Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Preferred - Old Version

by Riverdeep

Product Features

• Document can be synthesized as an audio stream
• Dictated words appear in a floating tooltip as they are spoken
• Three primary areas of functionality: dictation, text-to-speech and command input

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004W3GS
• Item model number: 13005001
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 25, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,267 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Voice recognition software often conjures up images of Star Trek or 2001: A Space Odyssey, in which characters hold in-depth conversations and accomplish great tasks with their computers. Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Preferred Edition takes talking to your computer out of those science fiction movies and into the world of everyday use. While recent versions of speech-to-text software have resulted in mistake-ridden documents and overpriced products, NaturallySpeaking 5.0 offers the ability to create well-written and edited documents, send e-mail, and surf the Web.

In addition to better accuracy, other improvements include the "training period" and vocabularies for teen, adult, and advanced users. After you have chosen the applicable vocabulary, this training period gives the computer time to get to know your voice patterns. Instead of a 45-minute training session (as in the 4.0 version of this product), NaturallySpeaking 5.0 thankfully only requires up to 10 minutes of preparation. The program even offers dictation pointers for those of us who enunciate poorly.

One obvious advantage to voice recognition technology is that your hands are free to hold the telephone or twirl your hair while you dictate. For example, this review actually was written with the program and not with the keyboard--a feat that previously was impossible. The only problem was found when loud noises occurred during use (make sure to keep your kids or noisy officemates out of the room).

While NaturallySpeaking 5.0 is not perfect, it is a vast improvement over earlier versions, as well as its competitors. So, while you can't tell your computer to take out the trash, you can have it write your documents hands-free. Now, if only they would invent the transporter. --Madeleine J. Miller

Product Description

This full-featured speech-recognition product is designed for the creation and editing of text documents, reports, and e-mails in a small-office/home-office environment. Version 5.0 features improved accuracy from a company already recognized for its accuracy. Make corrections faster and easier with the new, convenient Quick Correct Box.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good product., October 16, 2000

By 

F. A. Soares (Modesto, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Preferred - Old Version (CD-ROM)

I have used this program for several weeks now say that I find it much better than any other one I have used before. The recognition is much better and the training period is considerably less than any other comparable program that I have experimented with, in fact the training period for this program was about 15 minutes compared to IBM's ViaVoice which took over 45 minutes. I would highly recommend this product for those who need highly accurate voice dictation software for either home or business. This program so far has been the best one I have found anywhere. The only thing I did not like much was the fact that the program costs much more than others such as IBM's ViaVoice. This is the only reason I did not give the program five stars. Other than the fact that it's considerably more expensive others, it is a great program and if you really need an accurate voice dictation program I would highly recommended it. In addition, if your company is buying the program for you then it is even better.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I speak it writes..., February 6, 2001

By 

M. Karakus (CAMBRIDGE, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Preferred - Old Version (CD-ROM)

...really it does. I have been using this product for the past two weeks. I trained the application for 45 minutes, using the training software provided. I'm dictating this review using the software.
The training application had easy to use instructions. Previous voice recognition products always had problems with my voice (it could be my accent). The feature that I most appreciate on this product is the training the application to write per your voice. You can even customize the vocabulary to match the words that you frequently use.
Another good thing about this product is that it will recognize the various users voices of your computer. You can have the voice of your children, spouse and if you're working between your home and office it could understand the voice of your secretary.
Have fun speaking!

110 of 121 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, September 20, 2000

By 

MR STEVEN W CANNON (Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Preferred - Old Version (CD-ROM)

This review is written using the program. Easy to use and solves a lot of problems for a dyslexic person. I feel that a whole New World has opened up. I will take full advantage of the wonderful opportunity now open to me.

Until we can understand each other I am sure we will have small problems.

I have only been using this program for thirty minutes, already I am totally impressed!

Work with it that it will work with you.

I can now write longer e-mails and perhaps even a novel.

Thank you Dragon