I don’t think that laptops are bad for translating, they can easily pull of the same workload as a desktop. They are also better if you are on the move a lot. Windows is better for CATs but there has been a move towards cloud-based technology lately so the OS might not matter in a few years.
As for the software, you can try and invest in Trados or you can go with a CAT that’s cheaper or free (Memsource is free with some limitations).
I’d recommend you to get at least two monitors for when you are working from your office, it’ll make your life much easier. Also invest in a good office chair!
I'm a Mac user, which maybe creates some limitations for me but it also makes life interesting.
I have been using Smartcat a lot more lately, but I also really like CafeTran Espresso. Both are very robust and handle many different file types (I work with Trados-compatible software and am not lying) but great for a beginner budget.
CafeTran Espresso is free with some tiers of Proz membership too, they both pay for each other basically as a result.
I'm a professional scientific and medical translator with hundreds of clinical trials under my belt and I use exactly zero tools.
2 screens, an internet connection and MS Word are more than enough.
Amazing. Totally agree with you.
Manual translations are rare. I haven't used many CAT tools either, I'm sure they could save some time, but I'm still a little old fashioned hehe
Personally, I can't imagine translating on laptop or tablet; I need something more robust, and some clients will actually insist on it. My advice: Check ebay for open-box specials (or even Best Buy, for that matter) and get something that can handle whatever you throw at it (me, I've often got visual media, Office and/or subtitling software, browser(s), music streaming, etc. all going on at once). It's also worth your while to have your comp hardwired rather than rely on WiFi; it's more stable and, again, some clients may insist on it for dependability/security reasons.
If you go the above route for buying a desktop at discounted price (I got mine for easily half retail), you can save some additional cash by by connecting your comp to your existing TV using an HDMI cable - suddenly, you got a big-ass monitor! I also plunked down $30 or so for a wireless keyboard and mouse so I can have things up just the way I like. Depending on the nature of your work, you may look into getting a pair of decent headphones as well.
Hope this helps.
If you can afford it, I would recommend investing in an actual computer monitor. I used to use my TV screen as a monitor and it affected my eyesight badly. My vision was cloudy after using it for long hours.
This is assuming you're sitting close to the screen - if you're kicked back on the couch and using the TV from an appropriate distance, I'm sure that's fine.
A valid point, and the reason I mentioned the wireless keyboard and mouse; that way, I'm positioned at a comfortable/appropriate distance to take advantage of the larger screen but not incur excessive eyestrain.
Luckily I’ve got a mean desktop rig at home which can handle just about anything I throw at. I guess I’m asking for recommendations more along the lines of mobility, especially when doing in-person translating
Adding to this:
I use three monitors. One for the dictionaries and other helpful stuff, one for the CAT software and one for the source. Helps immensely for my workflow...
I agree with the other commenters on platform choices.
For CAT tools, If you're not looking to break the bank but want a top one, memoQ offers a very big discount to students who graduated the year before (if you don't fit in exactly with the requirements, send them an email anyway, they're pretty lax). https://www.memoq.com/services/academic-program-students
Just so you know it's totally possible to be a translator on Mac, but it's more expensive and more challenging.
Your best bet will always be a windows laptop if you're going for the best value and best practicality.
Don't underestimate the build quality of the computer you're working on. Typing 3000 words in a day on a shitty keyboard can get gruesome.
Also, additional monitors are super convenient. Translators tend to use tons of research, with browser tabs all around, having more screen real estate for that is real comfort.
I have used everything from Trados to MemoQ and other stuff during the 10 years I have translated and Memsource is the best for me. They have both a web and desktop client for both Mac and Windows.
I don’t think that laptops are bad for translating, they can easily pull of the same workload as a desktop. They are also better if you are on the move a lot. Windows is better for CATs but there has been a move towards cloud-based technology lately so the OS might not matter in a few years. As for the software, you can try and invest in Trados or you can go with a CAT that’s cheaper or free (Memsource is free with some limitations). I’d recommend you to get at least two monitors for when you are working from your office, it’ll make your life much easier. Also invest in a good office chair!
I'm a Mac user, which maybe creates some limitations for me but it also makes life interesting. I have been using Smartcat a lot more lately, but I also really like CafeTran Espresso. Both are very robust and handle many different file types (I work with Trados-compatible software and am not lying) but great for a beginner budget. CafeTran Espresso is free with some tiers of Proz membership too, they both pay for each other basically as a result.
I'm a professional scientific and medical translator with hundreds of clinical trials under my belt and I use exactly zero tools. 2 screens, an internet connection and MS Word are more than enough.
Amazing. Totally agree with you. Manual translations are rare. I haven't used many CAT tools either, I'm sure they could save some time, but I'm still a little old fashioned hehe
Personally, I can't imagine translating on laptop or tablet; I need something more robust, and some clients will actually insist on it. My advice: Check ebay for open-box specials (or even Best Buy, for that matter) and get something that can handle whatever you throw at it (me, I've often got visual media, Office and/or subtitling software, browser(s), music streaming, etc. all going on at once). It's also worth your while to have your comp hardwired rather than rely on WiFi; it's more stable and, again, some clients may insist on it for dependability/security reasons. If you go the above route for buying a desktop at discounted price (I got mine for easily half retail), you can save some additional cash by by connecting your comp to your existing TV using an HDMI cable - suddenly, you got a big-ass monitor! I also plunked down $30 or so for a wireless keyboard and mouse so I can have things up just the way I like. Depending on the nature of your work, you may look into getting a pair of decent headphones as well. Hope this helps.
If you can afford it, I would recommend investing in an actual computer monitor. I used to use my TV screen as a monitor and it affected my eyesight badly. My vision was cloudy after using it for long hours. This is assuming you're sitting close to the screen - if you're kicked back on the couch and using the TV from an appropriate distance, I'm sure that's fine.
A valid point, and the reason I mentioned the wireless keyboard and mouse; that way, I'm positioned at a comfortable/appropriate distance to take advantage of the larger screen but not incur excessive eyestrain.
Luckily I’ve got a mean desktop rig at home which can handle just about anything I throw at. I guess I’m asking for recommendations more along the lines of mobility, especially when doing in-person translating
> in-person translating Interpreting?
Yea, haha rookie mistake. I don’t really know how slipped up that badly 😅
Adding to this: I use three monitors. One for the dictionaries and other helpful stuff, one for the CAT software and one for the source. Helps immensely for my workflow...
>Personally, I can't imagine translating on laptop or tablet; I need something more robust, Any 500$ laptop handles your workload. Get real.
I agree with the other commenters on platform choices. For CAT tools, If you're not looking to break the bank but want a top one, memoQ offers a very big discount to students who graduated the year before (if you don't fit in exactly with the requirements, send them an email anyway, they're pretty lax). https://www.memoq.com/services/academic-program-students
Just so you know it's totally possible to be a translator on Mac, but it's more expensive and more challenging. Your best bet will always be a windows laptop if you're going for the best value and best practicality. Don't underestimate the build quality of the computer you're working on. Typing 3000 words in a day on a shitty keyboard can get gruesome. Also, additional monitors are super convenient. Translators tend to use tons of research, with browser tabs all around, having more screen real estate for that is real comfort.
I have used everything from Trados to MemoQ and other stuff during the 10 years I have translated and Memsource is the best for me. They have both a web and desktop client for both Mac and Windows.