Review by Southern Mississippi

Id used Dragon NaturallySpeaking previously. Actually Id used a couple of different versions over the years. All of them required extensive effort spent training the Dragon before you could actually use it. Often, it included problems with the Dragon understanding my accent. With this version, there were none of those issues. I read one short paragraph and proceeded with the rest of the set up instructions. I also did the short tutorial. Once that was done, I opened a word document and proceeded to start dictating to it. It had very little trouble understanding what I was saying. Because of that alone, this is definitely a five-star piece of software.

Now once its installed it is a wonderful piece software use, but the installation was the slowest installation of a program I have ever done. I was installing from a DVD, and it shouldve taken just a few minutes. However its been about 15 minutes with me wondering if the computer had frozen up. While my laptop is not top-of-the-line its also not bottom of the barrel and it is new. It uses Windows 8.1 operating system. Overall, I think it took 30 to 60 minutes just to install the program. I actually cooked dinner waiting for the installation to complete. Then, I had to come in and do the registration portion. At least the registration is quick and easy.

In the long run, I guess the slow installations worth the effort because the program is a very quick to learn to use. For people who never use Dragon NaturallySpeaking for used to take me weeks to train the program before it was fully usable. With this version, it took minutes. I have not learned all of the slight nuances of using Dragon yet, but it seems very user-friendly so far. Im thrilled at the ability to continue to write without causing pain in my arm. I highly recommend this program for anyone who has difficulty using their hands or arms for typing and mouse usage. It won’t completely eliminate the need for keyboard or mouse use, but it makes it much easier to compose on your computer.

All software has a learning curve. This new version of Dragon speaking naturally has a very short learning curve before you’re able to start using the program. Over the next few weeks, I anticipate learning a lot of the finer details of using the program. The only downside is when your spouse continues to talk to you and the mic begins to pick it up. Right now its a little bit slower than when I type myself, but with practice, I anticipate becoming quicker. Hopefully, one of the things that I will learn to do is how to edit a completed document by voice. Im thrilled with the program though.

As for what comes in the box, there is the DVD for insulation, a small booklet, and a headset. The headset has a mic of course. Its not the best headset in the world, however, it does work well with Dragon. Thats the headset that Im using right now as I compose this review with Dragon.