Just to make things clearer in an attempt to avoid further debate in this thread. I do not think that there is one right or wrong answer as to what computer stuff someone should get. What is clearly right for one may be totally wrong for another. We all have suggestions to make and then no one but Billye knows what will be best for her.

As to the things that have prompted disagreement, we can debate those on another occasion.

I don't know alot about laptops and their operating systems, thankfully my hubby does, but I just wanted to say something about the weight of the laptop.

I have a toshiba laptop and while I didn't think the weight would be a problem when we bought it now I wish we would have got a smaller one. I think mine is in the 6 to 7 lb range but I am not sure.

I do know on those days my arms are tired, burning and sore it is a struggle to lift that thing. My neice just bought a laptop from HP and boy what a difference. I think you are buying online so I just wanted to add that about the weight. Congrats on getting one though, hope your feeling better...Sue

OK now
 

No arguing here. I love you all and really am uncomfortable with having any discord on the forum because of me. I'm going to print all of this for my husband, who believe it or not is computer savy.

I would like the laptop for communications, games, searching the net for medical help for all sorts of things. I use it for a dictionary. I store pictures on it, I want it to use when I'm in the hospital or traveling so that I can do all of the above. I want it to learn with, I'm tryiing to learn all I can, because Sjogren's does cause the brain to deteriorate in some cases. I'd like to take computer classes, watch movies, I can go on and on. There is no end of what I want to do. And some of what I want to do..I don't even know yet. Computers are new to me but not to my husband. He's a retired Systems Engineer with two Master's degrees. He's really smart and good to me.

I want it to take jewelry classes on, to have the capacity to do jewelry design by computer, to scan documents and my jewelry. To sell the jewelry on a site or ebay if I need to. As I said, the list goes on and on.

I forgot to add, I use it for keeping records of meds, doctors, finances, I don't even know where to stop and start with my need for the computer.

I'm tired today, the housekeeper sent a new crew, and they had no real supervision and I'm just tired. Later..

Billye

Billye:

Get the lightest (weight I mean) one you can. It will be easier for you in the long run.

And when you're ready to sell your stuff on ebay, just pm me. I did Ebay for years. Know it backwards and forwards.

So when you're ready, just holler.

And take care of yourself.

Melody

Mel, I respectfully disagree with you about weight. I'd suggest Billye get the biggest screen. If it's heavy, she can put it on a bed table like you'd use if you were eating breakfast in bed. Her sight is failing, and the size screen will make a big difference. In fact, my advice to Billye is just get the biggest screen made, and forget the rest.

Billye,

Do you have any software of your own, that is any that you plan on installing on your new machine - - or perhaps you are just planning to use the programs that will already be installed? And do you have any hardware that you would plan to connect to your new machine - - things like a printer, scanner, camera, etc?

Assuming you are not going to be lugging this around with you outside the house, I also think that you want a good size screen. However, you have to be careful when choosing a screen for a new notebook. In general, the larger the screen, the higher the resolution. What this means is that you will see much more detail but the text (and icon) size gets smaller.

So these large screens are often great for watching movies and videos, but a killer for reading text, especially for anybody with vision issues. I am in that category myself - - I have turned down quite a few great notebooks because the resolution is too big.

Do not let any computer sales folks tell you that you can always just lower the resolution and make the text bigger. While this is technically true, the result is less than desirable. All notebook screens have what is called a "native resolution." The images look best and the text is the sharpest at this native resolution. I have seen them demonstrate the lower resolution in the store, and the customer thinks that it really isn't so bad. But when they get it home and start using it for awhile, they will be very unhappy.

I think you may be ok with the resolution on this Toshiba as it is not as high a resolution as other screens of this size. I definitely would not go any higher. If you are using a screen now, it might be helpful to compare the resolution. If you don't know, you could just post the name and model of the screen, and I can find out. If all that is too much, then it really might be a good idea to go the computer store and check it out for yourself.

rafi

To Finney
 

Finney,
We're planning on using whatever software comes with the computer, but my husband says we will also get the software for Microsoft Office because I use it a lot. We'll be hooking it to a printer we have and he knows how to do this as he had to when using the client's software for the laptops that belong to them. And at some point maybe to the scanner and color printer too.

I currently have a Sceptre 19 inch monitor and I think it is fine for me. Even with my deteriorating eyesight, it works just fine most of the time. Sometimes by evening, my eyes are so dry that some letters are hard to see but most of the time it's fine. We stepped my monitor up one step in size to this one last year. I'm not sure what the model no. is. I can't bend my body enough to read it off. But the letter's I can see without seriously bending are X9G-NA??. Is that any help?

You are right in that I probably will not be using it outside of the house except for hospital stays or trips. We don't plan to carry it around while in town.

And I understand that with the 17 inch monitor, I'll be able to get a full size keyboard. That is important to me. When we were at Mayo with the laptop that was loaned to us for the trip, it was so difficult for me to type on it. My hands are numb sometimes in the finger tips. Winter is worse than Summer. And I have the Rheumatoid Arthritis in my hands. I really like the idea of a full size keyboard.

I've sat too long. Hope this is some help in the questions you are asking.
Billye

My friend sells her jewlery on her blog through some other site that sells different things. Its realy cool if you want to look at it for ideas.

Don't they make Big screen, lightweight notebook kind of things?

I would imagine that they all don't have to weigh a lot, right???

And maybe someday when you hit the lottery, you can get something like voice recognition software, where you just talk at the screen and it types all by itself. I saw a Christopher Reeve movie with just such a thing.

They have miniaturized everything technological and they even have a small computer (fully functional) that you can hold in your hand.

I just got this off the internet:

"The smallest handheld computer is the Psion Series 5, which weighs twelve ounces including batteries. It has a touch-type keyboard and a touch sensitive screen."

My goodness, a 12 oz computer. What's next!!!!!

Mel

Billye,

Just so you know - you will not be getting a full size keyboard with your computer. I am not aware of any notebook that has that. It will be a roomier keyboard as compared to many other notebooks. You can plug in a full size keyboard, but of course you can't take out the keyboard that is already in place.

I am assuming you want the notebook so that you can have some mobility with it in the house. It sounds like if that mobility wasn't that important, you might be better off getting a small desktop. Then you can get the keyboard and monitor size you really want. Not to mention that they are cheaper -- you always pay a premium when things are packed into a smaller package.

Anyway, still assuming the notebook . . . it would be nice to check to make sure your current printers and scanners are supported sufficiently under Vista. Perhaps your hubby has already checked . . . if not, you can post the models here, and I will check.

As to that Sceptre monitor - - is it a CRT or LCD? You can tell because the CRT is the old-style - big and bulky, while the LCD is slim. Initial checking seems to indicate that the resolution of your Sceptre is higher than the Toshiba (unless it is a CRT and you have changed the resolution - you can do that on CRT's and not pay a penalty as with and LCD). So that would seem to bode well . . . that is, the letters on the Toshiba should be bigger and easier to read.

Aha - just remembered you did sort of post a model #. And I see that it is an LCD, 19". And yes the resolution on that is 1280 x 1024, which is higher than the native resolution of the Toshiba.

rafi

voice recognition software
 

Just my 1/2 cent here :o : I have hand-issue PN as I wrote before and so I got some voice recognition software for myself.

It's called Dragon Naturally Speaking - Standard Edition. Mine was available at Staples (like an Office Depot, or mega office store) for about $80. I know that's steep for many of you but I thought that maybe somebody on this forum could benefit. Plus, I've had students that were physically challenged and had their editions paid for by this or that disability program; something worth looking into.

There are higher level editions of this software but they also cost more, but I found that they had so many bells and whistles that I knew I'd never use. I'm really happy with my purchase. It learns your voice better and better with every use. It will work with just about any program that works with Windows, and that includes my Mozilla products for browsing and emailing.
There's a command for temporarily disabling it in case you get a phone call or someone comes in the room, etc.

It's a godsend for a person with hand-issue PN; I can only imagine how it would benefit someone who can't stay plunked in a chair in front of the computer all the time.

Okay, now for the disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with the company that makes this product. I'm just a happy customer! :D

Hladna

Years ago, when Dragon first came out, I got it. The cheap version. I know I didn't pay $80.00. Maybe it was a trial one. I remember, you have to read dialogue to the computer so it learns your voice. I would be reading paragraphs over and over. Took me all day (now this was years and years ago, they MUST have perfected this technique by now. But all those years ago, I'll never forget, after I had it installed, I tested it by slowly saying a sentence and looking at the screen. It actually typed what I was saying. I couldn't believe it. But also, if you pronounce a word in a certain way, it can't pick up what you are saying, and the wrong word comes on the screen. And I had to speak s l o w l y!!!

I remember being so frustrated with this darn thing (and remember, I can type 145 words a minute), I just said "this is ridiculous" and never used it again. This was a long long time ago. It had just been around and I also got it in Staples.

I remember someone saying that there are much better voice recognition software on the markets. And then they explained, "when you call up the Telephone Company, it asks you to Press One or Say Yes, then it prompts you to give voice answers. Same technology applies but these companies use a more advanced software form of it.

I would gather that Staples or other computer companies might sell much better voice recognition software than the one I bought all those years ago.

But you probably have to do the speaking so it knows your voice. I will never forget spending all day in front of my old computer (I had Windows 95 in those days, see how long ago this was??). I got so tired of reading the paragraphs, but finally I got through it.

I'm going to look into what they are selling today. There's going to be a time when my hands hurt so much, I'm not typing 145 words a minute any more, I just might need this software. My degenerative joint disease, well, it's not getting any younger. When I type fast, ooh, the pain in my fingers.

Mel

voice software
 

Be sure to look for Version 9. That's the latest, and has a shorter "training" time than the old Dragon versions, and is more accurate.

I wonder what version yours was? I too had an older version of Dragon but I only trained it for perhaps an hour and then it just got better with actual use. The instructions said not to talk any differently than you do normally, but then the programmers didn't know what area of the country I'm from...:rolleyes:

Also, be sure that your computer has enough hard drive space. The computer programs these days, boy, they're hungry buggers! I remember fondly the old Franklin computer we had.....64k total....

At any rate, I hope this helps.

Hladna

P.S. Online, I've seen the Standand version for around $100 so be careful shopping.

Aha
 

Finney,
You can tell how much I know, or I should say remember. This monitor was purchased by my husband for me when my eyes got so bad. I don't know why I said 17". More of the fog I guess. Actually, I think it's the hydrocodone they are giving me for the bone pain right now. I believe you are right, it is just a roomier keyboard. I just swallowed it mentally as a full size when my husband told me it was a bigger keyboard. :rolleyes:

I really do want the mobility of the laptop. I would have not been able to use a desktop in the hospital with any ease of setup. And due to the nature of things, I know I will be in the hospital more and more. :( And I need to be able to move it from the bedroom to the diningroom to the couch if needed.

I just wanted to mention to all of you that Kmeb has finished with her tests they did yesterday and is a little the worse for wear today. Really grueling tests. I'm sure she will post about them later. I don't believe there are any answers yet tho.

Got some questions about my feet I'll put in another post.
Billye

excited
 

Hi all of you,
We ordered my laptop today. We were not able to get the deal we originally found because we were waiting to see how much I'd have in the way of funds. We lost that deal because it the offer had run out when we were able to purchase it. But we have found a deal that is actually a better deal in that it has more gig (which will probably be more than I'll ever want). After a lot of searching it just seems the best machine for me because of hand/eye issues.

We'll have to put some money with it to get the software we need, but my Stepmom and Dad have offered to help with this. I have a birthday coming. Kmeb tells me the money is on it's way. And we are so thankful for your help with this. I still feel so tearful when I think of how many of you have contributed to this for me. You will all never hear the last of me now. See no posting for two weeks and you thought "Finally, we are rid of that woman calling herself Silverlady". :winky:

Much love to you all.
Billye

I think we should call you GOLDENLADY because you are made of pure gold!!!

Be well

Melody

two cents
 

Billye, I know the only thing I've suggested about the laptop is screensize, but I want to add something about the Dragonspeak. A friend of mine had a stroke last month and lost the abilty to type, so I investigated voice recogniztion products for him. People who use them think they are fabulous, and they all come with training help.

Dragonspeak is very well thought of.

I think you will find the purchase well worth it. Imagine, just speaking intot he computer and not having to type!

Enjoy your new toy!

XO

Thanks, great info
 

Wow, I am glad I got this information. My little fingers are just about out of commission when it comes to typing....They both started burning up the outers sides about a year ago, in less than a year, the right one grew a large knobby pretty nonfunctional joint and then the finger just curves inward...the left one is starting now too, as well as two others on my right hand. I have very bad arthritis in both thumb joints...(yes still negative on all autoimmune tests-however, when your joint loses proprioception due to sensory neuropathy, it the muscles and tendons are without a central command and they just flop whichever way they get pulled and that is what you end up stuck with. Feet are a huge problem with this too, it altered my gait extensively. I need new orthotics yearly due to the caving in of the arch.) Did see an OT, and they gave me wrist splints too, but they are so heavy, my shoulders end up hurting...I never make it thru the night with one on...I can only wear one per night, as you can't have both hands tied up...awful feeling. If I fall asleep with one on, it comes off sometime during the night. I have thumb splints, these are also, molded plastic, but you can't do much of anything with either of the splints on.

This is something every one with PN needs to consider is the loss of proprioception and how it affects gait, and it goes right up your spine...one thing out of whack and the posture goes.

Anyway, I knew there were voice recognition programs, but not that inexpensive, nor what they were named.

Thank you very much for the information on that.

Congratulations Billye! I assume you did get the Toshiba, and I am glad you bumped up the RAM, hopefully to 2 GB.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is indeed the best voice recognition software available. I have been using it for a few years now. It does use a lot of resources, memory being one of them. I would not recommend trying to run this program with 1 GB, regardless of the OS.

The Pro version is the one that provides the best recognition, but it is VERY expensive. And you have to have the latest version, which is 9, if running under Vista. Other considerations: you should have a good quality headset -- it makes a big difference in accuracy of recognition. Also, the initial setup is extremely important. If one of the settings is off just a bit, then accuracy and other problems will occur.

I had an expert in voice recognition systems come in and handle my setup. His service was not expensive, although I bought the program from him and he may have made some of his money that way. That is not really necessary for most, but for me it was the way to go, partly because my voice is difficult for the system.

rafi

If you have Vista, the only version of Dragon NS that works is 9.5. You buy 9.0 and go to the Dragon website and DL the update. That is the only way DNS will work. I'd go for the 'Preferred' version. There's a neat device that is for desktops. Take a look at this: http://raremonoshop.com/catalog/prod...products_id=91

laptop
 

Yes Finney, we did order the Toshiba and the one we got does have the 2gb ram. We decided on this one for a number of reasons, Dragon being one of them and also the size of the screen.

Liza Jane, this one will have a 19 inch screen. It makes it a lot harder to just carry around. But the larger screen is absolutely necessary for me. The eye dryness is the kind where tears evaporate. It cause me to feel as if I'm looking thru a piece of cotton that has been stretched thin, a little like cobwebs. Only by moving my head around can I read. So a lot of my reading is simply a matter of recognizing words in a sentence not of actually "seeing" the word. If any of you have serious "floaters" you have some idea of what I'm speaking of. Just think of that multiplied by about 50-100 or so. Kinda spotty vision particularly when I'm trying to focus on something.

Finney, I'm wondering why your voice is difficult, ..if I may ask? Mine is a mixture of Mississippi drawl, Texas twang and the dryness and hoarseness I experience sometimes. I'm wondering what I may experience if/when I'm ready.

And this is more than a toy! It's my lifeline to sanity.:) And many thanks to all of you.:hug:

Billye

Billye,

Are you sure that the Toshiba comes with a 19" screen? I have not seen one from them that does . . just did a quick check of their web site and didn't see one either. Maybe it is so new that it is not on the site, tho.

Did you check the screen resolution? With a 19" screen, you want to be sure that you are not getting some high-resolution job, although they usually cost a lot more bucks.

As for my voice . . there are a couple of things. I have a bit of a drawl, not Southern, lot of folks think I am from the East coast, even tho I am a native California guy. And combined with this slight accent, I also have a slight lisp -- it is not pronounced but taken together the two lower accuracy.

When I first tried it a number of years ago, I thought it the recognition engine was just horrible. But other people were doing real well with it. So when I needed to get it because of my PN, I did some more checking. At first, I was sort of shocked because the engine had not changed that much. The accuracy had gone up some number of percentage points but not a huge amount. And finally I decided that getting an expert installation would probably help . . and it sure did.

I can't tell you anything about how your voice will work. If you do it yourself, I would try and keep adjusting until you get good results, even if it means doing the training a few times. And again, make sure you do not skimp on the headset (it is the microphone that is most important).

rafi

Nope you're right
 

Did it again. I can't keep these stupid number's in my head. Finney, you are right again!!:o It's a 17" screen. Sorry Liza Jane.

Stress level is high here right now. I'm just not adjusting well to this pain and I'm not sleeping so my mind is dull. I can't find a position to sleep in that doesn't hurt. Last night was a 3 hour one. Only slept about 3 hours. They gave me some zanaflex but it seems to be making me weep. At least I think that is what it is. Could be exhaustion.:rolleyes:

Maybe tomorrow I'll be brighter. No comments please. :p

The screen is 17". The screen is 17". The screen is 17"

Billye