First Look at Dragon NaturallySpeaking

The scoop: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 9, from Nuance Software, pricing from US$100 to $200 (or higher), depending on edition offered (basic, preferred or professional).

What it is: The latest speech-recognition software from Nuance, Version 9 of Dragon NaturallySpeaking includes improved speech accuracy (company claims 20 percent more accuracy than Version 8), support for additional applications (including Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird), and less training required than previous versions. With the software, users can dictate letters and e-mails (with Outlook support, among others), and conduct Web browsing by using their voice instead of a keyboard. The professional version came with an Andrea Electronics anti-noise headset (microphone and headphone combination), so we didn't need to use a third-party microphone (this may vary with the other editions).

Why it's cool: It's been a while since I looked at speech-recognition software, and accuracy was important to me. After a quick training session, in which I read some text and the software scanned some of my columns and e-mails to assess my writing style, I was ready to go. As long as I spoke relatively clear and at a normal pace (Nuance recommends not speaking slowly or too quickly), the software figured out what I was saying. I also enjoyed being able to scan, reply to and delete e-mails without having to use a mouse and keyboard. When mistakes were made, I could easily correct them. For heavy-duty users, the advanced features, including letting you create custom voice commands (macros) and specialized vocabulary additions, were impressive.

Some caveats: I think and type at the same time, so when I write a column there are stretches when nothing happens because I'm trying to think of the right word or phrase. With speech, you have to know what you want to say before you say it. While the editing functions let you change words and phrases after you're done with the initial dictation, it takes time to get comfortable with the software.

This version seemed to work only with Windows 2000 and XP; we couldn't try this on a new Windows Vista system, and it looked like Version 9 wouldn't be available for Vista.

Grade: four stars (out of 5)

The scoop: Digital Pocket Memo with Docking Station (LFH 9600), from Philips, about $500.

What it is: The latest pocket digital recorder from Philips has a USB docking station that attaches to a PC for transferring speech files and recharging (as long as Philips' rechargeable batteries are in the unit). Files can be stored on an SD card. An optional LAN docking station lets users upload dictation files to a LAN without needing a PC connection. The software includes such security features as a PIN that users enter to activate the device, and dictation is encrypted in real time.

Some caveats: Unfortunately, the cool aspects of the digital recorder (the LAN docking station and the rechargeable batteries) were not provided to us by Philips. Further, the test system didn't come with software, so we were unable to test the software playback. While the digital recorder worked fine, it would have been nice to try the other aspects of the system

Grade: Incomplete.