

[Jessica Guardado]

Therese, thank you so much for your help! Do you know where I can get my machine serviced in Southern California? or a website with a directory?

[Therese]

Jessica,
I was told that a Sentura400 is a good machine to start out with, but eventually you will have to upgrade. I've been out of practice for about 15 years ago and I learned on the old machine. I did end up getting a Sentura8000LX. They say that is what most of the professionals have been using now. With all the new technology these days, who knows what they will come up next.
Therese ([e-mail])