Thank you all for your very hehlpful replies re a laptop and Windows 7. I'll know later this week what the school uses, and that will determine what I will look for. One reason why I think I have to give up my much-loved Word-2003 is that Microsoft has or is soon stopping support for it as they move forward. I don't want to be a dinosaur. .
So, what about 64-bit versus 32-bit? I know Jaws now supports 64-bit. Can a 64-bit PC or laptop run 32-bit software, or is that how it works? Not sure about that stuff either. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve" <k...@sbcglobal.net> To: <jaws-users-list@jaws-users.com> Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 6:45 PM Subject: Re: [JAWS-Users] laptops and OS Jean, Well, first, any laptop will work. It's a good idea to consider several things when looking for a laptop. Since keyboard layouts vary in terms of where certain less-used keys like backslash, the applications key, insert, end, pgup and pgdn, if they are present are located, it is good if you look at a model you are considering buying first. You can always shop for it on the internet if you are comfortable with its keyboard layout. If you are considering a netbook, which is an underpowered laptop, there are a couple that don't have dedicated function keys. Second, consider the size of the laptop display. Those with 13 inch displays are lighter to carry around. Those with 17-inch displays often have a full keyboard including separate numpad. Third, if you look around on the internet, you can find laptops with Vista or probably even XP Professional. But, if your choice is between Vista and Windows 7, go with Win 7. It is more efficient, more responsive, and just a better operating system than Vista. Fourth, MsOffice 2003 will work with Windows 7 computers. You don't have to upgrade to Office 2007 unless the school requires it. Steve Lansing, MI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jean Menzies" <jemenz...@shaw.ca> To: "Jaws Users List" <jaws-users-list@jaws-users.com> Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 5:10 PM Subject: [JAWS-Users] laptops and OS > Hello all, > > I don't have time to read many messages, so apologize if this has been > covered or is of common knowledge. > > I am in the market for a laptop computer. I've never owned a laptop and > don't know what to look for or avoid as a blind user. I will have to > upgrade Jaws as I'm back on version 8. I'm thinking that most laptops now > are sold with Windows 2007 operating system. How does Jaws work with that? > Of course, it would be whatever current version Jaws is at, version 11 I > think. Also, I would then have to make the leap to Office 2007 from Office > 2003. I may have to use Office 2007 including PowerPoint, Excel, IE, and > Word in school next fall. I'll know that for sure later this week, but I > would expect that they will not be using my favourite 2003 stuff. > > Anyway, any pointers on upgrading would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Jean > > "Hear no evil speak no evil and you'll never be invited to a party." > --Oscar Wilde > > For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: > http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/ __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4980 (20100328) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
