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TOP FIVE “must have” tech upgrades for a translator |
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Thursday, 09 September 2010 09:07 |
 Many of the translators who work with our company periodically ask us what kind of updates/upgrades they should consider to become more efficient. While the recommendations vary from person to person, we decided to put together a list of TOP FIVE upgrades we always recommend to people who translate documents for a living. We use all of the products here at TranslationPerfect.com and can confirm their quality. We also think that their price to value ratio is one of the best in the industry. Did we get your attention? Read the rest if you dare.
 1. If you did not buy a new computer in 2010, chances are you are using Windows XP or Vista. First and the most important upgrade is your operating system (OS). Windows 7 offers extreme stability, simplified backup and restore features and offers many new features that are crucial for worriless work. We specifically love the option when you can drag any application to either left or right side of the screen and Windows 7 will automatically fill half of the screen with that application. Using two or more applications to view your source and target documents is very fast. You can upgrade your computer with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium for about $80.00. Unless you work in a corporate environment, there is no need for Professional edition.
 2. Office 2010 will revamp your workflow completely. If you skipped the 2007 version it is a big change from previous version of the product. Ribbons, while not welcomed at the beginning, are definitely major improvement in the workflow. Cleaner interface and even tighter integration of Excel, Word, Outlook and now OneNote will streamline your work. Revamped Outlook will keep you organized and now helps you to connect with your LinkedIn and Facebook friends. OneNote is probably by itself, is worth the price of the entire package. If you have a touch screen computer you must have this one for sure. Office will set you back about $ 180.00. Consider to shop on-line for better prices. Do not buy student edition. While it has very attractive price, you will not be able to use it for commercial purpose.
 3. Good monitor is something people disregard quite often. We at TranslationPerfect.com love Dell. Dell manufactures high-end monitors for a very long time. They are very good and very expensive. However, once in a while they also build a model or two that are exceptional bargains. One of them is Dell SP2309W. It is a 23” (super) wide monitor with resolution of almost 2 laptop screens put together side-by-side. Cool 2048 x 1152 pixels will let you see two pages on the screen with almost 1:1 ratio of the actual letter sized paper. Monitor has built-in camera and microphone to remove any clutter from your desk and keep you in touch with your friends, family or us :) It can connect to your PC via HDMI cable further reducing the clutter. Flexible stand allows the monitor’s bottom edge to touch the surface of the table and tilting it back makes it the ultimate ergonomic monitor for the price. How much? Dell sells these guys for $299.00.
 4. Typing for living? Sure you do. Nice ergonomic keyboard and mouse are a must. While there are plenty of options we think that Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro is the ultimate choice. Apple and others introduced the keyboard and mice that look very cool, however they are going to kill you slowly over time. If you spend more than 1 hour a day typing you owe it to yourself. Prepare another $110.00-$130.00 of your hard earned cash to boost your performance and keep your wrists happy.
 5. If you already have Skype then you are done. If you don’t know anything about it then you will be very happy to learn that it will cost you nothing to get and use it. Skype is the most secure and popular application that helps you to chat (typing that is), talk (like actual voice) and see (Dell monitor with built-in camera helps) your friends, business partners and clients. The best part it’s all for free. You can also buy additional services from Skype to call land lines and cell phones, and send text messages.
Have a great time and don’t turn our list into a shopping bonanza. |
