Editorial Review:

Amazon.com Item Description:
With IBM ViaVoice 8.0 Advanced Edition, you can dictate to your computer in your natural speaking voice, and it will type what you say. ViaVoice allows your computer to translate your words and phrases into actions that carry out commands or create text. Speak directly into word processing applications like Microsoft Word, as well as Microsoft Excel 97 and 2000, and Microsoft Outlook Express 97, 98, and 2000. Navigate your desktop, applications, and the Internet by using only your voice. Key features such as the Advanced Acoustic Model, Enhanced Correction Model, and personalized Attention Words can make you more productive and efficient. ViaVoice contains specialized vocabulary topics in business and finance, computers, chatter's jargon, and cuisine, which allows you to dictate effectively and accurately in these areas.

---

---

Rating: - * No problem with Windows Me. ... I got this version specifically for Windows Me and I have not had any problems so far. As expected there was some training required but once that was out of the way it was smooth sailing. Navigating the web is a bit tricky but I'm still in the learning process. This is the second voice package I've had and it is a few GIANT steps above the first one. I wonder what the "Pro" is like? Rating: - * Bad for ME ... I personally don't recommend this product for WME users. For my 600MHz computer running Windows ME, IBM included a notice in the box claimed performance issues while running with WME, as well as that important "direct dictation" feature for works other than word processing (ie using Excel/Outlook/IE4) will cause crashes. This made it not worth the price, and the risk of losing data. However, it works exceptionally well for 600MHz running Windows 98 including 2nd Edition, for that I will give 4 stars. Rating: - * NOT Windows NT or 2000 compatable ... I don't need the features of ViaVoice Pro but guess what? IBM forces you to buy the pro version if you are going to use it on Windows 2000 or NT. IBM's marketing department stated that the only reason that they crippled ViaVoice Advanced so it doesn't work on NT or 2000 is because if your using one of those operating systems, then you must be a "Pro". Nice assumption.