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| MacSpeech Dictate | 
 enlarge | From: MacSpeech, Inc.
Category: Software
List Price: $199.99
Buy New: $154.98
You Save: $45.01 (23%)
New (17) Used (1) from $154.98
Avg. Customer Rating:  77 reviews
Sales Rank: 42
Format: Cd-rom
Platform: Mac Os X Intel
Media: CD-ROM
Edition: Standard
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.9 x 2.5
MPN: MSDICTATE
Model: MACSPEECH DICTATE
UPC: 806709380876
EAN: 0806709380876
ASIN: B0014KJ6EQ
Release Date: February 15, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Works with significant limitations April 9, 2008
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
I was one of the fortunate people who did not have problems with installation of the software. As noted by the other reviewers who were able to get software to work, this speech recognition far exceeds that of previous voice-recognition programs for the Mac. The biggest drawback to this program is that it does not have the ability to learn words that are not in its dictionary. This is problematic for professionals such as physicians and lawyers who use technical language that is not in the software dictionary. The other posts suggest that this functionality will come with future releases. At the present time, the absence of this function is a significant limitation for anyone who requires technical terms for their writing. That said, it is extremely accurate for non-technical dictating. In addition, the software is quirky. My current problem is that it occasionally deletes, copies, and pastes words or sentences, and I have no idea where these came from or why the program is doing this. The program is a useful piece of software but does not totally replace the need for a keyboard. Presumably the program will work better in the future as updates are released. The purpose of this review is to indicate that the software does work for me, which apparently has not been the case for many purchasers. For this reason, it gets two stars. However the software clearly has limitations, the most significant of which is the inability to learn new words. In addition, it is quirky. I can recommend it with these caveats.
 major problem April 8, 2008
9 out of 13 found this review helpful
After 15 years of using Mac computers, this product has been the most problematic software I have ever attempted to install. Both their tech support and customer support acknowledge overwhelming calls regarding difficulties with this product. I have been using iListen prior to this software purchase. I, would not give it one star if I could.
 no problems so far April 8, 2008
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
I have just installed MacSpeech Dictate
so far the program has installed easily and I have not had any difficulties in installation.
The training went smoothly and I am dictating into this program without making any changes.
So far I would have to rate the program very highly.
It seems to be as good as Dragon dictate and I'm very pleased to have something like this available for my Macintosh.
If no stars were an option, this would rate it April 5, 2008
39 out of 48 found this review helpful
Warning, the company selling this product is aware they have problems, major problems, which they've hidden on a web page of course, away from all of their positive accolades: "Our disc duplicator recently notified us that Data Discs may demonstrate a higher than normal failure rate for discs produced prior to March 20, 2008. The cause of this issue has been corrected. However, anyone experiencing difficulty mounting or using the data disc, or if the disc when mounted is not named "MacSpeech English Data," should contact MacSpeech, Inc. technical support for a replacement. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience."
Now, this is a problem that could be easily corrected by one: Marking boxes made after that date, and informing Apple store representatives that a problem exists, and if your box doesn't have an updated sticker, chances are it won't work. Of course, that would be considerate and would drive down sales. So no, that won't happen.
Next, they could offer a download of the disk as an image accessible only by entering your serial number so as to reduce piracy. Cheap, easy, no long delays, no frustrated users, no over worked "service" reps, (hey, service, that is what they hire these poor folks for right, solving your problem within minutes of placing your call? Or is that just a TV advertising myth? ) no long waits in a phone que, just low easy problem solving.
Is this an option?
Stop laughing.
Instead, you have to contact them, wait until they decide to get back to you, and then wait for them to determine that your disk is bad, than wait some more for them to get around to shipping you a new disk and of course, they will use the cheapest manner of shipping to get it to you.
Hooray for expensive Beta programs!!!
But wait, what if it isn't just your disk is bad? Since you can't get past the poor install to see if the program works,you might have other problems.
What could they be?
Let's start with the extremely cheaply made in China "Platronics" head set. I don't know if mine are good or bad, since they don't light up when I turn them on after plugging them in. Of course, that could be because they are only recognized by the program. Seems odd, but maybe. Of course, if you go to the Macspeech website, try to find trouble shooting or FAQ's forget about it.
So, if and or when you get your new disk, your problems may just be beginning.
For two hundred dollars, I save it to I'll buy VMware for bucks after rebate, load my old Winxp, and use my old $49.00 Naturally speaking 9, and take the remaining $150 for something that is tried and true, maybe a new Ipod Nano.
Macspeech, SHAME ON YOU!!!!
Another one April 3, 2008
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
I too have had the bad disc/crashing on profile creation problem. The company seems clueless about it, and after getting numerous form email assuring me that my problem 'was being escalated to the next level of support who will get back to me shortly,' I called them. The tech guy there looked up my case and sleepily told me that my new disc was 'in the queue' and would be there 'uhhh...sometime middle of next week or so.' Considering that I contacted then about this 2 weeks ago, you would think it might have been a little sooner. Their customers are NOT high priority.
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