Laptop or no laptop ?

So here I am on a 19 hour layover in El Paso typing on the laptop I bought once I got hired. I would agree with everyone that using a laptop during training isn't a great idea and in fact we weren't allowed to use one just for the basic fact that its irritating to listen to someone henpeck in the back of the class. They usually hand out systems CDs which I use all the time as well as popping in The Matrix when you hit the brain block of ground school. It can be a pain to haul it around through security and if I'm on a trip with short layovers I won't bother. Its a definite must have but I would hold out until after you get your first few paychecks to budget it if thats a consideration
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Well, I just got back from a SNA-LAX-JFK-LAX-SNA trip and it would have been nice having that laptop to watch movies. Specially since the guy in sitting next to me had one. Our trip over there took 4 1/2 hours and 6 and 1/2 back because of T-storms. Coulda watched two Lord of the Rings movies on the way back! Heheh
 
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Coulda watched two Lord of the Rings movies on the way back! Heheh

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And the same number of batteries...
 
A captain I flew with has a little laptop with a 10-12 inch wide screen- just a small, compact laptop with DVD player. He told me what it was, but can't remember any more. Anybody know what I'm talking about? It was perfect for stashing in an overnight bag as opposed to a bulky laptop case.
 
Lots of company's are making 10"-12" laptops. Apple has their 12.1" Powerbook with a metal chasis which is bullet proof as far as I'm concerned. Fujitsu is also making one with a 13.1" screen and metal chasis.

Search for Ultra Portable notebooks and you'll find a lot on these things.

Cheers


John Herreshoff
 
I got a portable DVD player which is great for the movie thing. It has the red/yellow/white connectors for the hotels that have the plugs, so I can watch movies on the regular TV without having to watch the small screen. But the small screen is great for travelling, or in the crew lounge. Came with a remote too, which is beneficial. Plus, I don't need to take it out at security. Most say, "DVD player or laptop?" and when I say DVD player, they say ok and let it be.
 
If you get a laptop, and you don't have access to a phone line, you can get on the internet through you're cell phone. Just call the cell phone mfg(motorola,nokia) and ask for the usb cord that goes from the cell to the laptop, and you'll be all set.

You can be connected to JC wherever you go.
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IF you have the cash go ahead and get a good light weight laptop. You probably won't be allowed to use it in class. It can and will help you when studying. Typing my hand written notes helped me to memorize a lot of the information of the day. Plus I never had to worry about trying to read my hand writing a month later. My class was also issued the power point presentation and CBT CD on the Saab for after hours use.

When I am on the road I use dialup or the highspeed internet connection in the room. Most hotels don't charge for this but check before connecting. Also, some of the larger airports have wireless access. You will need to have wireless network card for that. Lastly you can get an aircard from T-moble for $30-40 a month that will allow you to connect using a cell phone network at 144Kbps.

Buy a laptop you will be glad you haveone everytime except when going through security.
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And, for example, most of my recurrent and initial training is done via CD ROM presentations. Have a laptop - do it at your own pace. Without a laptop, you'll be sitting in a cubicle in the training center or on your desktop at home while it's sunny outside!
 
well, I just got done putting in an order through dell. It ended up costing me $1105 (after rebate) with free shipping and no tax. This price is through my company website. Here are the details:

Order Details
Order detail - order placed 2004-06-01 21:28:03

Inspiron 5150
Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, 2.80GHz, 15 inch XGA, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Qty: 1
Unit Price: $1,405.00
Base Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, 2.80GHz, 15 inch XGA
AMT28LM
[221-4702]

Memory 512MB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms
512MB2D
[311-2958]

Video Card 32MB DDR NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 AGP 4x Graphics
NV32MB
[320-1226]

Hard Drive 40GB Hard Drive
40GB
[340-8957]

Floppy Drive No Floppy Drive
NOFD
[340-8972]

Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Home
WHXP
[420-3235]
[313-1909]
[412-0408]
[313-2208]

Network Adapters Integrated Network Card
INTNIC
[430-0530]

Modem Internal 56K Modem
56MPC
[313-1917]

CD ROM/DVD ROM 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
24COMBO
[313-2179]
[430-0685]

Wireless Networking Cards Dell® Wireless 1350 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g, 54Mbps)
TM1350I
[430-0923]

Productivity Software Productivity Pack with WorkPerfect® and Microsoft® Money Standard
ICOREL
[412-0398]
[412-0552]
[412-0556]

Security Software Norton Internet Security™, 90 day trial
NIS2004
[412-0628]

Digital Music Dell Jukebox powered by MUSICMATCH
MMBASE
[412-0516]

Primary Battery 96 WHr Lithium-Ion Primary Battery
BATT
[312-0274]

Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 2 Year Limited Warranty plus 2 Year On-site Service
B2YOS2
[970-8860]
[970-8861]
[412-0360]

Digital Photography Dell Picture Studio, Paint Shop Pro Trial, Photo Album Starter Edition
DPS
[412-0521]

Mail-In Rebate Offer $300 Mail In Rebate
300REB
[462-9606]

Dell Media Experience Dell Media Experience™
DMX
[412-0581]

Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.
NOT4SEL
[462-4506]

What do you guys think?

THe only thing that sucks is I won't get it till June 15th. but I can't complain cuz its free shipping.
 
looks like a good system. Don't forget to get a good bag and NEVER EVER TRANSPORT IT IN CHECKED BAGGAGE...

you probably will want to get with a friend and get a copy of MS OFFICE. It is pretty much the standard for documents today.
 
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you probably will want to get with a friend and get a copy of MS OFFICE. It is pretty much the standard for documents today.

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And by "get with a friend" he means someone who can help you shop for a legal copy to BUY, right? I mean, NO ONE would ever copy software, especially reasonably priced Micro$oft products....

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I mean, NO ONE would ever copy software, especially reasonably priced Micro$oft products....

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Especially not me....don't PM me for Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat or any other overpriced software....
 
You'll have to excuse Lloyd ... he won't be with us for a few days because he'll be busy responding to all those non-PMs that nobody sent him.

*wink wink nudge nudge*
 
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If Doug says it's good deal... who am I to say it's not...


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Whoa, now! You don't want to put THAT much faith into what Doug says.

Trust me.

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