Re: Laptops, Mac-to-Windows

[Rebecca Merck <Rebecca -dot- Merck -at- ONESOFT -dot- COM>]

For the PC laptop that I just bought, I also bought a docking station --
this allows me to plug the peripherals into a single device, then just
pop my laptop into it and use it as the CPU when I'm at my desk.

I can't imagine such a thing isn't available also for a Mac.

-Rebecca

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Blair [mailto:mjblair -at- TOTAL -dot- NET]
Sent: Monday, March 01, 1999 9:16 AM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Re: Laptops, Mac-to-Windows


On    Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:15:17 -0800,    Leslies <lesliet -at- PROAXIS -dot- COM>
wrote:

> Fellow Techwhirlers,
>
> I am just starting out as a free-lance technical writer and editor.
After
> years of writing and editing as a captive employee (first as a
journalist,
> then as a technical writer), I've decided to go it alone. I have a
> considerable investment in Mac software, so I'd like to continue using
one.
> Specifically, I've got my eye on a PowerBook G3.
>
> I would like to hear from other free-lancers who use laptops
exclusively in
> their work. I'm curious whether the benefits of mobile computing
outweigh
> the ergonomic limitations. Simply put, can a laptop be used
successfully as
> a free-lance technical writer's sole computer?
>
> I'd also like to hear from free-lancers who use a Macintosh (either
desktop
> or laptop) exclusively. How painful are the cross-platform conversion
> headaches, and is it worth it? (Please note that I am *not* seeking
> comments on the merits of Windows and Mac. I use both daily. I'm
simply
> seeking input on Mac-to-Windows conversion problems, an area in which
I
> have little expertise.)
>
> Thanks to all.
>
Tim

I am a Macintosh-based tech writer whose clients are almost exclusively
PC-based. I and my clients work mostly in Word 97/98. The ONLY problems
I've had regarding cross-platform movement of files is that the Mac OS
and
Windows seem to treat line spacing somewhat differently, occasionally
messing up pagination. Windows seems to insert more space between lines.

This also sometimes happens on Mac-to-Mac or Windows-to-Windows moves,
so
it likely has something to do with printer drivers.

I have a PB 5300 and a PPC 7200/120. My "partner" (a freelance graphic
designer and fashion illustrator who just bought a G3) and I just
upgraded
our home network to Ethernet. I haven't yet received the Ethernet card
for
my laptop, but I'm confident it will let me hook into my main client's
network when necessary (they have a few Macs in their graphics
department)
to print. And you can get Novel drivers for Macs.

I've been working with the Mac since 1985 and have found that it matters
less and less what kind of computer you use as long as it allows you to
use the software your clients use (Word, PageMaker, FrameMaker,
Photoshop,
Illustrator, etc are all more or less cross-platform compliant).

Once of the advantages of using a G3, however, is that if you need to
use
an exclusively Windows-based program from time to time, you can run
Windows on your G3. In fact, I've heard rumours that Windows 98 actually
runs _better_ on a G3 than on many Intel machines.

As for using a laptop (of any flavour) exclusively, I wouldn't want to.
The keyboards are just too small and clunky for my liking (I use an
ergonomic keyboard on my desktop machine). On the other hand, another
advantage of a Mac laptop (Ok, I don't know for sure you _can't_ to this
with a PC laptop) is that you can connect an external monitor and
keyboard.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me off list.

--
Michael Blair
=======================================================================
Blair Technical Communications                      Tel: (514) 989-8713
106 - 3500 Atwater Avenue                           Fax: (514) 989-7521
Montreal, Quebec CANADA H3H 1Y5                Email: mjblair -at- total -dot- net


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