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| Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 (Preferred Edition) (PC) | 
 enlarge | From: Nuance Communications, Inc.
Category: Software
List Price: £149.99
Buy New: £105.48
You Save: £44.51 (30%)
New (5) Used (1) from £59.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  35 reviews
Sales Rank: 135
Format: Cd-rom
Platforms: Windows 98, Windows Vista, Windows Xp, Windows 2000
Media: CD-ROM
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 9.6 x 8 x 2.8
MPN: A109X-W00-9.0
EAN: 5031199017772
Release Date: July 21, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 Brilliant if you know how to use it August 27, 2008
I'm giving this 5 stars because versions 8 and 9 between them have saved me so much time and money, but I can fully appreciate its limitations for other people. What works really really well, is dictating a long report into a digital recorder, transferring the sound file to the PC, and then leaving Dragon to get on with transcribing it into Word, which on a good PC will be at about 250wpm. I'd say the accuracy on this basis really is 99% at the very least, and this using onboard sound rather than an additional sound card.
Otherwise, my experience has been that:
Minijack microphones just don't work. The connection isn't tight enough, and even with a USB microphone the sound properties will probably have been changed by some other program since you set them up last time anyway.
You need a minimum of 1GB of RAM on XP, 2GB on Vista.
It will work on Vista, but ONLY if you turn off User Account Control.
It doesn't work at all on 64 bit systems, this is acknowledged.
It doesn't work properly on Limited accounts. You need to be on as Administrator.
This is the real killer! The automatic Windows Updates to MS Office will often result in Dragon failing to recognise Word! You can overcome this by a) "repairing" the Dragon installation from disc, or b) turning off Windows Updates.
Version 9 comes with a most unwelcome addition: Program Updates Manager from Adobe. This is a new form of InstallShield that works on both XP and Vista, and is therefore a godsend to the enthusiastic amateur school of programmers, i.e. Nuance, who don't have to write separate installation routines of their own. You can't not have it (or Dragon can't install), and you can't easily remove it afterwards.
I haven't myself tried phoning or emailing the Nuance "customer support" people, but what I do hear from friends and colleagues is that their rudeness and incompetence are legendary, fully on a par with BT's overseas call-centres, and that's saying something!
So in summary: if you have a high level of IT skills, then this product can be made to sing and dance, and you'll love the results. If not...
Brilliant piece of software - use it all the time!!! August 10, 2008
I used to use the very early editions of this software and was very disappointed as it was slow, wasn't great at recognising words and to be frank it was quicker to type the letters myself. However, due to my PA leaving on very short notice I was recommended this software by my accountant. I was dubious but being in my predictament thought I would have a go.
I initially downloaded the trial version from the internet, which is a good start but doesn't come with a mic or headphones obviously. So I used an external mic and my ipod headphones. Surprisingly the programme worked well and above expectations. I gave it a few days trial then bought this edition. On the plus side it comes with a mic/headphone but its very flimsey so I bought a well known make for 19.99 (Review later!!!)
It is so easy to use but you do need to train the programme to recognise your dialect and words. I did a few exercises and then away I went. Ok I am no expert but with about 30% of the commands anyone can use the software.I only wish it could recognise the way I say "e".
I do still do the exercises to improve the software and thats essential, but I now find it can be quicker to dictate straight into the computer for emails and letters then giving dictation to my new (and much better) PA.
I know that there is soon to be a new version in v.10 but this software is awesome and as long as you do the exercises it should perform very well. Shame about the substandard headphones/mic though but I won't let that get in the way of a great software review.
All in all after 6 weeks of use I can see no downside to this software. Shame they don't do it on a MAC though!!
 This is a Tool, not the Computer from Star Trek July 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm semiprofessional writer, and just under a year ago I started developing fairly serious repetitive strain injury. That was when I got into Dragon.
It's a tool, not a gadget. Learning to speak to it takes some work, I myself only really got the hang of it after six months and some of the features still don't work for me (for example I'm still unable to navigate menus reliably). The software doesn't always recognize what you say correctly, although the fact that I have a British regional accent might not help, and there seem to be some inconsistencies in the way it applies punctuation...
With that said, as a tool it does what it says on the box and I wouldn't say that it's a waste of money. You'll have to speak slowly and clearly and put on your best telephone voice; your days of typing in front of the television are over, and I recommend that you set the correction window to display as many options as humanly possible -- but it works, this software really will replace your hands if you are unable to type.
On the USB microphone versus 3.5 millimeter jack debate: I would definitely come down on the side of the noise cancellation USB microphone, I would also suggest that you get the best sound card you possibly can.
So in conclusion -- come to this software expecting to learn to use a new tool. If you put in the same amount of effort that you used to learn to type in the first place you'll probably come out pleasantly surprised. You won't be able to speak into it colloquially, mumble or use it in crowded trains; you'll have to modulate your voice to a pitch and rhythm that can understand, but with that in mind the software does work and I expect that in another few editions it's going to be truly world beating.
And yes, this review was dictated using Dragon Naturally Speaking Nine.
 Going back to 8 June 28, 2008
I've had this software for over a year as an upgarde to the previous version and I thought it would be better but the accuracy of this version is much worse than NaturallySpeaking 8 (which was never more than 85%).
I've struggled to train it and re-train it on numerous occasions but its still making errors with everyday words and it takes so long to correct the errors that its quicker to type the whole document.
I'm giving up with this version and re-installing NaturallySpeaking 8 as although its not perfect, its better than this.
With the advances in computer programmes in recent years, you'd expect software like this to get better not worse. Computers are used so much that people with disabilities need these programmes, hopefully there will be better programmes available soon.
 Takes ages to work and doesnt like VISTA unless you a computer programmer June 21, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
taking me ages to load asking me to edir regestry things and change user profiles . but it tells me that it works on VISTA well not yet it doesnt 4 hours ive been trying still trying ill let you all know! lousy
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