Do you have a recommendation for a computer to run TeleScript software?
Computer models change so quickly that by the time we hear about a good selection for teleprompting, it has been replaced by another model which may or may not function identically.
As Windows 10 has evolved, and driver compliance has improved, we now recommend Windows 10/64 Professional. Users have seen some very good results even with Intel HD4000+ chip sets (but be sure to defeat the hot keys which will rotate your display unexpectedly.) It is also very important that driver are updated to the most recent as provided by the computer manufacturer, or from the individual chip manufacturer.
TeleScript "Gold" versions will work quite well with most modern computers using Windows 7 by running in 16bit color mode. Windows 10 is MUCH faster at rendering text and most customers have had success with Windows 10 running in 32bit color modes. All TeleScript Software is created and compiled on a Windows 10 Pro platform with the latest SDK.
One thing to keep in mind is that as Windows has evolved from the evolutionary mire of MS-DOS, computer systems have become less hardware dependent, and more driver dependent. That is, two computers with the same hardware may perform entirely differently because of variations in the driver that is written to marry the hardware to the computer motherboard. All video chips will require examination of the driver control panel for the specific computer.
A helpful resource is the web site, Passmark.com. Benchmarks are stored for hundreds of systems and display cards. For Windows 10, best results will be achieved with higher ranking video cards - over 500 for 3D performance, and over 400 for 2D performance.
For example, from the data on the Passmark charts, you'll find the Intel HD4400 (3D-538, 2D-784) is a likely good performer with Windows 10. However, the Intel HD3000 (3D-308, 2D-466) is marginal. These expectations generally have been borne out in practice as well, though individual computer's design and driver quality may improve or degrade performance.
Minimum Requirements
- Intel or AMD processor, 2.5 GHz recommended
- 4G RAM (2GB RAM min, though 4G will improve Windows performance)
- Windows 7 32/64, Windows 8.1 32/64, Windows 10 32/64 (Recommended)
- Wireless Internet recommended (required for updates and help resources)
- Dedicated display adapter, 250MB Video RAM (see above)
- 25GB HDD free space recommended
- At least 2 free USB 2.0 ports for security key and controller
Recommended Upgrades
- Backlit keyboard
- SSD HDD -- will shorten startup time and may dramatically improve overall performance
TOP PERFORMER - DELL E6430 with Intel Core i7 chip set (HD4400 graphics) has proven to be rugged and an overall good performer. We recommend Windows 10 and that ALL drivers be updated for compatibility from Dell's support site.
The following specific computer models are simply those that customers have used successfully or have found unsuitable. They have NOT tested, evaluated, or certified by the Telescript West technical staff.
HP
RECOMMENDED: G60-635DX with Win7 home premium 64-bit. The customer is using this computer with TeleScript AV w/Telescript USB Hand Controller.
RECOMMENDED: Pavillion dv6780 Win7 home premium 32-bit. We used one of these for testing.
NOT RECOMMENDED: HP Mini 311-1025NR. Our customer reports that this machine will not display full screen on the external monitor.
ASUS
ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1201N-PU17-SL 12.1-Inch Silver Netbook. This is in the Netbook class. Several customers have been using this computer (or it's close cousins) with no reports of problems.
NOT RECOMMENDED:Netbooks or laptops with nVidia Optimus. The "Optimus" switching technology leaves an artifact on the screen that is not related to vertical sync, nor to any other known source of scrolling artifacts. On some computers, this artifact disappeared when the driver was updated.
NOTE: if you've had a particularly good experience with a certain computer model, other customers would certainly appreciate the tip... or, conversely, a particularly BAD experience, the warning would be equally, or even more, appreciated.