Athol

In our lab we regular upgrade our software and retain previous version as
needed. Six different voice recognition programs are available for student
use or demonstration. All have their own Pros and Cons of intuitiveness and
functionality.

Dragon 4 vs 5 I would say depends on the student. For our students with
some problems speech problems they have not been as successful with Dragon
5 and they were with Dragon 4 and most have stayed with Dragon 4. A number
of student with LD like 5 and think it is more powerful than and learns
quicker. I myself have  been a user of voice recognition software for 10
years. I have seen a number of changes that have not always been good.
Dragon 5 Professional is good it still takes quite a bit of training to
really have it work efficiently. In short I would get it if you have a area
for multiple use. If you are the only person who is going to use it I would
find a place to try it out first.

One issue is that it is getting harder to find Dragon 5. A number of
vendors say they have it but they are also waiting. Dragon 4 on the other
hand one can get easily and at a great price. We recently purchased Dragon
4 preferred at our local Best Buy for $20.

Just my .02
David


Robert David Dawson, Ph.D.
Iowa Center for Assistive Technology and Educational Resources
N168 Lindquist Center
College of Education
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-5280