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For years,
Dragon NaturallySpeaking users have been disappointed with wireless
headsets that lack high sound quality. Now with an explosion in VoIP
(voice over internet protocol) technology for Internet phone calls,
new wireless headsets are coming on the market to meet standards for
digital calls. While these new models have improvements, their
results are mixed with Dragon. This article reviews 3 new models:
the GN 9120 Flex Wireless Headset, the Plantronics Wireless CS 50
USB, and the Sennheiser DW800.
The GN 9120 is lightweight and comfortable. A
battery built into the ear piece makes recharging a simple matter of
resting the headset in the charger. When used with Dragon, the
microphone may hear breath noises and other sounds, causing
misrecognitions. Experienced users can reduce this problem by
training their profile to ignore these sounds with diligent
corrections. Additionally, running the Acoustic Optimizer within
Dragon can help improve recognition.
The Plantronics Wireless CS 50 USB headset is
lightweight, and sits in its charger when not in use. Unlike the
other models, this headset only works with the computer, not the
telephone. Dragon's recognition is very good with this model, but it
does require creation of a new profile, and correction of
misrecognitions. The headset can be configured to wear with the band
over the head, behind the head, or over the ear.
The Sennheiser DW800 with the SH330 microphone works
with a battery pack connected to the headset. The cumbersome battery
must be clipped to pants or a belt. This battery can be
"hot-swapped," meaning that it can be exchanged with a second
charged battery without dropping a call. Dragon's accuracy is good
with this model, but not ideal. The instructions lack information
about use with speech recognition software, making set up
difficult.
For telephone use, people who only use Dragon
minimally, and experienced (and patient) users ready to tolerate
recognition problems, these headsets can provide wireless freedom.
As VoIP becomes more popular, more products will arrive. Keep an eye
here for future products and Zephyr-TEC's
reviews.
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GN
9120 |
Plantronics
CS 50 USB |
Sennheiser
DW800 |
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Can
you imagine a compact, mobile PC the size of a book, but still
powerful enough to run speech recognition software? Motion
Computing® introduces The Motion LS800 Tablet PC and The Motion
LE1600 Tablet PC, two breakthroughs in compact computing.
With
the LS800 weighing in at a mere 2.2 pounds, and the LE1600 just
topping 3.1 pounds, these mini computers offer full Windows XP
functionality. Amazingly they do not trade off power for size.
The
LS800 only measures 8.9" x 6.7" x 0.9", yet it can pack up to 512 MB
RAM and 60 GB hard drive storage. With integrated Bluetooth
technology, it offers wireless mobility, and it can also be
transformed with a docking station into a powerful desktop system.
An ergonomic design contributes to maximum usability.
The
LS1600 measures 11.7" x 9.5" x 0.9", and can pack up to 1.5 GB RAM
and 60 GB hard drive storage. Integrated Bluetooth offers wireless
mobility, while a convertible keyboard does double duty as a docking
station. View Anywhere® screen technology provides optimum viewing
in any lighting situation. An optional extended battery offers as
much as a full day of battery life.
Both
models are powerful enough to run Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8,
bringing hands-free capability to tablet PCs. If you thought that a
laptop computer was the smallest computer you could use, it is time
to think again. For more information, contact Zephyr-TEC or visit www.motioncomputing.com
 
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Tej Sedhu
When I developed
repetitive stress injuries, I was facing a problem. How could I
continue a career in computers having lost the ability to type? Then
I discovered Renee Griffith and Zephyr-TEC. She and her colleagues
know the technology, and they had also experienced RSI and were
users of voice recognition themselves. More importantly, Renee’s
success in founding and building her company having dealt with
injury was a motivation and inspiration to me.
With
Zephyr-TEC's help, I have been using Dragon Naturally Speaking
Professional successfully for years. The evolution of the software
has been remarkable, particularly moving from discrete to continuous
speech. Dragon’s comprehensive macro capabilities have allowed me to
customize my software; there is little I cannot do with voice. I
wouldn’t go back to the "primitive" way of typing even if I could.
I am
thankful to Renee and her helpful staff, and wholeheartedly
recommend Zephyr-TEC for guidance with voice
technology.
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Great prices on the following items mean great savings
for you! Only limited quantities are available at these prices.
If you have a GN8050 telephone
switchbox/amplifier,
get a spare headset as a
backup!
Spare GN 2220 Headsets for 8050 switchbox........
$30
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Philips
PocketMemo 9350 Digital Recorder: |
$225
(reg. $299) |
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Sony BM-1
recorder: |
$270 (reg. $299) |
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Sony AC
Adapter (3v): |
$20 (reg. $25) |
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64MB
SmartMedia card for Olympus DS3000: |
$40 (reg. $69.96) |
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Olympus
E-102 Transcription Headset: |
$13 (reg. $25) |
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Andrea
PCTI Telephone Switchbox: |
$100 (reg. $159.95) |
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Eight hours of introductory training
for $350 -- LIVE group online training at a great
price
eLearnSpeech Fastrack Intro to
NaturallySpeaking - You will learn how to properly dictate
and correct misrecognitions so that Dragon learns from its mistakes,
and your voice profile improves over time. Instruction covers how to
control windows, switch between applications, move around a
document, format text, fine-tune your vocabulary, control the mouse,
and write macros for repetitive tasks. Learn the most efficient
commands to achieve the results you need.
The class is held
live with the instructor over the phone AND on the Internet using
WebEx desktop sharing software. This is small group training with 2
to 4 students. This class consists of 4 two-hour sessions and is
available on the following dates:
•
October 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 8,
10, 15 and 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• December 6, 8, 13 and 15
from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
You
must have DSL or cable modem and a phone line to participate in this
course
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With Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8, the Vocabulary Editor
allows improved abilities to change word properties, including using
alternate word forms. For example, start the Vocabulary Editor, say
"pounds" in the Written Form field, and then say Properties. Check
the box for “Use alternate written form” to always have Dragon type
"lbs." when it hears the word. Some words already have suggested
alternate written forms, or you can enter your own.
Dragon
can also use an alternate word form in a specific context. In the
Word Properties dialog box there are options to use the alternate
written form before or after numbers. For example, you can specify
that Dragon only types "lbs." when the word appears after a number,
as in "20 lbs." In other contexts it will still type the word
"pounds."
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