Laptop in nursing classes?

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Do you guys use laptops in your nursing classes? Just wondering....

Another question I thought of... does anyone use voice recognition software to transcribe notes to the computer? It would be a good way to review and get your notes typed more neatly.

If anyone uses it, do you have a program that you recommend that works well?

I heard of a software called Dragon NAturally Speaking, look it up in google and im sure you'll find it. bUt the software is expensive so you might wanna think abou that

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I heard that! I have a pocket pc and I was using that last semester to type my notes (b/c I am a sloppy writer, but I'm a perfectionist when it comes to organization-not a good combo). So when it was time to trade my old desktop for a computer I decided on a laptop. Come to find out, the laptop was great, except for the size. I had decided that I wanted something more mobile, something that is meant for a student. So I took my big expensive laptop back and got something cheaper, but way more versatile: a tablet pc. I love this thing. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but I can do everything I could do with a computer, or traditional paper on this thing. I can write on it, if I need to jot down a quick note or draw a diagram on my power point lecture notes, or whatever. Or I can write on my careplan form that I scanned into my tablet. I take notes on it with a software program called Onenote, although some people like the notetaking software program that comes with the unit. People used to look at me in class with my pocket pc, but now everyone in my clinical class has a Palm (even the students that claim they don't have the money, or they would never spend "that much"). I think it's worth it, b/c of the time you save. I recently splurged and bought a 2 yr old palm, b/c of the abundance of free medical software and beaming amongst my classmates, so I'll be laying my 4 yr old PPC to rest for awhile until I find another use for it. Anyway, technology definitely makes life a little easier in nursing school. I wish my school had wireless, though, like some of the other posters. That is too cool.

I think I might have to bring my laptop next year...I mean I have one, so I might as well put it to use. I am horrible at writing down notes because I'm such a slow sloppy writer, and I spend so much time taking notes I stop listening and then I get lost. I'm a super fast typer, and my hand doesn't hurt afterwards so it would benefit me tremendously. I wouldn't even care about 'rubbing it in' peoples face who don't have the money for a laptop. If something benefits me and I'm allowed to use it...I will.
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Specializes in Going to Peds!.

Where did you get your tablet pc? How much did you spend?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Don't bring the laptop to school. Type kinda slow and would be concerned with losing it, and having it stolen or damaged.

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I've never seen anyone with their laptop in class, but I would probably like to work that way.

One question, isn't it noisy with everyone pecking away? That seems like it would be loud / annoying if a whole group of people were doing it?

:rotfl: :rotfl: I was thinking the same thing...your choice of wording was too cute.....pecking away.

What if you're the only one without a laptop and you have say 80 people in your class WITH one...yup I'm thinking veeeeery annoying.

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I just purchased a laptop specifically to use for class. My hand has been getting cramped this whole past year and I finally decided to end the agony by just purchasing a lightweight laptop. It was getting so bad, I started trying to write with my left hand (I'm right handed :chuckle ). I type a whole lot faster than I write, so I figure it will be of some benefit to me.

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I use my laptop in classes to take notes. My teachers talk REALLY fast, plus, it's easier to keep my notes organized on the computer. Much easier to study when it comes to test time!! No one has really minded the noise either, but my keyboard doesn't really "click" when I type!

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I got my Acer at costco.com for about $1600. I got some money back b/c I had a 17 in. toshiba that I took back (that was $2000). Costco has a 6 month return policy, so if you wanted you could always have the "latest and greatest" :chuckle . But you can find refurbished or models that are 1-2 years old for around $1000. I've been on the tablet pc forums, and some people get there's from places like ebay. Of course with places like those, I would definitely do my research on the company or person selling it.

Where did you get your tablet pc? How much did you spend?
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Hey Larry,

That is a legitimate concern. If you write faster than you type, paper is probably best. And if you have a strong concern that a laptop might be stolen, I wouldn't bring it either. In fact, I was considering bringing my tablet to clinicals this semester, but changed my mind. I got it after I took OB. In those clinicals, I could have looked after it better, but I'm in Chronic right now, and there is no way that I could keep tabs on my tablet. So, needless to say, bringing it to clinicals was out of the question. But if you can, I would get a palm just for the drug guides and other medical software you can put on it. This would help you in clinicals immensely. And when you get comfortable with your typing skills, you could get a mini keyboard attachment for your palm and type your notes in class with a program like Documents to Go, or something. Depending on the model of palm and keyboard, you would be paying about $200 (my palm- handspring treo 90 -was $120, and a keyboard shouldn't be anymore than $50) - $400 (if you want the latest and the greatest). At any rate, you could stick both in your pocket, and someone would have to have really good pick pocketing skills to take it from you. :)

If anyone has any questions regarding palm or ppc software, or general tech, ask me and I'll try to answer to the best of my ability.

Don't bring the laptop to school. Type kinda slow and would be concerned with losing it, and having it stolen or damaged.
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Ooh, I want a new laptop - I have an older, heavier one (that I'm actually trying to sell). I'm in that "can't afford one" category though. :chuckle

I actually found that I use my Palm more than the laptop I have, though I don't know how much that will change once I get into school full-time. :)

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Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

For me...a laptop is the only way to go. Either that or have a friend bring theirs & have them type the notes. One of my classmates & I do this - it is so much better than writing for 4 hours straight or however long the class is or taping the lecture & typing the notes later. There are always other students in class that ask us to send them the notes & we do.

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Another question I thought of... does anyone use voice recognition software to transcribe notes to the computer? It would be a good way to review and get your notes typed more neatly.

If anyone uses it, do you have a program that you recommend that works well?

I wanted to revive this thread to ask if there are any voice recognition software for Palm computers. Although I have my desktop right now, I'm looking into either getting another desktop, a laptop and/or a palm pilot.

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