Customer Reviews

Dragon Naturally Speaking 7 Preferred [Old Version]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I just bought Dragon NaturallySpeaking and I've already had a lot of success with it. If you're considering this product, I'd highly recommend it. Initially, I bought it because I'm a lawyer and do a lot of dictating anyway. But I also like to see the words on the screen, which is why I sometimes prefer to type things myself. I figured that Dragon NaturallySpeaking would be the best of both worlds. So far, it's worked pretty well for me. But keep in mind that the software doesn't work perfectly right out of the box. Based on my brief experience with the product, there are several keys to success.

The first is to put in the time doing the voice-recognition training. Unless you teach the software to recognize your voice, it just won't work correctly. There's simply no getting around this. Although it may seem tedious at first, the training will pay off. (Besides, some of the training exercises on the software are very entertaining. For example, you can read President Kennedy's inspiring inaugural address or an excerpt from "Dogbert's Top Secret Management Handbook.") I spent at least an hour or two training the software when it first arrived and, believe me, it was time well spent. After the initial training period, the more you use it the better it gets because it is constantly "learning" from its mistakes. As another reviewer has suggested, it probably takes about two months before you'll be really impressed with the product's potential. (But I'm pretty impressed after only a few weeks!)

The second is to buy a decent microphone. A lot of reviewers recommend a USB microphone, but an expensive USB model probably isn't necessary. I have an analog microphone (a Plantronics .Audio 90) and it works just fine. This particular model was far less expensive than most USB microphones that I've seen. The key is to find one that will allow you to position the microphone correctly in relation to your mouth. As the instructions tell you, the positioning of the microphone is essential. Frankly, the one that was included with the software just wasn't up to the task. It always seemed to be too close to my mouth and I was getting very poor results. But as soon as I started using the Plantronics, the accuracy of the software improved dramatically. Trust me, you'll be a a lot happier with the software if you spend a few extra bucks on a good microphone.

Third, although it may seem counterintuitive, you should always speak quickly and naturally when dictating, rather than one word at a time. For some reason, the software is far more accurate when you do. Of course, this is a two-edged sword. If you're really "on a roll," and speaking quickly, the software is very accurate. On the other hand, when you just want to insert a word here or there, it really isn't. Consequently, I find that you still have to do some mouse movements when editing your documents. So, although Dragon NaturallySpeaking promises virtually hands-free operation of your computer, don't expect miracles, at least not at first.

Finally, until you really start to master the product, you should probably use the text editor that's included with the software. It's called "DragonPad," and I've found that the voice recognition is somewhat more accurate when used with this program than it is with, say, Word or Outlook. Don't ask me why. Besides, it's really not that much of a bother. You can simply cut and paste from DragonPad into whatever application you may be using. When you first start using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, the increased accuracy is worth the extra step. You tend to get less frustrated when it's working the way it's supposed to.

I hope these tips help. Have fun, and remember that practice makes perfect. (Yes, this review was dictated using Dragon NaturallySpeaking.)

First, unless you are extremely serious about using voice to enter text, this program is not for you. It doesn't allow you to surf the net easily, as advertised. Many of its features, while sounding great, are more of a pain to use than doing it manually. (Similar to spending an hour on the web trying to answer a question or picking up the telephone and have a reference librarian answer the question in less than five minutes.) One more disadvantage: the headset that comes with the Professional version is not adequate for voice recognition at the level you need if you are serious about using this program. You need to buy a USB headset. After looking at several, I chose the Plantronics DSP-500, which retails for about $. You can spend less and get lower quality, but then, why bother? I had two problems with installation on my XP Pro system. The installation program was able to create the folder for the program, but I had to create the Users folder manually. Not much of a problem, but it could confuse someone who isn't familiar with computers.
But enough with the problems. I'm an author, so I spend lots of time inputting data. My arms, wrists, and fingers end up aching by the end of the day. While this program isn't perfect, it suprised me with its level of accuracy, and its ability to read words in the context of a sentence (such as too, two, and to). The training time took less than 15 minutes. I still find that I have to make mouse movements. Some things are easier to do manually. One of the advantages of the Professional version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is that it works in programs other than Microsoft Word. In fact, I used the program to write this review. So, if you are in a quiet environment and your throat isn't sore, this can be a great timesaver. It is rated at recognizing speech at approximately 160 words per minute. My major problem is that I don't think that fast.
Overall, this is a terrific program for voice recognition. Voice recognition is still not at the technical level we might wish for, but this newest version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking takes another step forward toward the realization of that goal.

The new version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the best they have put out yet. I have had every version starting with number four. Be sure to get the preferred or professional version because they have a brand-new speech to text engine that is excellent and far exceeds everything they have put out in the past. I use the medical solutions eddition and I love it.

Correcting mistakes is easier than it used to be. The computer program learns quickly from your corrections. It even gets most names spelled properly the first time. It is quicker than previous versions.

Voice-recognition is not for everyone, however. It will require that you take some time to set it up properly. You'll have to practice dictating. It is also ideal if you already have a number of documents that you have worked on in the past that it can learn from. It will get used to your vocabulary that way. For it to work its best, you need to correct it when it makes a mistake. You need a quiet room. You need a digital microphone -- which comes with higher versions. You also need a fairly decent computer.

I appear to be the oddball, because my experience with Dragon Naturally Speaking has been the opposite of the other reviews on the site.

The good news is that I'm running it on Windows XP (Home) and have NOT had any of the technical problems mentioned by others, although the software is resource intensive (it can slow the system down). But I didn't expect anything else from voice recognition software, which involves a very complex task.

The bad news is that, after properly training the software for an extended period and using it for a couple of months, I've pretty much stopped using it because it is tedious to use. The error rate is still between 5-10%. Although that doesn't sound like a lot, it means every 10th or 20th word is wrong. What's more, the errors are not always obvious (e.g. they are real words and are not detected by spell check, but they make your writing sound like you're on serious drugs). The result is that proofing your work is a tedious task at best.

I type fairly quickly (50-60 WPM) and with reasonable accuracy. My typos are easily identified by spell check (I don't tend to insert the wrong, but correctly spelled, word the way Naturally Speaking does!). Ergo, I can type and proof faster than I can dictate and proof, which defeats the main reason I bought Naturally Speaking (to speed up my reply to sometimes voluminous email correspondence).

My conclusion: The "state of the art" for voice recognition is not yet where it needs to be to pay off for a halfway decent typist. On the other hand, if you're a poor typist or have a physical handicap that makes typing difficult or impossible, it might be worth a try.

I think this is a significant improvement over version 6. This actually works. I had no problems installing (win 2k pro), and unlike version 6, training new words was relatively painless and rapid. I need to dictate medical notes, and this actually works, whereas version 6 had too many errors. You do need to spend a lot of time teaching it all the many technical terms. I have not yet tried using it for commands. I do note that the learning curve is high. You really need to read the manual (egads!) to learn all the different spoken commands by heart, learn how to make corrections, and navigate within the documents. I think that the learning curve is probably equally high in any voice recognition program. Don't expect to use this program right out of the box.

By the way, if you are interested in convenience, I highly recommend the Telex M-560 microphone, which is a highly directional mike. It is MUCH more convenient than using a headset. You just set it on the desk, and point it at your face. No more problems hooking up the microphone just so. Works great with Naturally Speaking.

I have been a user of voice recognition for years. I use (or attempt to use) voice recognition in my law practice due to the amount of writing I do. I also do a considerable amount of computing, having some expertise with networking, operating systems and a working knowledge of programming. My environment for speech recognition is carefully controlled, quiet and the microphone settings carefully and properly adjusted.

I am using this product on a Sony VAIO slim-line with XP "Home" version and a USB microphone.

Having recently upgraded from Naturally Speaking 5 Essentials to Naturally Speaking 7 Preferred, I am sorely disappointed. My disappointment is with regard to compatibility and a complete lack of customer support.

Customer support: Back before ScanSoft acquired the product, you could actually get quality answers about Dragon voice dictation. Presently, anything beyond basic compatibility questions are outside of the customer service realm of expertise. "Well, your software is not compatible," is the all too common refrain after waiting an inordinate amount of time to speak to so called customer support.

The ScanSoft lack of customer service deserves some specific commentary. Even prior to buying the Version 7 upgrade, ScanSoft customer support couldn't tell me anything meaningful about the software. I specifically asked about compatibility issues and I received no definitive answer. In my experience, it seems to be one of those operations where they put a bunch of kids with manuals on the phone and tell them to go for it. Some of the technical commentary didn't even jibe with processing and computing basics. So, if you buy the product, you are definitely on your own.

The list of "compatible" hardware and software on the ScanSoft web page must be taken very literally. If it is not expressly listed, the software is probably not compatible. (That was the direct comment of "customer support.")

In this particular case, I have historically used Corel WordPerfect 8 in my office for document production. When I open Naturally Speaking 7, I get "Cannot copy to windows clipboard" when I attempt to cut and paste. The anticipated customer service refrain: "Sorry sir, your software is not compatible." Clearly, the cut and paste function outweighs the voice dictation function with regard to productivity. Therefore, I shut down Dragon or I have to plan my word processing around the compatibility prolems.

Functionality: If you use this product, you will likely have to get a USB microphone. One of the other people reviewing this product made this comment and I whole-heartedly agree. (Chances are, your sound card will not be compatible.)

The correction function has problems. Previous Dragon users are familiar with the "correct that" command. This is for correcting misinterpreted text. In this case, and in my experience with Version 7, "correct that" has a 50% failure rate. In alot of cases, it simply does not respond. Further, when the corrected text appears, it leaves characters from the unwanted text surrounding the newly inserted text. This requires manual correction which, obviously, defeats the purpose of voice dictation. Due to this problem, a recent short letter to a collegue actually took longer to write using the dicatation program than if I were to have typed it.

Knowing that customer service is useless, I have been fiddling with the various menus trying to find a cure. Because I have to run a practice, I am yet in pursuit of the cure!

Accuracy: I have noticed no notable increase in accuracy by virtue of the program itself. The upgrade to the USB microphone helps anyway. Therefore, I cannot credit Version 7 with any increase in accuracy. Notably, trained words have not responded. Specifically, you get the "the" being translated as "that." The program does not respond to the training to correct the problem. However, the program, as in previous versions, will train to specific vocabulary. (For example, "ex parte," "pendente lite" and other legal jargon used by us lawyer types.)

Unfortunately, in the land of "techno-anarchy," compatibility issues are like a dog chasing its tail. Dragon Version 5 was allegedly not compatible with XP (which, in fact, it did work with a little tweaking). Upon calling customer support, of course, the recommended remedy was limited to the sales pitch, "Well sir, you should upgrade to Version 7." Now I have upgraded and the rest of my software (and sound card) are incompatible.

I suspect that one of the reasons that ScanSoft is not more forthcoming with compatibility issues is the customer's realization of the true cost to upgrade the product. Specifically, you have the price of the upgrade. Then you have an upgraded microphone to buy. Then you have to upgrade your word processor, or whatever else you are using with Version 7. In the end, the total cost is 200% to 300% of the price of the upgraded dictation software. If customers knew that, they probably wouldn't buy the upgrade.

Then again, maybe I'm just a cranky old lawyer. But, "caveat emptor" to the prospective purchaser. And, if it works, don't fix it.

badly in need of some voice recognition software after a disability, I tried this product and was reasonably impressed at first .

The software is excellent in terms of being able to translate human voice . however, the following problems ensued in the months to follow:

1. the software took a long time to start and initialize each time.

2. the pause after each sentence was about two seconds, which became tedious.

3. sometimes the software would lock up or stop dictating. I would have to turn the software microphone off, which sometimes took a half a minute .

4. each time I turned the microphone on, it would miss the first couple of sentences and take a long time to translate them (incorrectly).

5. I found that I had to sometimes talk like a robot, in order for the machine to really pick up my articulation. This could be just my own personal thing, but it's worth mentioning.

6. there were a lot of problems I had with browsing, related to one bug in particular. If you were dictating into a text area, such as a "Give us your feedback" box, on Amazon.com, it would often mistake words for links on the page. It would take the links, instead of writing the text, deleting all of the information you had just voiced in!

As soon as the novelty wore off, I realized this product truly did not help me.

I switched to IBM Via Voice, and I do not have any of the above problems -- in fact, I look forward to using it each time. I can I assure you that I gave Dragon its fair chance, by reinstalling it, and referring to the appropriate technical advisory information. The Via Voice is a much better product, so much that I can only rate this product two stars simply because I was able to actually use it to some degree.

I am writing this review by using the actual product itself. I will not correct any mistakes it makes. As you can see, my accuracy level is fairly high, and I am very satisfied with the progress I have made so far. This is only my second day using the product, and already I have used it to send numerous e-mail, Word files, Excel files, and reviews such as this one. I can't tell you how exciting it is to see the spoken word appear as if by magic on the screen without having to touch the keyboard at all. This product is amazing! I will recommend it to all my friends and family without hesitation. I'm pretty confident that over the next few days as it recognises my voice more and more, I will overtake my typing speed and my whole desktop computing experience will become a hands-free zone. This this product will revolutionise the way we were, and I'm fairly sure that in the next three to five years voice recognition software will become far more mainstream and it is today.

My wild tip for getting the best out of this product is to make sure that you have a decent microphone and that you have positioned it correctly, in my case I have found that about 1 in. away from my mouth is just about right. Also, please do not skip the training section, if you spend a couple of hours diligently doing White says, then the payoff will be significant in the future.

So this is the end of my review. I have not use my hands once. There are a couple of mistakes, but I think the accuracy rate is up to about 95% in this review. Pretty amazing when you consider that I have only had the product for two days! My congratulations to all those involved with this product, and I cannot wait for future upgrades. Thank you one and all.

I first wrote my review a few weeks after using this product. I have since used the product for 6 months and am back to write a more updated, thorough review.
First, yes, it works with WordPerfect. Prior to buying it, I wasn't sure that it did. None of the reviews or the product information told me whether it was compatible with WordPerfect.
Second, I am a lawyer. Wasn't sure it would learn "lawyer words." No problem. The program lets you load up your legal documents into its system and learns the words. Very easy to do. As such, when you start spitting out legal jargon, it spits out the correct words. ONE HUGE TIP: This product dictates virtually perfectly. I was amazed at how advanced it was. HOWEVER, it does not do a good job of moving the cursor around when you give it a verbal command to do so. HUGE ADVICE TO YOU: Use the mouse to move the cursor around the document. Don't try to use verbal commands to move the cursor. It gets to be TOO frustrating and might make you want to quit. However, once I decided to use my mouse to move the cursor, it was better. However, there is an annoying glitch that will not go away at times: when you are sitting silently, reading, the program will translate breathing and coughs as "The" "With" "Me" "That" or whatever else it thinks you are saying. This gets to be extremely annoying. After several weeks of this, I have decided not to even use the product. I honestly have relegated the product to the back shelf and would only use it if I had carpal tunnel syndrom. This is sad because I had so much hope for the product when I first used it.
If you intend to use the product, then you must practice. Don't be intimidated by the fact that you must practice. I practiced reading text for about an hour a morning for two weeks. That was it. By that time, your program knows about 98% of your vocabulary and recogizes your voice. However, it's the 2% that drives you crazy. Every other line you are getting a mispell or a word pops up when you aren't even talking. After a while, you spend so much time correcting the program's errors that it isn't even worth it.

Fifth, the program dictates at your normal talking speed. This is amazing, but it's only 98% accurate. This sounds good, but it takes a lot of time to go back and correct the 2% of errors. After a while, it isn't even worth it. Sixth, read the review of the dude named Aaron C. Schepler. I don't know the guy, but his tips were helpful. I bought the Plantronics Audio 90 headset upon his advice. It was pretty cheap (less than $50) and works perfectly.

In the end, this product didn't live up to the hype. Yes, voice recognition technology has come a long way, but it still has a ways to go. I truly would only recommend this product if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Otherwise, save yourself the consternation and frustration of a product that isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

I have been using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 74 approximately a year now at work and at home. I have carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome is; therefore, I need a product to help me. I do a great deal of writing.
I am dictating his review into Microsoft Word and will not make any corrections to it. You will then get an idea of its accuracy.
The program works rather well. However, it does make a fair number of the patient mistakes, which requires a lot of time-consuming editing. Nonetheless, I cannot work or surf the Web without this program. If you have some sort of disability, it is a lifesaver.
The program is rather resource-intensive. I used and him 4 computers with 2.2 and 2.6GHz; each has 512 megabytes RAM.
["I used and him 4" should read "I use Pentium 4".]
My system will often go slow when I am doing a great deal of dictating and making many corrections. The program learns your voice the more you use it; therefore, it keeps corrections in its memory so that it will not make the same mistake later.
I highly recommend this program for anyone who physically has a hard time using the keyboard and mouse. I suspect that everybody will be using voice recognition software in 3-5 years as the technology advances. I have used several versions of NaturallySpeaking and they continue to improve.