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Speech Recognition Software for the General User
 Once purely the realm of science fiction, computerized speech recognition is now a mature technology enhancing productivity wherever there is a need for detailed documentation. Whether a writer, a student, an appraiser or simply one who wants to compose emails or post on blogs without the necessity of hand-typing, speech recognition software may be perfect for you.
The Basics
What does it do? In simple terms, speech recognition software has the ability to do the following:
- Convert your words into text in a word processing document or window
- Use your voice to navigate on your computer, start programs, open documents, send emails, etc.
- Insert more complicated text or graphics into a word processing window with a simple voice command
What does it require for successful use? These are the simple requirements:
- A recent vintage computer (desktop or laptop)
- The software (a starter microphone is included with the software)
- A little bit of discipline in the way you speak
A Quick (and comical) Demonstration of Dragon 11
What Version?
What version of the software should you buy? There are three basic versions you might consider, although for most general users, the "Premium" version is probably your best bet. A full features matrix comparing the various version can be seen here.
- Basic Version and Home Version: We mention these to be thorough, but each of these versions have so many limitations in functionality, that we strongly recommend that you choose the Premium version unless you absolutely cannot afford it. The cost is about $99. We don't carry this version. If you are interested, please check out www.nuance.com or your local Best Buy or discount store.
- Premium: This is the ideal version for most general users and includes many advanced features, including the ability to create text commands (insert more lengthy text and graphics with a single voice command), and functionality in almost all commonly-used software. Cost: about $199.
- Professional: The Professional version has the same basic speech engine as the other versions, but has several key additional features, including the ability to create more complex commands using "advanced scripting," the ability to save sound with text documents and the ability to administer user profiles on a network. Most general users do not need the extra features found in the Professional version. Cost: $599
Our Products
| Dragon 11 Premium |
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Dragon 11 Professional |
 Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium speech recognition software lets you control your digital world by voice — three times faster than typing. Turn ideas into text at the speed of thought. Tell your PC what to do, and it does it. Create documents, send email, control applications, and navigate the Web — just by talking. Use a digital voice recorder and transcribe the audio files back at your PC. Dragon is your key to less stress and more success!
Features:
- Up to 99% speech recognition accuracy right out of the box
- Creation of documents, reports, spreadsheets or messages just by speaking
- Ability to compose emails or search the Web for information faster than ever with Dragon Voice Shortcuts
- Nuance Text-to-Speech technology that reads on-screen text in human-sounding synthesized speech
- Dragon Voice Shortcuts that let you create email, schedule appointments and search your desktop using simple voice commands
- Creation of custom commands for inserting frequently used text and graphics, or automating routine data entry
- Ability to use Dragon with a Nuance-approved digital voice recorder and automatically transcribe your recorded voice
- Support for multiple audio input devices; use Dragon with a wireless microphone, including Bluetooth
- Support for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox and virtually any other Windows application
- Audio playback of your dictation with the associated transcription highlighted on the screen for easier proofreading and correction
- Ability to import/export custom word lists
- Support for custom voice commands to quickly insert frequently used text and graphics
MSRP: $199
Our Price:$
185.00
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 Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 11 is the ideal solution for busy corporate professionals to create documents and e-mails, fill out forms, and streamline workflow tasks – all by speaking. Turn your voice into text three times faster than most people type -- with up to 99% accuracy using virtually any Windows-based application. New Dragon Voice Shortcuts collapse common tasks into simple voice commands. Or create custom commands to automate repetitive tasks you perform that involve multiple keystrokes or mouse clicks. You can even dictate into a handheld device when you’re away from your PC, or use a Bluetooth microphone. This edition offers complete enterprise network support, including new security features, a special management guide for IT professionals and support for Citrix deployments. Also supports Windows Vista 64-Bit operating systems.
Features:
- All the features of the Premium version
- High quality speech engine (same accuracy as all Dragon 11 Products)
- Ability to dictate into virtually all Windows software products
- Ability to create advanced commands
Additional Information:
Included in the box (all versions):
- Installation disk
- Starter microphone
- Brief user guide
MSRP: $599.99
Our Price: $
599.99
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Additional Information (applicable to both Premium & Professional):
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System Requirements
The install process checks that your system meets the minimum requirements. If they are not met, Dragon NaturallySpeaking will not be installed.
- CPU: minimum 1 GHz Intel® Pentium® or equivalent AMD processor or 1.66 GHz Intel® Atom® processor. We recommend 1.8 GHz Intel Dual Core or equivalent AMD processor. (IMPORTANT: SSE2 instruction set required)
- Processor Cache: minimum 512 KB. We recommend 2 MB.
- Free hard disk space: 2.5 GB (2.8 GB for localized non-English versions)
Supported Operating Systems:
- Microsoft Windows 7, 32-bit and 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, 32-bit and 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, 32-bit only
- Windows Server 2003 and 2008, SP1, SP2 and R2, 32-bit and 64-bit
- RAM: minimum 1 GB for Windows XP and Windows Vista, and 2 GB for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2003/2008. We recommend 2 GB RAM for Windows XP and Windows Vista, and 4 GB for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2003/2008 64-bit.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer(R) 6 or higher (free download at www.microsoft.com)
- Creative® Labs Sound Blaster® 16 or equivalent sound card supporting 16-bit recording
- DVD-ROM drive required for installation
- Nuance-approved noise-canceling headset microphone (included in purchase). See details at support.nuance.com/compatibility/ (includes Bluetooth microphones, recorders and Tablet PCs).
Note: An internet connection is required for product activation (a quick, anonymous process).
Additional Resources:
Accuracy Improvement Guide: Learn some tricks to improve your accuracy ... without having to buy another thing!
Microphone Selection Guide: Wanting better accuracy than you're getting with your current microphone? Consider upgrading and learn about the options at this page.
Training Aids: See our selection of books, videos and other resources to help you better understand and use your speech recognition software.
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