MacSpeech Dictate
by MacSpeech
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Software Reviews of MacSpeech Dictate
Customer Review: A very good alternative to typing
Summary: 4 Stars
Kind of hard to use, will take some additional discovery to figure out how to get each thing to work. But helpful in dictation without hiring it out.Customer Review: Fetal Alcohol Educator write:
Summary: 4 Stars
I write teachings for individuals with fetal alcohol, their parents, and professionals. Dictate has improved my quality of life; it helps me organize my thinking, I am currently working on a book. I am able to do an hour and a half what used to take all day. I can see how some people might not like it, but it's perfect for me. It did not take long to train it in. I am very pleased with it.
I had tried other programs before, but since I've switched to Mac, I've liked their programs, I decided to give it a try. I am using it to type this review. Thank you Dictate, you are helping me to help others.
John Hays
Customer Review: Excellent results if you spend some time on it.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am working on my final project for my Nurse Practitioner/MSN degree and bought this software to assist with transcribing dozens of recorded interviews into written text documents. While this is not the best program for transcription by any means, it was the least expensive route for me and could be used for many other applications (to write papers, case studies, emails etc.). I have never used any other program so I cannot compare it to Dragon or ilisten but here goes...
As of July 18th, Amazon was shipping the 1.3 version. This version works very well on it's own. I was hesitant to upgrade to the 1.5 after I familiarized myself with the 1.3. After I registered the program online, the newest version (which is now 1.5.2) was mailed to me within 2 days. It was not just an update disc that I received, but rather a full, sealed, brand new program that included everything the 1.3 contained except the headset. It was remarkably easy to upgrade and automatically transferred my "profile" from 1.3 to 1.5.2 so nothing was lost.
The KEY to using this software is to SPEND THE TIME READING THE MANUAL AND TRAINING THE SOFTWARE. If you want something that will work flawlessly right out of the box, this is not for you. It WILL work right away but not as well as it should. The program comes with a "Quick Start" 4 page pamphlet to get you started but the website offers a 156 page pdf of the full manual that is essential to running the program smoothly. (I applaud the company for trying to be a little green by not including it in the package) I must admit, I spent the better part of a weekend studying the manual and training the program, but I am not tech savvy by ANY means.
The included headset works perfectly. It is not the most comfortable and it feels a little cheesy but it does the job well. I wear it around my neck with the mic a few inches from my mouth and have no problems. Contrary to other reviewers claims, you CAN use the internal mic on your computer with this program if you download a free version LineIn from [...] This allows you to send your internal mic to soundflower and Dictate will take input from soundflower. Personally, I prefer the headset because it has a 10 foot cord and I can move around while I dictate (dusting, folding clothes, etc)
Here are a few helpful hints:
1) As stated above, YOU MUST THOROUGHLY READ THE ONLINE MANUAL AND SPEND TIME VOICE TRAINING THE PROGRAM
2) If you have a laptop like mine (early 2009 aluminum macbook) you must use the FRONT USB port for your headset/mic. Apparantly, the REAR USB port (the one closest to the screen) also powers the keyboard, track pad, bluetooth, isight camera, etc and is a "weaker" port. (That is a discussion for another day)
3) Every time you begin dictating--even if you were only away from it briefly-- you should go to tools --> microphone set-up and re-calibrate the mic. It takes about 45 seconds and makes a huge difference!
4) NEVER EVER type into a document when you are dictating! You must not use your hands to make corrections or the program will get confused and work very erratically!
5) If all else fails, DON"T PANIC! The best thing you can do is create a new user profile. This is like starting anew and saved me from throwing the computer out the window after my combination of speech and typing had disastrous effects on the recognition
This program has been a Godsend for me. It has saved me hours of typing and works nearly flawlessly with AMAZING accuracy and speed. I highly recommend it if you are able to put the time in to train it correctly:)
Customer Review: No handbook
Summary: 1 Stars
I read good reviews of 1.5 and bought it, but can't get it started. Has anyone at the manufacturer thought of providing a useful pamphlet about difficulties complete amateurs may encounter? I would not recommend anyone with less expertise than me to buy it.
INVICTUS
Customer Review: Caution
Summary: 1 Stars
I would suggest you go to the support forum of the MacSpeech site before purchasing. A number of folks are having problems with OS X 10.5.6 and Dictate.
I'll wait until the issue is resolved before purchasing.