2/28/2011

Dragon Point & Speak - Continuous Speech Recognition Version 3.52 Review

Dragon Point & Speak - Continuous Speech Recognition Version 3.52
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I was pleasantly surprised when I found a copy of one of Dragon's first versions of their speech recognition program at Amazon. A rep from Dragon gave a few of us in our local computer club a copy to review probably ten years ago. Now I am living in a retirement Inn and find many who could benefit from the program.

The program is valuable for people with arthritis and other ailments as well as us who find that our penmanship is becoming atrocious. It is easy to learn and is surprisingly accurate. I must add that Amazon delivered it in record time in perfect condition.

Thank you.

Bill Courtney

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Product Description:
Contains 30,000 word active vocabulary and 230,000 word total vocabulary. Includes high quality microphone.

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2/27/2011

Dragon Naturallyspeaking Prefer 10.0 Brown Bag with headset for Retail Review

Dragon Naturallyspeaking Prefer 10.0 Brown Bag with headset for Retail
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I'll put it simply: Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 is the cat's meow, the dog's bark, and my new best communication friend.It has so many tools I've yet to uncover them all!For starters, I simply used it to rwrite directly into Microsoft Word and I transcribed six double-spaced papges in under ten minutes.It took me less than 30 minutes to get my voice profile understood, but it will probably take me weeks to unearth all the neat things Dragon will do.I highly recommend it for the typing illiterate.

Ken Resch

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Product Description:
Create Email Documents and Spreadsheets - All byVoice!Product InformationMfg Part #: A109A-K07-10.0UPC #:780420118706Most people speak over 120 words per minute but type less than 40 words perminute. What if you could create email documents and spreadsheets simply byspeaking? What if you could control your PC just by talking to it startingprograms using menus surfing the Web?Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred gives small business and advanced PC usersthe power to create documents reports and emails three times faster than mostpeople type - with up to 99% accuracy. Surf the Web by voice or dictate and editin Microsoft Word and Excel Corel WordPerfect and most other Windows-basedapplications. Create voice commands to quickly insert blocks of texts or images- such as your name title and signature. Dictate into a handheld device whenyou're away from your PC or use a Bluetooth microphone for the same greatdictation results without the wires. A high-quality headset is included.The biggest reason more people worldwide rely on Dragon NaturallySpeaking: itworks. With more than 175 awards for accuracy and ease of use it's theundisputed leader in speech recognition software. If you want to get more donemore quickly just say the word and Dragon NaturallySpeaking will transform yourproductivity. New FeaturesSearch the Web and Your Computer with Dragon Voice ShortcutsUse Dragon Voice Shortcuts to quickly search for information on the Web or on your own computer. Need to find some information on the Web? Just say "Search the Web for global warming articles" "Search Wikipedia for George Washington Carver" or "Search eBay for Batman comic books." Searching the Web or your computer has never been faster - or easier.New UI Look and FeelUpdated icons are intuitive and easy to see - Dragon 10 introduces newgraphical icons to enhance the DragonBar

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2/26/2011

Acoustica Musician's Bundle with Mixcraft and Beatcraft Music Software Review

Acoustica Musician's Bundle with Mixcraft and Beatcraft Music Software
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I really like Mixcraft.I'm one of the many people who played several instruments as a teen (and younger) and then when I got into college and into the workforce I dropped it (regrettably).And now with all the computer advancements in music, I'm eagerly trying to get back into it.

THE GOOD:
Mixcraft is a lot of fun.It really is very much "Garageband for Windows".Very similar interface, very similar functionality.Like Garageband, Mixcraft has a pretty wide variety of different loops that you can use "right out of the box" as well as virtual instruments that you can use to compose your own music.

It's really nice for things like coming up with some background music for a video project, or a game or something.And in doing so it saves you from having to worry about potentially sticky music royalties and rights and such.Anyone can come up with some decent music with this tool, and there is a very gentle learning curve.I was using it successfully just a few minutes after installing it and watching a couple of short videos from their website.

THE BAD:
The included instruments and loops are not admittedly not the highest fidelity.I'd say quite a bit below Garageband unfortunately.Also when you try to use virtual instruments (either mixcraft's own or 3rd party) they come in at an extremely low volume, which certainly causes problems.

Acoustica's registration is also big problem.It's baffling, and it's flat out broken.For the musician's bundle in particular, they've managed to make what ought to be a simple thing (entering a registration code) into an almost insurmountable task.Don't say I didn't warn ya there.

One other somewhat major drawback to Mixcraft is the omission of a way to play virtual instruments without a MIDI controller/keyboard (like Garageband can).So consider at least an inexpensive Midi keyboard (which will set you back $100 or so) a mandatory purchse if you want to make use of much of Mixcraft's functionality.

Overall I do definitely recommend Mixcraft, although it does have a lot of little annoyances.You'll get your money's worth in entertainment if nothing else, and undoubtedly generate some music that you can be proud of in the process.

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Product Description:
The Musician's Bundle from Acoustica includes with Mixcraft and Beatcraft Software, and also includes 2 free drum packs: More Drums! Volume 1, and More Drums! Human Beat Box. What you get With Mixcraft, you can record your guitar, voice, or even your band. And with Beatcraft, you don't have to record anything. It's a virtual drum machine in a box. Quickly and easily program in your beats and export them into Mixcraft. No longer do you need an old four track recorder or a full fledged recording studio! You can now record it all within the comfort of your computer! No band? Perhaps, you are setting up a performance for a dance recital or gymnastics routine? Or, perhaps, you're a DJ and need the perfect mix. With Mixcraft, you can mix sounds, music and embellish it with your voice&helliup;and with Beatcraft, you can create the perfect drum parts to highlight a performance or smooth a transition. Whatever you use it for, these programs are a great addition to your computer! Mixcraft Mixcraft is a powerful yet easy-to-use multi-track recording studio that enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with virtual instruments, score and edit video, and add effects to create stunningly professional compositions. Easy enough for everyone and powerful enough for the pros. Beatcraft Beatcraft is an extremely powerful, easy to use Drum Machine software program for beginners and professionals alike! It's friendly, streamlined interface makes beat generation fast, while allowing your unlimited creativity to pour through. Beatcraft features an extensive library of top-quality, professional drum sounds, powerful sequencing and loop generation tools, and killer audio effects, all wrapped in a clean and comfortable interface with a 32 bit state-of-the-art sound engine. Leave the dust cover on your drum set - Beatcraft is all you need to capture the power and rhythm of the world's best drummers. From light jazz beats to crushing hip hop beats, rap beats, heavy met

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2/25/2011

Microsoft Voice Command 1.5 for Pocket PC & Pocket PC Phone Edition Review

Microsoft Voice Command 1.5 for Pocket PC & Pocket PC Phone Edition
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This is by far the handiest application when you are on the road. Voice recognition software which understands English in no matter which accent, from my Greek mom to my Australian daughter.

If you're over 50 and don't have your glasses on to call someone, no problem.Michelle (MS Voice Command 1.5) will call the number for you, only after she asks you which of the three numbers you have listed, you would like to call.This is really brilliant.

On the down side, I wish it could do more, like, read and write SMS and e-mail messages as well as Word docs for me.

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Product Description:

Voice Command transforms your Pocket PC into your own virtual personal assistant, letting you use your voice to look up contacts, make phone calls, get calendar information, play and control your music, as well as start programs. Voice Command makes it easier and more convenient than ever to take your digital lifestyle with you wherever you go. Because Voice Command has state-of-the-art speech technology, you will never have to prerecord important phone numbers or use difficult commands to access the information that you need. Simply select one of the many commands that is most natural to you and let Voice Command do the rest. You can even ask, "What can I say?" at any time to help find an appropriate command.


Main Features
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
Manufacturer Part Number: T67-00043
Manufacturer Website Address: www.microsoft.com
Software Sub Type: Voice Recognition
Software Name: Voice Command v.1.5- Complete Product
Features & Benefits:
Updated calling features:
Pocket PC Phone Edition users can take full advantage of incoming caller ID without ever looking down at the screen. Incoming call information is announced as calls are received. Users who think they may have missed a call can simply ask, "What calls did I miss?" and Voice Command will recite the time and phone number of missed calls. Voice-controlled utilities:
Users can start any program in the Start menu or programs folder, such as Inbox, Calculator or Solitaire. They can get signal strength, battery level, time and date by voice. Voice Command will even alert users when the battery is getting low to ensure strong battery life on the go. Advanced voice technology:
Users can go beyond today's limited voice options by using phonetic speech recognition and text-to-speech technology. Instead of requiring users to store prerecorded names of

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2/24/2011

Sony Creative Sound Forge 10 Review

Sony Creative Sound Forge 10
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I am using Sony Sound Forge in conjunction with a Sony RK-G136 Audio Cable and a Sony Walkman WM-FX290W to convert old cassette tapes to CDs by connecting the Walkman to my laptop.

Sound Forge makes it very easy for me to modify and improve the captured audio.You can easily change volume, equalize volume, add fades, remove areas, cut and paste portions of the audio etc.In addition, you can remove background noises such as swishes, and rumble with the built in noise reduction software.If you need to remove addition background noises then let me recommend Bias Sound Soap.This product is amazing when it comes to removing unwanted noise or sounds.I have used it to eliminate backgrounds voices which normally is nearly impossible.

Short Guide to converting a cassette tape to a CD.

First, plug in the RK-G136 cable into the headphone port on the Walkman, and the audio input port on your computer. Next, startup Sound Forge, and click on record and press play on the Walkman.Once you have captured the tape you can eliminate the long lead in by highlighting these areas and pressing delete.Now you can find an area on your audio that has noise and either use Sound Forge noise reduction or Bias Sound Soap to learn this noise and eliminate it throughout your audio.Finally, you are now ready to export your audio to a CD.

With these two software programs you can easily import, edit, cleanup and export clear, high quality audio to a CD in just a few minutes. These two products ability at removing rumble, swishing sounds, background noise, and talking is remarkable.

If you want to cleanup old cassette tapes these four products are indispensable.

Sony RK-G136 Audio Connecting Cord
Sony Walkman WM-FX290W
Sony Sound Forge Pro 10
Bias Sound Soap

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Product Description:
Sound Forge Pro 10 efficiently and reliably provides audio editors and producers complete control over all aspects of audio editing and mastering. Whether in the studio or the field, it is an essential tool for media professionals who need to create and edit audio files with speed and accuracy. With new precise event-based editing, integrated disc-at-once CD burning, professional noise-reduction tools, and pristine audio time stretching, Sound Forge Pro 10 delivers the ultimate all-in-one production suite for professional audio recording and mastering, sound design, audio restoration, and Red Book CD creation. Includes Noise Reduction 2, plus the Mastering Effects Bundle 2 powered by iZotope.


Sound Forge Pro 10 efficiently and reliably provides audio editors and producers complete control over all aspects of audio editing and mastering. Click to enlarge.

Product Highlights


Pristine sound quality
Sound Forge Pro 10 software supports full-resolution 24-bit and 32-bit/64-bit float 192 kHz files for the ultimate in audio fidelity. Capture the subtle overtones and nuances of instruments, vocals, and effect changes.
Precise audio editing
Edit mono, stereo, and multichannel audio files (up to 32 channels) to the sample level in real time. Use familiar Windows commands to cut, copy, paste, mix, and crossfade audio. Drag audio between channels and work on one file while processing others in the background.
Powerful audio recording
Sound Forge Pro 10 software has a complete set of tools for recording audio. Record directly into your sound card or use the Record Timer to begin and end a session at a specific time and date. Alternatively, you can start recording when a certain audio threshold is reached with Threshold Record Triggering. You can also record and edit multichannel audio files as easily as stereo files.
Effects processing
Apply over 40 professional studio effects and processes including Normalize, EQ, Delay, Chorus, Volume, Dynamics, Noise Gate, Pitch Shift, Flange, and Vibrato, and more.
New--Zplane élastique Pro timestretch DirectX plug-in
Use the élastique timestretch and pitch shift plug-in for pristine audio quality. Choose from various stretching methods that are tailored to your source audio including Pro, Soloist, and Efficient modes. Monitor and adjust settings while previewing.
VST effect support
Native support of VST plug-ins, including parameter automation, expands on the number of effects you can apply to your audio, ultimately increasing your mastering flexibility.
Audio for video
Sound Forge Pro 10 software supports multiple video formats including AVI, WMV, and MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. Precisely synchronize audio and video frame by frame. Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes MPEG-2 templates for writing HDV-compliant files at 720p and 1080i resolutions and AVI templates using the CineForm CFHD codec for 720p and 1080i intermediate renders.
New--Event-based editing
Audio editing is more efficient and powerful with Sound Forge Pro 10 software. Quickly move and split events, create fades, apply ASR (attack/sustain/release) envelopes and crossfades within in a single data window for more precision. Event-based editing provides an easier way to edit edges and fades and is ideal for precise audio mastering, assembling sketches of a project or to lay out tracks for authoring disc-at-once CDs.
New--Musical instrument file processing
Sound Forge Pro 10 software opens, processes, and saves DLS, GigaStudio/GigaSampler, and SoundFont 2.0 musical instrument files, allowing you to add effects and processing to existing samples.
Noise Reduction audio restoration plug-ins
Easily restore audio from LPs, cassettes, CDs, and more. The Noise Reduction 2 collection of plug-ins contains Noise Reduction, Audio Restoration, Click and Crackle Removal, and Clipped Peak Restoration. Use these to fix common audio problems such as tape hiss, clicks, and pops, salvage damaged recordings, and give new life to your audio.
New--Integrated disc-at-once CD burning
Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes fully integrated disc-at-once (DAO) CD mastering. Generate Red Book compliant disc-at-once premasters of your music suitable for professional replication. Perform full PQ code editing, create live-style CDs, add CD text and metadata, and use high-resolution source audio with precise conversion to Red Book audio. Integrated disc-at-once CD burning results in time savings and provides a more efficient workflow when assembling CD projects.
Acoustic Mirror software plug-in
Apply different environments to your audio including bridges, churches, concert halls, modern and classic microphones, and more.
Spectrum analysis tools
View frequencies and overtones of different channels within an audio file. The Spectrum Analysis tool shows multiple graphs depending on how many channels are selected. Analyze and see the fundamental frequencies and overtones in your recordings. Monitor audio and effects changes in real time, take multiple snapshots, and overlay views to compare and match frequencies of one file to another.
New--iZotope 64-bit SRC (sample rate conversion)
Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes iZotope Sample Rate Conversion (SRC), which is a necessary process when converting material from one sampling rate (such as studio-quality 192 kHz) to another rate (such as CD-quality 44.1 kHz). iZotope SRC utilizes a hybrid low-pass filter design, resulting in pristine audio with less aliasing when resampling audio.
New--iZotope MBIT+ dither (bit-depth conversion)
The best-sounding audio requires the highest sample bit depth. Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes iZotope MBIT+ dither. MBIT+ employs psychoacoustic methods to distribute noise into less audible ranges resulting in an improved sound and smoother fades.
New--Interactive Tutorials
Spend less time learning and more time mastering using the new integrated tutorials in Sound Forge Pro 10 software. These tutorials provide walkthrough demonstrations of common features and functionality, including DAO CD burning, vinyl recording and restoration for easy analog to digital conversion, and more.
New--Includes Mastering Effects Bundle 2, powered by iZotope
Powered by iZotope, the maker of world-class audio mastering tools, this powerful bundle includes six professional audio plug-ins: Mastering EQ, Mastering Reverb, Multiband Compressor, Mastering Limiter, Stereo Imager, and Harmonic Exciter. Use these plug-ins to expertly aster and enhance your audio.
Dolby Digital AC-3 export
Use Sound Forge Pro 10 software to export multichannel files in surround AC-3 format using the included Dolby Digital AC-3 plug-in.
Event-based editing provides greater flexibility and increases editing speed and accuracy. Quickly move, split, slip, and trim events, create fades, apply ASR (attack/sustain/release) envelopes and crossfades within in a single data window for more precision.Click to enlarge.
Fully-integrated disc-at-once (DAO) CD burning offers a more efficient workflow when assembling CD projects. Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes all the necessary CD mastering tools, resulting in time savings and a more efficient workflow when assembling CD projects. Click to enlarge.
The Zplane élastique time stretch and pitch shift plug-in provides users with better sounding results. Files can be timestretched and pitch shifted dramatically while retaining maximum quality. Click to enlarge.
Sound Forge Pro 10 supports multiple video formats including AVI, WMV, and MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. Synchronize audio and video frame-by-frame. Click to enlarge.
Sound Forge Pro 10 software can open, process, and save DLS, GigaStudio/ GigaSampler, and SoundFont 2.0 musical instrument files. Effects and processes can be easily added directly to files. Click to enlarge.
Sound Forge Pro 10 software includes the Mastering Effects Bundle 2 powered by iZotope. This powerful bundle includes six professional audio plug-ins--Mastering EQ, Mastering Reverb, Multiband Compressor, Mastering Limiter, Stereo Imager, and Harmonic Exciter. Click to enlarge.

Sound Forge Pro 10 Features


Processes

    New--iZotope 64-bit SRC (sample rate conversion)
    New--iZotope MBIT+ Dither (bit-depth conversion)
    Auto Trim/Crop
    Mute
    Normalize peak or RMS level
    Stereo Pan/Expand (supports mid-side mixing)
    Graphic, Paragraphic, and Parametric EQ
    DC Offset
    Resample
    Reverse
    Graphic Fade with noise-shaping and dithering
    Smooth/Enhance
    Fade In/Out
    Time Compress/Expand
    Insert Silence
    Volume
    Invert/Flip
    Bit Depth Converter (to 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit)

Effects

    New--Includes Mastering Effects Bundle 2 powered by iZotope
    New--élastique Pro timestretch and pitch shift DirectX plug-in
    New--Resonant Filter plug-in
    VST plug-in effect support
    DirectX plug-in effects automation
    DirectX Plug-in Manager
    Real-time effects previewing
    Modeless audio plug-in Chainer
    Acoustic Mirror environment simulator
    Amplitude Modulation
    Chorus
    Distortion
    Delay/Echo (Simple and Multi-Tap)
    Graphic Dynamics
    Multi-Band Dynamics
    Envelope
    Flange/Wah-Wah/Phaser
    Gapper/Snipper
    Noise Gate
    Pitch Bend/Shift
    Reverb
    Vibrato
    Wave Hammer Compressor/Volume Maximizer)

Tools

    New--Integrated disc-at-once CD burning
    Includes Noise Reduction 2.0
    Spectrum Analysis tool
    Phase and mono-compatibility meters
    Gracenote MusicID technology
    Application scripting
    Script Editor window
    Batch conversion



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2/23/2011

Nickelodeon Toon Twister 3-D Review

Nickelodeon Toon Twister 3-D
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This game is a cartoon lovers dream. This game is not only for kids, but also for adults. you can make up to 3 minute long cartoons.Bricks falling, car crashes, screams, 6 million man slow-mo, and other sound effects also make this product a must. If you or a friend love Nickelodeon or other famous cartoon channels, don't wait any longer. This is the 5-star game you've been waiting for.

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Product Description:
Make your favorite characters do whatever you want!Create cartoons starring your favorite characters.Pick the characters, backgrounds, and props.You can even e-mail your 3-D cartoons to a friend.

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2/22/2011

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Essentials Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Essentials
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When I got the program all I did was install it, read it a few paragraphs so that it could recognize my pronunciation and I was ready to go. At first it would type very little of what I said but after about a half an hour or so it was writing nearly everything correctly. It was about 99% accurate and I think with a little more getting used to I will be able to type anything much faster than before. You can control nearly every program on your desktop and even the internet (although the internet is a little difficult to master on the first day). I would definitely recommend this product to anyone on a tight budget but if you can, get one of the more expensive versions because more is included. But I am very happy with my product and will continue to use it and train it for many years to come.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Essentials

Product Description:
Surf the Web, use e-mail, and chat by voice. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Essentials 5.0 is an introductory speech-recognition product designed to enhance the Internet experience for casual computer users. Version 5.0 features improved accuracy from a company already recognized for its accuracy. Find new ways to surf the Web with new features and commands to enhance your Web browser. Dictate into popular e-mail programs with voice commands. Add terminology quickly with the new Add Words from Document feature. Get started promptly--all machines that meet the minimum system requirements of the software now learn your voice in under five minutes. Never forget a command again with helpful onscreen reminders and the "top 10 commands" sticker for your keyboard or monitor.

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2/21/2011

Big Bang Brain Games Review

Big Bang Brain Games
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this game is a great game to just play and relieve stress and chill out. its really more for kids but its kind of fun.

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Product Description:
Six classic games designed to stimulate the cerebellum, cajole the cortex, and gratify the grey-matter! Stunning graphics and witty characters make Big Bang Brain Games a truly "Best of Class" experience. The latest research has shown that the use of memory and puzzle games can help create new pathways in the brain, keeping the mind sharp. Whether you're looking to help out the 'ol hippocampus, or just have some fun, there's a game for every age and every taste in the Big Bang Brain Games!6 Mind Swelling Games:Reaction, Sudoku, NoVaSweeper, Remembrance, Echo, & Fallacy

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2/20/2011

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 Review

Corel VideoStudio Pro X2
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This entire video was made in Video Studio Pro X2. I purposely did it as fast as I could to show the power of the product (matter of fact this writeup took longer). Besides the obvious time line oriented video editing, there are a ton of video outputs that can be utilized whatever your ability. You can export directly to You Tube, or record it in HD for watching in 1080. Direct to DVD authoring is another really nice addition.
I have used Final Cut Pro Studio costing $1300. While this is NOT as powerful at all, it does allow for a good deal of professional editing. It has a very low learning curve and if you just need to make excellent quality videos and not spend a very long time learning then this is the product for you.

You can import your own clips very easily, just drag and drop. It will even import your entire audio library. I tried to do a voice over for this video but my mic is really poor quality so it sounded very digitized. It allows you to add a voice over with 1 click though and I may redo this review if I can get a better mic. It is very refreshing the amount of video outputs this program has. If your a novice and want to make a video that is high quality for You Tube it is just a few clicks and you are done. The menus are easy to navigate and very intuitive.

About this video: Because I did not want to wait 3 hours to upload it. I rendered it at 30fps mpg. I am not sure how Amazon codec will re-render so I hope it looks nice when it is finally converted.

Thank you for watching!

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Product Description:
Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 is powerful video editing software for creating high-quality HD and standard-definition movies, slideshows and DVDs. Work with video and photos from camcorders, digital cameras or mobile phones. Edit your footage quickly and easily with the time-saving Movie Wizard, or take full creative control with professional tools. Add eye-catching animated menus and titles, transitions, music and special effects. Even paint, write or draw freehand on your video. Show off your movies on standard DVDs, or high-definition AVCHD and Blu-ray discs with stunning menus. Share on mobile devices such as PSP, iPod or iPhone, upload directly to YouTube, or watch with Corel WinDVD, the world's No. 1 playback software.

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2/19/2011

Acoustica Mixcraft 5 Audio MIDI Music Recording Software Review

Acoustica Mixcraft 5 Audio MIDI Music Recording Software
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I used to think that if it wasn't expensive then it obviously wasn't as good ... but with Mixcraft I have to take that back!I own Acid 7 and I do like it, however this software just seems more intuitive.I also own Cubase 5, although I don't use it (it just doesn't **feel** right to me .. if that makes sense).And I've run through a demo of Live 4 and 5 ... and I just don't want to wrap my head around that one ... maybe I'm lazy who knows ...

If you intend to do serious professional recordings with pristine mixdowns then I can't help you ... Mixcraft may not be as good in that regard ... but if you're laying down midi tracks with audio files, maybe some loops and putting together some vocals, layering in some VST effects or Instruments ... then this software is honest to goodness as good as, and probably easier than, anything else out there.(and if you're producing professional audio stuff then you're already using Protools anyway).

I've been a faithful Acid user since version 3, and I will probably continue to stubbornly stick with it, but I can tell you that this software is going to definitely start taking up some of my time.For example, one comparison between the two ... if I have a project laid out in Mixcraft and I decide that I want to insert a short midi file that I've saved on my computer it's just a matter of a right-click and choosing the file ... done ... but in Acid it just seems like I have to jump through hoops to insert some midi to it ... this might seem trivial but to me I want a program that's created from a musical perspective, not a programming one ... it's just my pet peeve (and I'm a programmer too ... !)

Oh, one thing negative that I have found with Mixcraft ... in the Notation View midi editor I have crashed the program more than once by apparently clicking too fast when adding/deleting notes ... if they could make this more stable I can honestly say that I would finally drop Acid as my main sequencer of choice...

I really like the way Mixcraft looks and feels.To me this is not about functionality because all of the big names pretty much do the same stuff ... for me this is about feeling at ease in my little home studio and not getting frustrated with memorizing steps and menu options ... and I really hate the idea of buying those learning DVD's just to be able to use my software ... I just want to JAM!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acoustica Mixcraft 5 Audio MIDI Music Recording Software

Product Description:
Mixcraft 5 is a powerful yet easy-to-use multi-track recording studio that enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with virtual instruments, score and edit video, and add effects to create stunningly professional compositions. Easy enough for everyone and powerful enough for the pros. Get a studio for a song with Mixcraft 5!Loops and sound effects Mixcraft includes over 3000 music loops, sound effects, and music beds that can be easily drag-and-dropped into your project. Combine drum, bass, and guitar loops with synth, organ, pianos, vocals, orchestral and percussion loops to create your own custom arrangement. Set the tempo and key of your choice, and the loops will automatically adjust. Mixcraft supports Acid and Garage Band loops too. Virtual instruments and effects Mixcraft 5 offers 8 powerful virtual instruments, including the Acoustica Instruments General MIDI sample library, Acoustica Expanded Instruments sample library, Lounge Lizard Session vintage electric piano, VB3 tonewheel organ, MiniMogueVA monophonic analog synthesizer, Messiah polyphonic analog synthesizer, Alien303 Bass Synthesizer, and Impulse polyphonic analog synthesizer.Mixcraft 5 includes 20 high quality effects, including the Pultronic Tube EQ, which models the classic tube equalizer found in studios throughout the world, and the Shred Amp Simulator, a complete suite of 5 classic amp heads, 17 cabinet models, and 6 powerful effects.Video scoring and editing Load and edit video files with ease. Easily cross fade from one video clip to another. Remix the audio, add a soundtrack, and effortlessly render your video project to popular formats for creating your own DVDs or uploading to YouTube and other popular internet video sites..

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2/18/2011

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5 Standard Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5 Standard
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Dragon NaturallySpeaking software is, in my opinion, the best speech recognition software on the market (and you pay for the fact).It is highly accurate, especially if you speak clearly, and is easy to train.Even corrections and navigation are easy to do entirely via voice commands.If you do a lot of writing,even if you're a fast typist, it will save you time and definitely wrist discomfort.There are drawbacks, however.It needs a fast processor and lots of RAM.I have a Pentium II 366 with 128 RAM and it's all it can do to handle the program.I got the standard version hoping to use it in different applications, but I really can't because then too much of the RAM is used and it's too slow and makes more mistakes and sometimes locks up the computer.I end up just dictating in the included notepad and then cutting and pasting.This is fine, but I should have gotten the basic version for that instead of spending the money on the standard version.If you have the latest and greatest computer then you may be all right.Another problem is that the included microphone picks up every background noise, so you must use it in an absolutely quiet environment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5 Standard

Product Description:
Create messages and letters by voice using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 Standard, which is designed for home computer users and their families. Make corrections faster and easier with the new, convenient Quick Correct Box. Learn with a hands-on tutorial that leads you through basic dictation techniques. Version 5 features improved accuracy from a company already recognized for its accuracy. Find new ways to surf the Web with new features and commands to enhance your Web browser. Dictate into popular e-mail programs with voice commands. Use Dragon NaturallySpeaking commands with your favorite programs. Add terminology quickly with the new Add Words from Document feature. Get started promptly--all machines that meet the minimum system requirements of the software now learn your voice in under five minutes. Never forget a command again with helpful onscreen reminders and the "top 10 commands" sticker for your keyboard or monitor.

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2/17/2011

Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.0 Standard Review

Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.0 Standard
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When I bought this product a month ago, I was excited about the idea of sitting back and dictating my research essays. For the most part the software recognizes your voice pretty well and even though it does make mistakes, it gets better as you train it. Using it with your mouse and keyboard together works the best.
However, I would have to say from my experience and reading many reviews of this product is that its company Scansoft has terrible technical support. The software has many compatibility issues (eg. Visual Studio, etc to name one)where you get alot of pop up error messages. When you want to talk to someone about it or at least send an e-mail to Scansoft, they want you to pay a hefty fee of $9.95 for each e-mail question or $19.95 for phone support. It seems this company wants to sell you a product but give you no guidance as to any of its quirks. This is almost criminal in my mind.
Because of this, I recommend that people stay away from this company until they realize that charging someone for their product's shortcomings is not RIGHT! I also learned that a voice version of this technology comes with Office Xp and tried it out and works well with a half-decent microphone I have. So, what I am saying is that I would not buy this product due to the fact that if something goes wrong, they do not care! Poor business ethics!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.0 Standard

Product Description:
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard 7 is speech-recognition software that offers home users powerful new features to maximize their productivity and have more fun with PCs. After completing about five minutes of training, you can talk to your computer and watch your words instantly appear in virtually all Windows based applications, including popular e-mail, word processor, and web browsing applications. Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7 is the most accurate Dragon NaturallySpeaking ever, and the easiest to use.
This comprehensive program allows you to launch programs, create, edit and format documents, and manage the desktop--all by voice. It is fully integrated with Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, and AOL, and lets you surf the web, write e-mails, chat on-line all by speaking. Dragon NaturallySpeaking represents a significant step forward in the accuracy, speed, and ease-of-use of speech recognition technology.

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2/16/2011

Final Cut Express 4 Review

Final Cut Express 4
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Final Cut Express is a very powerful video editing package.If you are thinking about making the step up from iMovie (as I did), you need to understand that the level of sophistication and power in this package is exponentially greater than that of iMovie.If your video editng experience is limited to iMovie, don't expect to be able to install FCE and be off and running in an hour or two.You'll need to plan on investing some real time to learn the program.

This is in no way a criticism of FCE - it is as advertised, a "light" version of Final Cut Pro, which is used by professionals everywhere.I just want your expectations to be set properly.You'll need to invest in a third-party manual, as only soft copies of documentation are included, and they are for reference only, not for training.Just be CERTAIN that the manual you get is for the FCE 4 - there aren't many available as of this writing.

FCE is a very expansive and powerful program; just don't expect the type of plug-n-play results you got from iMovie.You'll need to spend time to understand the numerous differences in how iMovie and FCE operate.

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Product Description:
Discover powerful video editing for DV, HDV, and AVCHD*. Final Cut Express 4 delivers a single, open format Timeline where you can edit all three, mixing formats and frame rates using the same pro-level editing tools available in Final Cut Pro. Import video projects directly from iMovie -08. Take advantage of LiveType to create dynamic, animated titles. Built-in audio controls let you mix up to 99 audio tracks-even add a narrative voiceover. Perfect your movie with professional transitions and effects, including optional third-party FxPlug plug-ins. *AVCHD video requires a Mac with an Intel processor.

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2/15/2011

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Standard Review

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Standard
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This is my review from version 8 preferred.The only differences between them at the link below.

http://www.dragonsys.com/naturallyspeaking/matrix/

If you're reading this, You are interested in buying Dragon NaturallySpeaking version eight. I highly recommend it! I had versions of Dragon software, dating back to 1995. Let me tell you the software was clunky back then, being a quadriplegic, I used it to type and move the mouse. But as soon as I got a touchpad mouse. I dropped Dragon altogether. Step forward almost 10 years, I decided that I needed to send longer e-mails than two sentences (because that's all I could type, it gets tiring using only one hand and one knuckle on that hand). So I took the plunge drop the cash on Dragon, and after three days am totally satisfied.

I added up and running and dictating in less than 20 minutes. The accuracy is amazing I'm actually typing this by voice. Since I can use a touchpad, I do not use the Dragon NaturallySpeaking for mouse commands. But for dictating it is perfect and quick!!!

I'm using it with a 2 GHz processor, and it is fine. Getting it set up was a little quirky with my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. I'm actually using it with a tabletop condenser microphone, not the headset that they came with it (which I found to be quite uncomfortable). Since I'm unable to get the headset on my head, but a tabletop mike is working perfect.

So I recommend this product anyone who has a disability that makes typing difficult. Anybody who doesn't want to learn to type (though I think he would be lazy, just suck it up and learn) will find this are useful, actually quicker than typing.Almost hundred words a minute! The software is leaps and bounds above previous versions go for it! Enjoy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Standard

Product Description:
With Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard you can talk to your computer and watch your words instantly appear in letters, e-mail, instant messages and chat rooms. You can even surf the Web by speaking! Dictate and edit by voice in your favorite Windows applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook Express, America Online, and Corel WordPerfect. It's fast, accurate, and easy to use.You can even browse, search, and navigate Web pages, all by talking. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard is fast, accurate, and easy to use. It learns to recognize your voice in fewer than five minutes, and gets better the more you use it! A noise-canceling microphone is included.

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2/14/2011

Microsoft Plus! SuperPack for Windows XP Review

Microsoft Plus SuperPack for Windows XP
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I purchased this software thinking that I could take my digital images, create a slide show with music, and then burn it to dvd for the family to watch.
Unfortunately, the disk that I got gave me some error messages that when I called tech support (one hour hold time)they told me that my error message meant that I could create files, but they'll only run on my computer, not on my tv dvd player. In addition, you need to buy additional dvd burning software, because the dvd burning software imbedded in this software package will only create dvds that will run on a dvd player with the Microsoft logo on them. (The package says the dvds will run on almost any dvd player)
So I asked for my money back. However, since it took me more than 30 days to find all of this out, they refused a refund.

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Product Description:
Microsoft Plus! SuperPack for Windows XP is loaded with stunning screensavers and themes, exciting games, and great new ideas for customizing photos, music, and home movies. It's a wonderful way to take your Windows experience to the next level.Create amazing slideshows with your digital photosInsert your own narration, music and effects, and then share it all through e-mail, the Web, or on video CDs that play back in most home DVD players.Personalize your PC with screensavers and themes and enjoy eight great screensavers and four adventurous themes. Experience a lifelike marine aquarium, launch yourself into outer space, and much more.Take a break with fun and exciting games and get a new spin on bowling, navigate challenging 3-D mazes, or put your puzzle-solving skills to the test.Make the most of your music and easily create CD/DVD labels and inserts. Jazz up Windows Media Player with colorful new skins, party mode, and desktop dancers. Copy your vinyl records and tapes onto your PC, and more!Turn your home movies into a Hollywood production and make your movies even more impressive with 50 video effects and transitions for Windows Movie Maker 2 for Windows XP

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2/13/2011

Hoyle Card Games 2008 Review

Hoyle Card Games 2008
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As anyone who bought Hoyle Card Games 2007 is aware, it wasn't exactly the most... stable program in existence. It had a lot of sound problems--sound effects wouldn't play reliably on newer computers, the background music would play the first few seconds over and over, the animation lip-sync was like a really bad Japanimation.

This new version fixes all that (at least for me) and in a way I'm slightly irritated this wasn't a free upgrade for 2007 users. While the sound effects aren't absolutely crucial, playing the game in silence isn't much fun either.

The game is largely unchanged from 2007 (and from what I've read it's very similar to the 2006 version). I don't mind that; there wasn't anything really wrong with the basic design, it was just the screwed-up sound effects which made it a pain. It has the same face creator, same characters, same voices, same comments (though the comments do seem to be a bit more relevant and focused).

Most of the characters are so annoying that I end up playing with the bear, T-Rex and "Chloe" the workout trainer. They're harmless when the player comments are turned off, and the bear makes me laugh when he tumbles over about six times in a row (he really needs to lay off the fermented honey).

New games include respectable video poker, video blackjack and video "Texas Hold'em" emulations, and a separate program called "Miami Solitaire" with a ton of solitare variations--and, believe it or not, a story mode. I don't play much solitaire so I haven't looked at it very closely, but it might be interesting.

I mostly bought Hoyle 2008 because it has a decent Canasta game. There are standalone Canasta programs available from other companies, but they aren't nearly as much fun to play (all of the ones I've tried have annoying sound effects, poor graphics, odd game variations, etc.) Many of the other Hoyle 2008 games are pretty good, and there are only a few I'd rate as "this is really bad". Some standalone card/solitaire games cost as much as Hoyle; if you are interested in only a few of the games it offers I'd say it's worth the money.

Be aware that Hoyle 2008 comes on DVD, and uses SecuROM 7.x copy protection in a fruitless attempt to make you keep the disc in the drive when you play it.

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Product Description:
Step up to the best deal in town and test your skill with Card Games from HOYLE®, the Official Name in Gaming. Shuffle the cards and deal yourself in to the greatest card games of all time. HOYLE® drops you right into the action with over 75 classic games, official rules, tips and strategies. From classic games like Cribbage to new favorites like online Texas Hold'em, HOYLE® Card Games has something for everyone. Learn and master all your favorite card games with Hoyle, the authority for over 200 years.

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2/12/2011

DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2010 Plus Review

DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2010 Plus
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Having used Microsoft Streets since its first release, I was reluctant to even try another product.I was grossly mistaken.The learning curve (for me) was a slight bit slower than the old familiar "Streets", but now that I have been using DeLorme Street Atlas for a couple of months, I have deleted "Streets" and use DeLorme exclusively.There are many extremely valuable tools (including a street level phone directory) and the routing options are far more comprehensive than those found in Streets.I recommend this product to all those (myself included) who are directionally challenged!

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2010 Plus

Product Description:
Geo-locate your business data on updated street maps (U.S. and Canada). 150 million phone listings. Automatic routing, 4 million places of interest. Large-format printing, GPS-ready with voice navigation.Travel planning and GPS navigation for laptops, netbooks, phones, and PDAs
An affordable yet powerful set of mapping tools that allow businesses and advanced mapping enthusiasts to visualize their data on detailed DeLorme maps. Import and geo-locate your own text files from Excel, ACT!, and other database programs. Updated street-level detail for the U.S. and Canada, major roads for Mexico. Use the 150 million included phone listings to create databases (e.g., supermarkets within a radius), or find friends or services. Create driving routes automatically, with user controls to take the roads you prefer--avoid congestion or take scenic drives. Locate 4 million places of interest--restaurants, lodgings, attractions, truck stops, sports venues, and businesses of all kinds. Import aerial imagery. Add custom detail. Insert photos, documents, and Web links into your map files. Use MapShare to easily share maps, routes, and directions via secure Web link. Print a variety of map packages, including large-format plots. GPS-ready with voice navigation, new E-Z Nav wizard for on-the-go routing, and other high-end features.
Street Atlas USA 2010 Plus Features

    Street-level detail for the U.S. and Canada, highways and main roads in Mexico
    Over 300,000 new or updated roads
    Support for netbooks
    Over 4 million places of interest in U.S. and Canada
    Easy, automatic routing
    GPS ready, with voice-guided navigation
    Versatile, flexible editing and print capabilities
    Support for Palm OS and WinCE devices
    Available aerial imagery--$40 worth free
    Share customized maps, routes, and directions
    GPS-accurate placement for individual locations in 90+ chains in the U.S. and Canada
    Truck stop data with extended information about service offerings
    Airport and mall access roads
    Major sports venues: college, professional, NASCAR
    Support for UMPCs
    Support for multiple monitors
    Put your contact manager listings on the map

      Import and edit an unlimited number
      Display their map locations, for strategic planning,routing, more

    Print large-format wall maps
    Link to photos, documents and URLs to the maps
    Get 150 million U.S. and Canadian residential and business phone listings FREE--newly updated

      Import up to 1,000 at a time
      Query by Yellow Page headings and create your own databases
      Right-click on a street and get all its phone listings

    Delete duplicate records from Yellow Page phone search results
    Support for multiple monitors

Import, edit, and map your vital contact manager data, or additional data from Excel or other sources.
Complete U.S. and Canadian business and white page phone and address listings included.
Advanced and Practical--For Business and Personal Use
Everything you need to create, customize, print, and share detailed maps containing your own contact address locations, and much more. Create databases of your business information. Import, edit, and map your vital contact manager data, or additional data from Excel or other sources. Display radius information including acreage, square miles, more. Print notebook and wall-size maps for strategic planning, trade shows, dispatch, and other needs. Create ultra-detailed maps for high-impact presentations.
Importing a Custom Database
Situation: A real estate agency's clients are increasingly asking for details on each property's location. Currently, the agents mark the approximate location of the property on paper map, photocopy it and attach it to the listing report. This time consuming process does little to win the confidence of the client.
Solution: Using Street Atlas USA 2010 PLUS, the property listings database is imported as a spreadsheet using the XData tool. Each location is accurately displayed on the map, and MapNotes are used to highlight properties that meet the requirements of the client. This powerful yet easy-to-used tool saves time, provides accurate results, and improves the efficiency of the agency.
150 Million Phone and Address Listings Included
Complete U.S. and Canadian business and white page phone and address listings included. Query by Yellow Page category headings. Create and save custom phone and address databases. Turn phone numbers into places of interest you can find when on the road. Right-click on a street and see all phone listings and locations displayed.
Countless Advantages Over Internet Mapping Sites
Comprehensive tools for detailed desktop planning of your vacation or sales trip BEFORE you go, AND for on-the-go traveling using the latest electronic gear. Most other vehicle GPS systems are NOT planning tools and only track as you go. Support for Windows Vista, Pocket PCs, Windows Mobile 5.0 and later, UMPCs, and Palm OS included.

    No Internet connection or subscription required--always have the map you need as you travel, right on your laptop
    Detailed highway and street detail for the U.S. and Canada, highway detail for Mexico
    150 million phone and address listings included
    Pre-plan your trips with automatic routing and access to over 4 million places of interest
    Print travel packages, mosaics, or wall maps
    Use draw tools to add customized detail
    Import, display, and manage your contact data
    Link photos, documents, and Websites to your map files
    User controls let you override program routing so you can take exactly the roads you want
    Avoid congestion, take back roads, plan side trips
    Locate restaurants, lodgings, sightseeing stops, businesses and services of all kinds
    Use DeLorme's MapShare to send maps, routes, directions, and notes to others via a secure Web link
    GPS-Ready! Connect a DeLorme Earthmate or other GPS to your laptop
    Hear spoken directions, issue voice commands, get large on-screen directions
    Track your travels using NavMode option with large, easily-accessible user controls and 3-D perspective
    Streamline your routing while on the go with intelligent new E-Z Nav wizard


E-Z Nav Wizard Details:
Try out the new E-Z Nav wizard for on-the-go routing. Just search on any category (see below), choose your destination (retailer, hospital, gas station, friend's address, etc), and start real-time navigation with your GPS receiver. Great for daily and overall trip planning, too.
E-Z Nav Search Categories: A New Address, Saved Locations, Food & Restaurants, Auto & Travel, Entertainment & Recreation, Emergency & Community

The GPS Leader
Innovative GPS features: 2-D and 3-D NavMode voice commands, spoken directions, automatic back-on-track re-routing with off-route distance settings, high contrast mobile map colors, and much more. All in addition to the new E-Z Nav Search feature.
Up-to-Date Maps & Travel Information
Comprehensive street and POI updates for the U.S and Canada, now with Mexico highways. Over 300,000 new or updated roads for 2010. Powerful travel planning tools, MapShare, and many data types.
Download Aerial Imagery
Download $40 of aerial imagery FREE using included DeLorme Data Dollars and the software's NetLink tab. Imagery can be used with all of the Street Atlas USA routing, GPS, and draw tools.
Authentic DeLorme Maps
Not licensed from 3rd party companies, the updated maps and 4 million places of interest are produced by experienced mapmakers at DeLorme.
See the Newest Street Atlas USA Plus Features:

    New--Support for Netbooks
    New--NEW! Over 300,000 road and road name updates. Extensive map and places-of-interest updates for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
    New--NEW! Easy-Nav wizard makes on-the-go routing a breeze. Find a Point-of-Interest Navigate Right form Your Search Results

Core Functions


Map Controls
The maps can be controlled using a variety of methods, including the traditional push-button zooming, which drills in/out while keeping the map exactly centered. Also, holding down the left mouse button enables you to drag and zoom, left-to-right, across the map, and moving the mouse in the same manner but in the opposite direction zooms out.
Find
DeLorme employs several powerful search capabilities within the software. The first is a simple box called QuickSearch where you type common requests including towns, cities, lat/lons, ZIP codes, street addresses, colleges, and many more to receive the quickest possible matches. The places-of-interest search offers more advanced parameters and the advanced search is used when locating exact matches requires additional customer input.
Plan a College Visit Tour.
GPS NavMode High-Contrast Colors.
Draw
Add MapNotes; draw your own circles, polygons, and squares; measure the area of your draw objects--even draw in your own roads and route on them--these are amazingly powerful draw tools for the money.
Info
Right-click on the map to learn more about what's underneath your cursor. Lat/Lon, names of streets and bodies of water--even local radio station information--can be viewed in this manner. Moreover, the bottom toolbar of the software displays a continuously updated readout of what's underneath your cursor.
Voice
Use your voice for issuing routing and GPS commands while tracking. Ask common questions such as "How far to my next turn?" and the software answers. Microphone recommended for optimal usage. The software also reads upcoming turn information, including the time to turn, time to finish, and name of the street to turn onto. New voice settings allow you to select how far in advance of your turn you'd like to be prompted. Voice can also be turned off if you prefer.
Netlink and Aerial Imagery
NetLink is your online link to DeLorme for $40 of free aerial imagery now included with the Street Atlas USA 2010 versions. Select your areas of interest and download only those grids to the software. Toggle the imagery on and off in a single-screen view. Add notes and draw objects to the imagery to customize lifelike views from space.

Mobile Device Mapping


Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 5.0 and later, and Palm OS Compatible
Included at no extra charge is the DeLorme Handheld software, which now includes support for Windows Mobile 5.0 and later devices. Access the maps you want from the desktop software and hot-sync to your PDA. Add a DeLorme Bluetooth GPS for use with Bluetooth PDAs and navigate wire-free.
The DeLorme handheld functionality provides address-to-address routing, spoken directions, mobile map colors to reduce in-vehicle glare, and four million places of interest. Finding what you need is easy using the powerful search capabilities. Now you have powerful desktop mapping software and PDA software all conveniently provided in one Street Atlas USA 2010 package.
Maps on iPods
Using a tool similar to how MapShare works, now you can select the maps you want from the desktop software and send them to your photo-capable iPod. These map images are static (e.g., cannot be manipulated once on the iPod) and come across in the order you select them, same as with photos. Once on your device, you can access the ones you need, when you need them. Due to the small screen size of iPods, we recommend these maps for urban walking situations where you can discretely reference the maps you need. (Not GPS compatible.)

Ease of Use


E-Z Nav Wizard
New E-Z Nav wizard makes on-the-go searching and routing a breeze. Just search on any category (see below), choose your destination (retailer, hospital, gas station, friend's address, etc), and start real-time navigation with your GPS receiver on your dashboard. Great for daily and overall trip planning, too.
NavMode
NavMode brings together all the primary GPS controls and readouts needed when using the GPS. Large-screen views make it easy to see the map and directions. You can switch between 2-D (standard) map view and 3-D perspective view for lifelike views.
Convenience and Security on the Road.
Imagery can be used with all of the Street Atlas USA routing, GPS, and draw tools.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Set your own keyboard shortcut preferences for optimum control when using GPS. The key-bindings function is very powerful and advanced so you can design your ideal in-vehicle navigation solution to your personal specifications.
Right-Click Routing
The easiest way for many to create and alter routes is to use the right-click feature. Select the route on your map and add new stops or vias, delete the route, all by simply right-clicking the object of interest. You can also add your own MapNotes or view the many pre-populated tags provided by the software.

Routing


Routing
Create automatic routes using the quickest (time) or shortest (distance) routes. Use the E-Z Nav wizard if routing from a search result. Add VIAs to force the routing to take the roads you prefer. Turn on one-way indicators; select major areas to avoid; or select roads based on driving speed preferences. Add Stops and reorganize their order and the routing automatically recalculates. Create and manage routes either in the Route tab or by right-clicking on the maps. New translucent route highlight lets you see exit numbers and route shields beneath the route highlight.
Add Local Roads to Routing
A DeLorme exclusive, this is the best way to update local roads when new developments are planned or added between DeLorme software releases. This tool is located within the Draw tab and lets you draw in the road segment, connecting it to another local road within the database. Assign a name, save it, and when you create automatic routes, the software is smart enough to include these new local roads in the routing calculations and also update the directions.
Personalized Routing with Address Book
Create and save commonly-used names for places you visit often, such as "home," work," or "Dad's." Once these names are assigned, the routing Starts, Stops, and Finishes also display these names making retrieval easy for repeated usage. Customize routes using your own names and save them within MapShare for others to see -- they'll be amazed. You can also include up to 200 names from your address book to be recognized using this system.

Map & Travel Information


Map Data
Because all DeLorme map data is created, updated annually, and owned by DeLorme, we are able to provide many features typically reserved for expensive in-vehicle navigation systems. Free from the license restrictions and third-party dependencies of other publishers, we can also evaluate customer-submitted revisions and implement these changes after triple-checking all submissions.
DeLorme currently has an enhanced commitment with staff in place to make as many customer revisions as possible.
Places of Interest (POI) Data
The DeLorme database contains over 4 million annually updated places of interest across the U.S., with additional ones in Canada, including restaurants, lodgings, gas stations, travel services, RV stops, truck stops, malls, shopping--just about everything you could ever need on the road. The software settings let you choose the magnification level to display the various POIs to void cluttering your map views. The POIs can be accessed using the many Find capabilities or by right-clicking on the map and selecting places based on type and distance from map center.

GPS Features


GPS Radar Search
Now you can travel with GPS and have the software find upcoming travel services based on their location from you. Find gas, hotels, shopping, and much more in your direction of travel and then easily make detours to these desired stops along the way.
It's like having your personal travel concierge with you at all times.
Automatic Back-on-Track GPS
Using the Earthmate GPS LT-40, which turns a laptop PC into a powerful GPS navigator, it's possible to have the software offer new spoken and visual directions when you stray off course. Within the GPS tab of the Options section of the E-Z Nav toolbar, you can select or type the off-route distances you want to travel before the automatic recalculations kick in. Select short distances for city travel and longer ones for highway travel where you may exit frequently for roadside travel services.
SAMPLE MAPS
Click thumbnails below to enlarge.

GPS Spoken Directions
The software can offer voice directions indicating upcoming turns and street names. It also can be set up to respond to your voice and answer common travel questions--a very powerful capability for mapping software within this price category. Several different voice types are included.

Printing & Sharing


Print
Print crisp color or black & white maps that you control to best match what is seen on screen. Also print Travel Packages containing strip maps and directions to bring on your trip. Don't want to use a lot of ink and paper? Then print just the Turn Details which show thumbnail maps of each of the decision points along your route.
MapShare
MapShare makes it easy to share your customized maps and directions with family, friends, and business associates. You create exactly the content you want and then post within our online MapShare library, which includes private administrative tools for you to manage. Similar to some of the better online photo resources, MapShare allows you to provide controlled access to your important maps without worrying about email and spam filters.

Demos & Tutorials


Getting Started Tutorial
This tutorial provides a guided tour of the main capabilities of the software. It is also included within the software along with a comprehensive Help section with links to online discussion groups where DeLorme customers can help you.

Data


Included
Street Atlas USA 2010 DVD contains the DeLorme produced and managed United States and Canadian street-level network. DeLorme highways and major roads for Mexico also included. The four million U.S. places of interest are updated annually based on phone book information and DeLorme's own research into exit services. Canadian POIs are also included, many with phone numbers.



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