Poll: Would you be interested in a translator group buy for laptops or PCs?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
SITE STAFF
Mar 28, 2018

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Would you be interested in a translator group buy for laptops or PCs?".

This poll was originally submitted by Anne Lee. View the poll results »



 
Angus Stewart
Angus Stewart  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 00:28
Member (2011)
French to English
+ ...
Yes Mar 28, 2018

Yes, I am contemplating replacing my current laptop in the next tax year (which here in the UK starts on 6th April) and so would be interested in a group buy if I could obtain a reasonable discount on a laptop with the right specifications for my work.

 
neilmac
neilmac
Spain
Local time: 01:28
Spanish to English
+ ...
Maybe Mar 28, 2018

It depends on the price and features of the device. I can already get comparatively reasonably priced PCs and laptops here in Spain, so it'd be interesting to see how the offer compares.

 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 00:28
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
No Mar 28, 2018

1. I work on an Azerty keyboard (harder and harder to find!)
2. I have been working with the same PC provider for some years. She is extremely helpful and is always on-hand to provide all the technical assistance I need either online or at my place.


 
Antonio Tomás Lessa do Amaral
Antonio Tomás Lessa do Amaral
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Different translators need very different laptops Mar 28, 2018

Different translators need VERY different laptops

 
Julian Holmes
Julian Holmes  Identity Verified
Japan
Local time: 09:28
Member (2011)
Japanese to English
Yes Mar 28, 2018

But probably impossible because the OS would have to be Japanese

 
José Henrique Lamensdorf
José Henrique Lamensdorf  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 21:28
English to Portuguese
+ ...
In memoriam
No Mar 28, 2018

I don't use laptops for professional translation, period.
IMO this is like a professional carpenter using a hobby-duty 1/4" power drill all day long just because it's "portable".

I build my own desktop computers, and do partial upgrades on them every time I think it's necessary.

However I don't envision computer group buys effectively covering as many countries as Proz does. Logistics would be quite complex. Then, while one brand may offer superb after sales/warra
... See more
I don't use laptops for professional translation, period.
IMO this is like a professional carpenter using a hobby-duty 1/4" power drill all day long just because it's "portable".

I build my own desktop computers, and do partial upgrades on them every time I think it's necessary.

However I don't envision computer group buys effectively covering as many countries as Proz does. Logistics would be quite complex. Then, while one brand may offer superb after sales/warranty service in the USA, it could be not-so-good in Country A, and simply none in country B, plus all other imaginable shades.
Collapse


 
Anton Konashenok
Anton Konashenok  Identity Verified
Czech Republic
Local time: 01:28
French to English
+ ...
No Mar 28, 2018

Aside from a wide variety in personal preferences and international logistics issues, I have yet to see a group buy deal on computer hardware that could not be matched or trumped on an individual basis by researching the market carefully.

 
Paulinho Fonseca
Paulinho Fonseca  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 21:28
Member (2011)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
I voted 'Yes', but Mar 28, 2018

that of course would depend a lot on the logistics and features. Laptops are a most in my work since 50% is done in the field, in mining companies in remote areas.
As many said here, everyone has his or her priorities.

XD


 
Mario Freitas
Mario Freitas  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 21:28
Member (2014)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Maybe Mar 30, 2018

Maybe, but quite a hard task considering we have people from all over the world.
It could be a smart move for motherboards or other boards, though, which can be sent by e-mails to countries that allow it. But still a pretty hard task.
How about doing the same with software. That would be a good idea. We pay a lot more for the CATs than they are actually worth. Their profit margins are pretty abusive.


 
José Henrique Lamensdorf
José Henrique Lamensdorf  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 21:28
English to Portuguese
+ ...
In memoriam
You answered your own question, IMO correctly Mar 30, 2018

Mario Freitas wrote:
How about doing the same with software. That would be a good idea. We pay a lot more for the CATs than they are actually worth. Their profit margins are pretty abusive.


CAT tools developers' profit margins are 'abusively abusive'.

Considering the never-ending abundance of bugs and flaws, their groveling efficiency, always demanding much more powerful hardware, hopefully to be developed within the next five or more years.

I don't see any other specialized area where such low-quality software manages to survive like ANY CAT tool does.

It seems that all developers of these got in cahoots to keep the bar very, very low, so they can make a bundle by selling new versions all the time, forever.

Compare that with DTP. I still use Page Maker v6.52 - according to Adobe, launched on Aug. 08th, 1997. Over 10 years later, though it doesn't have all the bells & whistles included in InDesign, it still performs flawlessly, stable like a rock.

Just imagine what would happen if a company like Adobe suddenly decided to develop a CAT tool...


 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Jared Tabor[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Poll: Would you be interested in a translator group buy for laptops or PCs?






Protemos translation business management system
Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!

The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.

More info »
Anycount & Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000

Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.

More info »