voice recognition software
 

Just my 1/2 cent here :o : I have hand-issue PN as I wrote before and so I got some voice recognition software for myself.

It's called Dragon Naturally Speaking - Standard Edition. Mine was available at Staples (like an Office Depot, or mega office store) for about $80. I know that's steep for many of you but I thought that maybe somebody on this forum could benefit. Plus, I've had students that were physically challenged and had their editions paid for by this or that disability program; something worth looking into.

There are higher level editions of this software but they also cost more, but I found that they had so many bells and whistles that I knew I'd never use. I'm really happy with my purchase. It learns your voice better and better with every use. It will work with just about any program that works with Windows, and that includes my Mozilla products for browsing and emailing.
There's a command for temporarily disabling it in case you get a phone call or someone comes in the room, etc.

It's a godsend for a person with hand-issue PN; I can only imagine how it would benefit someone who can't stay plunked in a chair in front of the computer all the time.

Okay, now for the disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with the company that makes this product. I'm just a happy customer! :D

Hladna

Years ago, when Dragon first came out, I got it. The cheap version. I know I didn't pay $80.00. Maybe it was a trial one. I remember, you have to read dialogue to the computer so it learns your voice. I would be reading paragraphs over and over. Took me all day (now this was years and years ago, they MUST have perfected this technique by now. But all those years ago, I'll never forget, after I had it installed, I tested it by slowly saying a sentence and looking at the screen. It actually typed what I was saying. I couldn't believe it. But also, if you pronounce a word in a certain way, it can't pick up what you are saying, and the wrong word comes on the screen. And I had to speak s l o w l y!!!

I remember being so frustrated with this darn thing (and remember, I can type 145 words a minute), I just said "this is ridiculous" and never used it again. This was a long long time ago. It had just been around and I also got it in Staples.

I remember someone saying that there are much better voice recognition software on the markets. And then they explained, "when you call up the Telephone Company, it asks you to Press One or Say Yes, then it prompts you to give voice answers. Same technology applies but these companies use a more advanced software form of it.

I would gather that Staples or other computer companies might sell much better voice recognition software than the one I bought all those years ago.

But you probably have to do the speaking so it knows your voice. I will never forget spending all day in front of my old computer (I had Windows 95 in those days, see how long ago this was??). I got so tired of reading the paragraphs, but finally I got through it.

I'm going to look into what they are selling today. There's going to be a time when my hands hurt so much, I'm not typing 145 words a minute any more, I just might need this software. My degenerative joint disease, well, it's not getting any younger. When I type fast, ooh, the pain in my fingers.

Mel

voice software
 

Be sure to look for Version 9. That's the latest, and has a shorter "training" time than the old Dragon versions, and is more accurate.

I wonder what version yours was? I too had an older version of Dragon but I only trained it for perhaps an hour and then it just got better with actual use. The instructions said not to talk any differently than you do normally, but then the programmers didn't know what area of the country I'm from...:rolleyes:

Also, be sure that your computer has enough hard drive space. The computer programs these days, boy, they're hungry buggers! I remember fondly the old Franklin computer we had.....64k total....

At any rate, I hope this helps.

Hladna

P.S. Online, I've seen the Standand version for around $100 so be careful shopping.

Aha
 

Finney,
You can tell how much I know, or I should say remember. This monitor was purchased by my husband for me when my eyes got so bad. I don't know why I said 17". More of the fog I guess. Actually, I think it's the hydrocodone they are giving me for the bone pain right now. I believe you are right, it is just a roomier keyboard. I just swallowed it mentally as a full size when my husband told me it was a bigger keyboard. :rolleyes:

I really do want the mobility of the laptop. I would have not been able to use a desktop in the hospital with any ease of setup. And due to the nature of things, I know I will be in the hospital more and more. :( And I need to be able to move it from the bedroom to the diningroom to the couch if needed.

I just wanted to mention to all of you that Kmeb has finished with her tests they did yesterday and is a little the worse for wear today. Really grueling tests. I'm sure she will post about them later. I don't believe there are any answers yet tho.

Got some questions about my feet I'll put in another post.
Billye

excited
 

Hi all of you,
We ordered my laptop today. We were not able to get the deal we originally found because we were waiting to see how much I'd have in the way of funds. We lost that deal because it the offer had run out when we were able to purchase it. But we have found a deal that is actually a better deal in that it has more gig (which will probably be more than I'll ever want). After a lot of searching it just seems the best machine for me because of hand/eye issues.

We'll have to put some money with it to get the software we need, but my Stepmom and Dad have offered to help with this. I have a birthday coming. Kmeb tells me the money is on it's way. And we are so thankful for your help with this. I still feel so tearful when I think of how many of you have contributed to this for me. You will all never hear the last of me now. See no posting for two weeks and you thought "Finally, we are rid of that woman calling herself Silverlady". :winky:

Much love to you all.
Billye

I think we should call you GOLDENLADY because you are made of pure gold!!!

Be well

Melody

two cents
 

Billye, I know the only thing I've suggested about the laptop is screensize, but I want to add something about the Dragonspeak. A friend of mine had a stroke last month and lost the abilty to type, so I investigated voice recogniztion products for him. People who use them think they are fabulous, and they all come with training help.

Dragonspeak is very well thought of.

I think you will find the purchase well worth it. Imagine, just speaking intot he computer and not having to type!

Enjoy your new toy!

XO

Thanks, great info
 

Wow, I am glad I got this information. My little fingers are just about out of commission when it comes to typing....They both started burning up the outers sides about a year ago, in less than a year, the right one grew a large knobby pretty nonfunctional joint and then the finger just curves inward...the left one is starting now too, as well as two others on my right hand. I have very bad arthritis in both thumb joints...(yes still negative on all autoimmune tests-however, when your joint loses proprioception due to sensory neuropathy, it the muscles and tendons are without a central command and they just flop whichever way they get pulled and that is what you end up stuck with. Feet are a huge problem with this too, it altered my gait extensively. I need new orthotics yearly due to the caving in of the arch.) Did see an OT, and they gave me wrist splints too, but they are so heavy, my shoulders end up hurting...I never make it thru the night with one on...I can only wear one per night, as you can't have both hands tied up...awful feeling. If I fall asleep with one on, it comes off sometime during the night. I have thumb splints, these are also, molded plastic, but you can't do much of anything with either of the splints on.

This is something every one with PN needs to consider is the loss of proprioception and how it affects gait, and it goes right up your spine...one thing out of whack and the posture goes.

Anyway, I knew there were voice recognition programs, but not that inexpensive, nor what they were named.

Thank you very much for the information on that.

Congratulations Billye! I assume you did get the Toshiba, and I am glad you bumped up the RAM, hopefully to 2 GB.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is indeed the best voice recognition software available. I have been using it for a few years now. It does use a lot of resources, memory being one of them. I would not recommend trying to run this program with 1 GB, regardless of the OS.

The Pro version is the one that provides the best recognition, but it is VERY expensive. And you have to have the latest version, which is 9, if running under Vista. Other considerations: you should have a good quality headset -- it makes a big difference in accuracy of recognition. Also, the initial setup is extremely important. If one of the settings is off just a bit, then accuracy and other problems will occur.

I had an expert in voice recognition systems come in and handle my setup. His service was not expensive, although I bought the program from him and he may have made some of his money that way. That is not really necessary for most, but for me it was the way to go, partly because my voice is difficult for the system.

rafi

If you have Vista, the only version of Dragon NS that works is 9.5. You buy 9.0 and go to the Dragon website and DL the update. That is the only way DNS will work. I'd go for the 'Preferred' version. There's a neat device that is for desktops. Take a look at this: http://raremonoshop.com/catalog/prod...products_id=91