| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: Do you use a tablet for your translation work? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you use a tablet for your translation work?".
This poll was originally submitted by Pieter Beens. View the poll results »
| | | | Mary Worby 
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:02
German to English
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I have a tablet but it is moe a toy than a business tool. While I do use it to answer the odd work e-mail, I couldn't actually work on it.
| | | | | work on a tablet? | Nov 25, 2014 |
The only work-related use of my tablet consists of:
- checking emails when I am not at work
- use it as a wi-fi hotspot in case I need
- check images related to the translation I am working on
But I never use it to actually write a translation
| | | | | For specific projects | Nov 25, 2014 |
As a game translator, I often have the table propped up next to my laptop computer, looking at things inside the game that I am working on in the translation tool.
Apart from that, there is nothing I can think of that a tablet can do better than the computer, so I have to agree with the above: only answering the odd work-related message.
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My desktop screen is 22 inches and I feel cramped when I'm working on it; am seriously considering a second monitor.
| | | | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 21:02
Member (2006)
German to English
How, and why?
The smallest thing I use for mobile work is my 17" laptop
[Edited at 2014-11-25 15:54 GMT]
| | | | | Define "use" | Nov 25, 2014 |
I "use" my iPad in a variety of ways.
- As I often work on mobile games/apps, I use it to check its UI, to give a look at in-app contents and to actually play the games
- I answer work-related emails from there. I'm always in front of a computer, and at time my back hurts. It is a relief to move away from my workstation.
- For the same reason, if I have a creative project (something that needs a lot of thought before you can actually type in something, suc... See more I "use" my iPad in a variety of ways.
- As I often work on mobile games/apps, I use it to check its UI, to give a look at in-app contents and to actually play the games
- I answer work-related emails from there. I'm always in front of a computer, and at time my back hurts. It is a relief to move away from my workstation.
- For the same reason, if I have a creative project (something that needs a lot of thought before you can actually type in something, such as transcreation) I prefer to think from my sofa; in this case I move everything to iPad just to have a visual reference.
Overall, I don't think iPad greatly affects my productivity, but it certainly helps me out a bit.
However, if the actual question was "do you translate directly on your tablet", then my anwer is no.
[Edited at 2014-11-25 09:15 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Nigel Greenwood (X)
Spain
Local time: 21:02
Spanish to English
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I have a desktop, a laptop and a tablet. I translate on the desktop with its 22" screen. While travelling, I use my 16" screen laptop, and I use my tablet (iPad) while I am interpreting. But I cannot see any possibility of translating on a tablet.
Enjoy,
Nigel.
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Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 15:02
English to Spanish
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| A tablet is not intended for work | Nov 25, 2014 |
...unless you're checking the features of a game or an app you're localizing on your desktop computer.
Main drawback: the touchscreen keyboard is not meant for typing for long stretches. Otherwise, you risk hand and finger injury (repetitive motion), as well as neck and shoulder spasms.
I've read many of my colleagues' sensible comments and I agree with many of them.
But some will argue that there are keyboards you can connect to a tablet via Bluetooth. Fin... See more ...unless you're checking the features of a game or an app you're localizing on your desktop computer.
Main drawback: the touchscreen keyboard is not meant for typing for long stretches. Otherwise, you risk hand and finger injury (repetitive motion), as well as neck and shoulder spasms.
I've read many of my colleagues' sensible comments and I agree with many of them.
But some will argue that there are keyboards you can connect to a tablet via Bluetooth. Fine. The problem with those keyboards is that they are too flat. Not good for the fingers. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | I don't but... | Nov 25, 2014 |
... I see no reason why you couldn't *dictate* translations to a tablet, which would be just like dictating to a laptop as I occasionally do on my travels, only a lot easier to carry around.
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Doing regular translation work I need my desktop with two large screens.
And when traveling I take my laptop.
Only if I am out of the office for a few hours I carry a mini iPad in my handbag to check/answer emails and keep business running. It also works as a GPS.
| | | | Ana Vozone
Local time: 20:02
Member (2010)
English to Portuguese
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| As a second screen | Nov 25, 2014 |
I often use my iPad as a second screen, it is very convenient, particularly for pdf files. The "enlarge" function is great! The fact that you don't need a mouse to use it is definitely a plus. The iPad fits easily between me and my screen, which is great.
I also use it to check emails, see images.
So, tablets, in my opinion, are definitely a plus.
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Melanie Nassar
United States
Local time: 22:02
German to English
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| In conjunction with my laptop | Nov 25, 2014 |
If I have to work when I am traveling, I miss the two screens I use at home. I now have a 10" tablet that I use to display the source text while I work on my laptop. As others have said, a touch screen is not ideal for typing.
| | | | | The last two comments are interesting | Nov 25, 2014 |
-- but I work with a CAT, and it will not run on a tablet.
However, I do use my laptop as a second screen occasionally, and the tablet might be smart when travelling.
| | | | Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 15:02
English to Spanish
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| The tablet as a second monitor: too expensive a solution | Nov 25, 2014 |
Melanie Nassar wrote:
If I have to work when I am traveling, I miss the two screens I use at home. I now have a 10" tablet that I use to display the source text while I work on my laptop. As others have said, a touch screen is not ideal for typing.
The average price for a tablet is $200-$500 (US dollars). And these are 7-to-10 inches wide. That's an expensive way to procure a second traveling monitor in my opinion.
If you must have a second monitor:
a) For your desktop, get a midsize monitor (20-24 inches diagonal) and connect it to your computer via an HDMI cable (or a DVI, if you are so Mac inclined).
b) If you travel often and want to use a second monitor for both desktop and travel situations, for Pete's sake, get a laptop. It's cheaper and more functional.
Tablets are usually fashion statements (yes, I own an iPad). Even though I could, I never use them for regular reading; I prefer printed books, of which I have hundreds.
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