Question about Voice Recognition Software

[Kadie]

Has anybody tried it? Is there an inexpensive version that work's OK, or do you really need to spend a couple of hundred bucks? We have read some reviews and they don't speak very highly of the cheaper versions, just wondering if anyone here has tried them.

Thanks for your help.

:hi:

[Generic Other]

1. It has to be trained like a really dumb puppy

Accuracy is never what you'd like. And if you start getting frustrated and swear...well you know how to use the delete button right?

[Kadie]

3. Delete and Backspace seem to be my favorite keys

That is one reason I was checking into the software. Thanks for your help :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. Yes I've used several

Point N Speak
Dragon
and
IBM's Via Voice

OF the three PNS was the cheapest and least efficient in my opinion...Via voice is OK and Dragon Naturally Speaking was the best...

I have the professional version for legal..and medical so it was a bit more expensive than over the counter Dragon Naturally Speaking would be.

They are ALL cumbersome to start as you have to take considerable time training them....but if you TAKE the time early, then they DO transcribe as efficiently as an actual transcriber does...up to 160 WPM.

HOpefully that addresses your questions..if you have more..feel free to ask.

[Kadie]

5. Great Info.

You really helped alot. Looks like we will be staying away from the cheaper versions, sounds like more headaches than it would be worth.

Thank you. :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. well to be truthful..i'd LOVE to get the time back I spent training the

others and since Dragon gets the highest marks from all my collegues as well, it really will save you time and money in the long run..again..PATIENCE grasshopper...it does take quite a while for the machine to TRAIN to the various users (and you CAN program to various users since people pronounce things differently..that way the machine learns YOU and your husband)

The OTHER great feature is that there are MORE digital dictation units now that are compatible with Dragon than there were a few years ago, so if you are dictating away from the computr, you just plug the unit to the port..and voila!

Once you get it if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

It is quite useful

May I ask what you intend to use it for? It's fine if you'd prefer not to say..

[Kadie]

13. Thanks again.

I really appreciate all your comments, I will be sharing them with my husband tonight.

This isn't a purchase that we really need, it is just something I thought would be interesting to try if it didn't cost too much.

Someone had suggested to us that we write a book. I am not sure that I would be able to complete such a task, but the subject would make a great story even if it is only shared with our son.

I have found that I am having a real difficult time completing a thought when trying to type it out, maybe by posting here at DU I will overcome some of that. :)

Thanks again for your help.

[WatchWhatISay]

8. Do you ever use it to post on DU?

Does that work? Or is there anywhere else that it doesn't work as well as normal?

I used Via Voice about 5 years ago, just playing around. I was surprised it was as good as it was at the time. Do you know if there have been signifigant improvements in the technology in the last five years?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

11. No I don't use it to post on DU

Mostly because when I am posting I am in the middle of dictating documents already but it really isn't that efficient for short notes...I write LONG reports..about 400 pages worth a day..it's real good for that after time.

The technology has improved MILES AND MILES from what it was when it first came out...when voice first came about, it was more a convenience/ accomodation for people with disabilities than a tool for business...

[tridim]

4. It's much easier to just type it

VR software has it's place, but it's no replacement for skilled fingers on a good keyboard.

[Kadie]

7. I used to be a pretty good typist.

Don't know what happened. :shrug:

I guess a couple of years of not having to do daily typing caught up with me. A new keyboard just might help a little. Thanks for the feedback.

[NewHampster]

6. Most stuff sounds like Shrub talking

eyyyyyeeee ccccaaaaaaaaaaannnnn tuh unnnnerstannnnnnn uuuuuu

[Kadie]

9. LOL

[tigereye]

12. I am just starting to use Dragon

my husband said it is better than when we tried it a few years back

It is a neat idea.

I have to wait until I'm not buried with reports that need to be done quickly to try it thoroughly.

[Kadie]

14. Yep

That is another thing I thought of. Even if I do invest in this software, how am I going to have the time to learn it? LOL