Which version of Dragon Naturally Speaking?

[FuzzieDice]

I am getting closer to getting Dragon Naturally Speaking. But how close depends on which one I should get. I don't have a lot of money to spend.

I need something that not only works well with HAL, but will also take dictation in my HTML editors 1stPage2000 and EditPlus, as well as my Thunderbird email program and Firefox browser (for typing into forums, etc.)

Can I also browse the internet and at the same time have it write dictation to a text editor?

How good is the noice-cancelling? Which version is best for automotive use and which version is best for just home use?

[FuzzieDice]

Bump.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Carl2]

FuzzyDice,
  I'm using DragonNatrualy Speaking preferred ver 7.3 which is ver 7 with an upgrade to fix a problem. I use it to talk to Hal and dictate in text documents, It has internet capability which I haven't used, I keep that computer ofline because of problems I've had with computers on the internet, especially Xp. I think I speak with Hal much more normally than I would if I were typing, also the spelling is correct.  The frist ver of Dragon that I had (free from a store) didn't have training of new words so be careful which version you choose to buy. Also Dragon supplied a microphone which is not that good of a mic and you may want to replace it with a better mic.  
  The amount of noise your mic picks up and generates is the key and is dependent on the mic your using, The higher the siginal to noise the better the performance and reconition accuracy. There is also sound cards and usb mics, you may want to do some research frist.
Hope I've geen able to help a little.
Carl2

[FuzzieDice]

Thank you. I'll look into it.

[Maviarab]

FD, I use V8.0 Preferred...never had a problem with it...

[FuzzieDice]

I'll be thinking of getting that. Other things are priority right now though, but eventually, I think I'll get the Dragon Naturally Speaking.

[Scratch]

I hope to be getting Dragon 8 standard as a Christmas gift (Preferred being a little too expensive, and not sure what benefits it offers.) Anyways, I will be able to add my 2 cents worth in a couple weeks...

[Art]

Just an FYI:

Went to the Nuance site to check out Naturally Speaking v.8.

The best price I found was at an online reseller called
Tiger Direct (they've been around for years).

Their price was $169.00 - $50.00 Rebate = 119.99!!

Others wanted from $169 to $200 no rebates.

Forget about local vendors because they have too much overhead
costs. Online seems to be the most efficient and effective way!

[Bill819]

Art
Don't even pay that price. I logged on to the home page of Dragon Naturally speaking and found the software to be very affordable. They even had a discounted price for their old version 7.3.
Don't remember what I paid but I think it was around 40 or 50 bucks for version 8.
Google for the web address.
Bill

[Art]

Thanks Bill,

This was for the Preferred version that a few people were looking to buy. I noticed their regular version ranged from 50 + to $69 + -.

Wonder if the differences between the two versions are worth the difference in $$'s.?

[nolitanger]

Art,

The only significant difference between the Standard and Preferred versions is the Preferred comes with a RealSpeak voice--Jennifer. That used to be a big plus. But now, you can use her only with the Dragon program. Before, she was available for other products, like MASH and Hal, too.

Still, Dragon is a great product. Like Hal, it's come a long way in the last 10 years.

[Art]

Very cool! Knowing this, I'd opt for the regular version
and save the $100 plus dollars!!

Thanks for the info!