I will be receiving mine today, and I'm trying to decide how I should use it.
My initial thoughts were to load all the printer drivers and just plug it in when I get to the shop.
HOWEVER, my second thought was NOT to bother loading all of the drivers and such and just transfering my files over to my main computer (you can transfer files between them, right? - I don't have a CD writer and most files are too big for a floppy). I figure it would save time and space doing it this way.
The only programs I think I'm putting on it are ACT!, Quickbooks Pro, CorelDRAW, HP Digital Camera software, and something for my spreadsheets, databases, and word processing (probably just Microsoft works). Other than that, I was just gonna leave all the printer drivers (currently 5 of them) off and not have the hassle of loading them all.
How do you use your laptop?
-------------------- Randy Graphic Details Promotional Merchandise Distributor South Glens Falls, NY Posts: 381 | From: South Glens Falls, NY USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Randy..My laptop is networked with my main computer..it is the "cutting computer" since it has Win XP on it and the Roland printer drivers work just fine with XP, as opposed to the fact they don't on Win 2000 on the main puter.
I also take it with me on sales/presentation meetings. I have my website loaded on it and I can, therefore, show my online portfolio on it without having to access the internet. Obviously, I use it in conjunction with the digital camera to produce "instant 'idea' layouts" on the spot.
It also acts as my CD player on air flights, my connection to the world while on vacations, my backup computer system, part of my file back-up system...In all it is an invaluable part of my business!!
THAT is my story and I AM STICKING TO IT!!! (Just in case Shirley reads this!!! )
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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I'd go ahead and load the drivers. What I do with my powerbook is load the drivers for both home and office systems. I have a wireless network connection at both home and the office, so there aren't any cables to mess with. You can get wi-fi ( 802.11 B) pc cards, and base stations extremely cheap now. One added benifit is that if your on the road, you can usually find a wireless internet connection floating somewhere and check your email. There are allot of starbucks now that have wi-fi networks available, and many computer stores will have them. Our local store encourages it's customers to park in the parking lot and do their large downloads on their T1 connection. Ok, lol.... I've turned full geek haven't I ;-)
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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I'd go ahead and load the drivers. What I do with my powerbook is load the drivers for both home and office systems. I have a wireless network connection at both home and the office, so there aren't any cables to mess with. You can get wi-fi ( 802.11 B) pc cards, and base stations extremely cheap now. One added benifit is that if your on the road, you can usually find a wireless internet connection floating somewhere and check your email. There are allot of starbucks now that have wi-fi networks available, and many computer stores will have them. Our local store encourages it's customers to park in the parking lot and do their large downloads on their T1 connection. Ok, lol.... I've turned full geek haven't I ;-)
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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i run my plotter, printer, scanner in the "mobile sign shop" with a laptop. i cut from corel so iam dongle-less and i can print reciets from
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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i run my plotter, printer, scanner in the "mobile sign shop" with a laptop. i cut from corel so iam dongle-less and i can print reciepts from QUICKEN HOME& SMALL BUSINESS. also ive found that when doing a client call who doesnt know what they want.....the laptop is taken into there place of business....and sorta "seals" the deal!!! people see you put there sign on a screen and do the changes they want, seem to stop "shopping" for a sign. also have a digital camera...now this really will sell your job....go to client, take a pic of there building, load into photo program, and add the lettering on their building!!!!!! all they do is WOW...THATS AWESOME.....WHEN CAN YOU HAVE IT DONE????? price no longer becomes the main issue!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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