Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Bought this software because the old fingers and wrist were showing signs of carpal tunnel.Since I have an intel iMac at work and a non intel at home I bought the universal version. Am hoping it will allow me to register on BOTH of my computers.
This software is for dictation (docs, email, letters) and advanced mousing and computer/software commands and I use it a LOT for blogging on livejournal.Saves me time and fingers!
Additionally I purchased some add-on packs for a wide variety of software I use such as Safari, MS Office to name but two. Sadly, Photoshop CS2 is not offered yet but is promised soon.
Also purchased the training CD and a really nice headset microphone that cancels out background noise AND lets me listen to music via the headset as I type.
Jumped right in and installed the sofware.Easy install.Registered my product and then began reading aloud to it via the built-in module where it learns one's voice.
I must say that I am AMAZED that it works so well.Far beyond my expectations for dictation.After much use I decided that my incredibly large cranium requires a desktop microphone. So I ordered one.This software does not work so well with a normal usb microphone because I have a cheapie on hand and tried it and using a non recommended mike caused the software to make incredible errors.So do as they say and buy a recommended mike.
If you speak too slowly or try too hard to ennunciate it does not work as well as when you use your normal speaking voice at normal volume and by all means speak a few words or sentences at a time.Trust me! No need to speak like HAL.
Why I gave it FOUR stars instead of five:
The training CD I purchased was BLANK.I called them and giggled when I listened to the message on their vmail.I thought to myself, "Here is a guy that dictates a LOT!" for his speech pattern reflected this IMHO.
It seems interest since the mx universal version (1.7) arrived has made it so they really do not seem to want to talk to you on the phone, must be a crushing amount of calls for I think they are a fairly small company so I more than give them a break on this. No guessing on this they spell it out for you: write vs. call.So I wrote them.
The help ticket area promised an answer 24/48 hours.Was delighted that they answered me in about 20 MINUTES, apologized, and sent out a replacement CD PRIORITY MAIL -all at no cost to me and they offered no lame excuses nor did they ask me insulting questions like some companies do (Is your computer on? Do you HAVE a CD player HAHA). REFRESHING ATTITUDE and prompt service.
The software offers an on-the-fly correction system so if/when the software types out some wrong things, you can correct.Corrects phonetically as well as by word.
The number one reason I gave it four out of five stars though is the limited instructions and tutorials provided.It does have a HELP area but it is somewhat limited for training purposes. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars but amazon only allows 4 or 5 star ratings. I feel the training CD should be free or offer training videos via the website. Others may feel differently.
This is my only gripe but I did think it would be the case when I ordered it orginially so I am glad my training CD is coming in the mail.
You see it contains pdf listings of the various commands but no way for me to understand how I jump from the one command area to another.Now these computer commands and appl specific commands will save lots of mousingso I want to learn how.So I must wait until my training CD arrives. But, dictation works easily and this is the main reason for purchase.
However, I keep discovering new things this software can do - all by myself.But I am a computer technician who uses a lot of software so I am used to exploring.The company DOES offer one free training video on their site but I still stand by my opinion that they should provide much more in the way of a manual along with the software and pdf listings of commands.
As for the provided microphone/headset.Works quite well but I find I am not a headset person so I visited their site and found one more to my liking and I purchased it via amazon.If memory serves amazon offered the best price for this model. Again, no issue with quality of the headset - it was everything as promised - I have a big head that was BORN FREE!!!
Now this sofware is not so difficult for a learning curve BUT you must be willing to invest a bit of your time to work with it and to learn it.I use it not only for emails and letters but for blogging.VERY handy and quick and last night when I went to bed my fingers were not tingling.Not bad!
At the university where I work there are a lot of people I would and will eventually recommend this to.However, as a technician I cannot help but notice how lazy and unwilling to learn software features some folks are and how low their frustration threshold is. Am hoping as they see me and as word gets around it will sell itself.
Also, be aware that the company DOES offer educational discounts.I did not see that before I ordered. Could of saved myself 20 bucks. But no matter.For what price can you assign to not having aching/tingling fingers and hand?
COMEDY RELIEF
In the beginning the software made some funny errors.When I said FRAZZLED, it typed out Fresno Nurse.I go by my middle name, which is JOY.It thought my name was anything but and kept on typing my name as TROY.When I figured out the correction process I nipped that error in the bud.
Like any software or computer task, if you are not willing to put in a just few hours practice and set up and if you are not willing to take the time to learn how to use it, don't buy this.But if you make a few hours effort, you will be greatly rewarded!
Click Here to see more reviews about: iListen MX (Mac)
Product Description:
The top selling speech solution for Mac OS X let you dictate into practically any application on Mac OS X. You can dictate, command and transcribe - all in one easy to use package. It's so easy to use - simply talk!.
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