Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred Wireless 10.0 (PC DVD)

I began using Dragon 9.5 due to a worsening wrist problem aggravated by typing. From the first, I found the experience generally frustrating due to the number of mistakes made in nearly every sentence, which slowed my work down considerably. After approximately a year, version 9.5 became corrupt, and while I was loathe to spend any more money on what I considered to be an essentially faulty product, I reluctantly upgraded to version 10, which I have just installed today. (Note: I am not using Windows Vista, but generally, I had no problems with the installation).

I discovered from reading several reviews, that it was possible to upgrade to version 10 Preferred (non-wireless) and still use my wireless headset that came with version 9.5. Those reviewers said that the headset that comes with version 10 is not as good as the one that came with version 9.5. On this, I cannot comment, however, I have added this review to the version 10 Preferred (Wireless) section, so that others interested in wireless dictation will know that the former version headset does work just fine.

So, with admittedly low expectations, I have begun using version 10. I did take the prompts to upload my previous user files, however I did not do any of the other customisation this time.

And I have to say, so far I am very pleasantly surprised. This version does seem to be considerably faster and more accurate than version 9.5. I managed to dictate several entire paragraphs (including this review) with very few errors that I had to correct. This is in marked contrast to my previous experience, where I found myself surprised every time a sentence appeared that was error-free.

While it is very early days, and I haven't tried to do anything fancy, I am feeling hopeful that this version might be a significant improvement on version 9.5. With that caveat, I am awarding this version four stars.

I have used Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 before with Windows XP and loved it - but Dragon 8 wouldn't run with my new Vista PC unfortunately.

So I was delighted and relieved to see that this new Dragon 10 will work with Vista.
The first time I tried to load the program it froze, so I turned off everything that was running in the background of my PC (by bringing up Task Manager (ctrl/alt/delete) and started again. This time, it loaded up perfectly and quickly.

This version of Dragon supports a wireless headset (provided), but it also works with an ordinary microphone. The wireless headset takes 2 hours to charge up, but once charged you can talk for up to 8 hours before it needs recharging.

I have so far not found the wireless microphone to be as accurate as my wired headphone. I'll keep trying, but have so far found the wired headset much more accurate.

After loading the program, Dragon takes you through a brief reading exercise so that the program can learn how you talk. This is brief: less than five minutes.

Then the program scans your files on your PC to find your writing style and commonly used and unusual words - this took a couple of minutes. Then - it's ready to use.

This is an example of how it works using Word 2007 as an example:

Start the Dragon program.
Start Word (do it in this order)
Say 'Click Office Button' (Dragon opens the Office Button drop down menu)
Say 'Click *name of document*' (Dragon opens the named document)
OR you can
Say 'Click Office Button'
Say 'Click new' (for Dragon to bring up the templates window).
Say 'Click *name of template*' Dragon opens the chosen template.

Then you just start dictating and Dragon starts typing! It really is that easy.

You quickly get into the habit of punctuating as you go (comma) although Dragon also has an automatic punctuation mode if you prefer (full stop) I don't like using that one really though (comma) because it doesn't always get it right (exclamation mark)

From the first, Dragon recognised my full name, my address, local place names and various unusual words that I tried it with. It had picked these up from my files. It operated flawlessly within Word, and I would go so far as to say that, once you have learned the Dragon commands, you would never need to use the keyboard or mouse while working in Word again.

I also tried it out in Windows Mail. Although it wrote an email perfectly, it didn't recognise the commands within Mail - so I had to use the mouse to click on Create New email for example. On the other hand I was able to surf the net using Dragon - just using the command 'Click' followed by the button name (i.e. 'Click Google Search'). It worked very well indeed.

I'm using it to dictate this review as well and it is coping very well indeed.

There is a learning curve for using this program but it's worth spending the time. Being a relatively slow typist (in spite of the fact that I'm a writer!) this program is a godsend to me. You navigate round the page and edit with such commands as 'Select (chosen text)' and 'Bold that', plus more obvious commands as 'Go to the end of the page' and 'Insert after (chosen text). It's pretty intuitive to work with.

For students writing dissertations, writers, people with RSI, people who have physical difficulties with typing, or people who just don't like typing - this will revolutionise your life. I can work three times faster using Dragon.

I just can't praise this program highly enough and I genuinely don't understand why everyone doesn't use Dragon to do all their hard work!

- ADDED NOTE: I've used the Wireless Microphone supplied with the program and I have to say that, despite my best efforts - on my PC it doesn't seem to be as accurate as my normal wired microphone.

The wired headset is pretty much 100% accurate, but the wireless set is probably around 90%. That may be something to do with my PC set up, but I just thought it was worth noting here. If you buy this program and find the recognition a bit disappointing with the wireless microphone - try an ordinary one.

OK so I looked through the box, not a lot in it appart from the Buetooth headset, a small instruction manual and a CD. Great ... So I go to install it and what do I find .... THIS PRODUCT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VISTA 64BIT VERSION. It states on the box it will work with VISTA. Only when you get to the instruction manual does it say "Not 64 Bit"
Not very good when you consider that most new machines ship with Vista Premium 64 Bit now. Abrupt and end of what was going to be a rather interesting review for me.