Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #3



*1. VOICE RECOGNITION FROM A HARDWARE PERSPECTIVE--PART 1 OF 5
 
Aren't voice recognition products software-based? Yes. So why are 
we discussing them in Hardware Upgrade Tips? Because, more so 
than most software, voice recognition products are intricately 
linked to the hardware they run on. This product category is 
booming, but there are some things about these products you may 
not know. So we'll mention some tips about them over the next 
few days.  

First, don't believe the product creators when they tell you 
about the minimum system requirements for running their software. 
In the real world, voice recognition software runs frustratingly 
slow even on a very fast computer. On most systems, you'll find 
yourself waiting for the computer to catch up as it transcribes 
what you say, so don't start off on the wrong foot by running the 
software on a minimally capable PC. For example, IBM lists a 
166MHz Pentium-class computer with 32MB of RAM as the minimum for 
its ViaVoice product, and Dragon Systems suggests a 133MHz 
Pentium-class system with 32MB of RAM as the minimum for its 
NaturallySpeaking product. However, most reviewers, including 
myself, would rather run these products on a 266MHz Pentium-class 
PC or better with at least 64MB of RAM. In voice recognition, 
speed matters.


*2. VOICE RECOGNITION FROM A HARDWARE PERSPECTIVE--PART 2 OF 5

Do you own a sound card? Most voice recognition products require 
one. That's where you plug in the microphone headset, which voice 
recognition companies include in their product boxes. Now for the 
tougher question: How good is your sound card? If it's some 
ancient hardware card, it may negatively affect the performance 
of your voice recognition package. You see, voice recognition 
products build a database of your speech patterns matched to text 
words and phrases. If your sound card is of poor quality, signal 
noise may throw off the software's ability to match your speech 
to text. You might also find that an older sound card is just 
incompatible with voice recognition software.  

Before you decide on a voice recognition package, check your 
hardware setup against the product's compatibility list. For 
example, Dragon Systems supplies a list of PCs, sound cards, and 
other hardware tested and certified for use with its 
NaturallySpeaking products. Dragon Systems' Web site is at  

http://www.dragonsys.com 


*3. VOICE RECOGNITION FROM A HARDWARE PERSPECTIVE--PART 3 OF 5
 
Most voice recognition packages include a headset microphone so 
you can get the product up and running quickly after you install 
the software. Truth be told, most companies spend much more time 
and money on developing their software than on obtaining the best 
microphone to package with it.  

For this reason, I suggest you try out the headset included with 
your product, but feel free to shop around for a replacement if 
the headset isn't living up to your expectations.  

If you find yourself considering a replacement, look for two key 
features: a high-quality microphone and comfort. Voice 
recognition software works more effectively if your voice signal 
is accurate and clear. And you'll feel more able to spend several 
hours dictating documents if your headset fits nicely. 

As always, shop around. If at all possible, try out different 
headsets in a computer store, even if you ultimately buy a product 
through an online store or a mail order catalog. 


*4. VOICE RECOGNITION FROM A HARDWARE PERSPECTIVE--PART 4 OF 5
 
Adding RAM to your PC is the easiest and most cost-effective way 
to increase the performance of your voice recognition product. 
These packages use memory to record your voice and to match those 
signals to a large database of words and phrases. The more RAM 
your system has, the faster transcribing goes. RAM is relatively 
cheap nowadays, so try to upgrade your system so it holds between 
64MB and 128MB of RAM. You'll get much more use out of your voice 
recognition software. 


*5. VOICE RECOGNITION FROM A HARDWARE PERSPECTIVE--PART 5 OF 5
 
Finally, for the best performance during voice recognition, try to 
limit your other computer tasks. Multitasking while you're 
dictating slows down the transcribing process. If you browse the 
Web, run database applications, or play back multimedia files 
during a dictation session, you'll see a major slowdown in 
overall performance.


*6.   CHEAP TAPE BACKUP

Tape remains one of the most affordable backup mediums. The latest 
tape drives, such Sony's SuperStation and Aiwa's Bolt, store up to 
10GB of data in a compressed format on tapes that only cost about 
$35 apiece. Moreover, the drives themselves cost ONLY about 
$150--much cheaper than most large-scale storage drives. A small 
office would probably benefit from a tape backup drive. 

Sony can be found at

http://www.sony.com/superstation

and Aiwa is at

http://www.aiwa.com/csd


*7. THE BRIGHT NEW WORLD OF PC MONITORS--PART 1 OF 4

The past few years have brought several new developments in 
computer monitors. When you go shopping for a new display, you'll 
find more options and a wider range of prices than ever before. 
Over the next few days I'll mention some hints to help you with 
your buying decision.

First, LCD displays aren't just for notebooks anymore. Now several 
manufacturers offer space-saving flat LCD monitors for desktop 
PCs. Are these new technologies monitors a good buy? Well, yes and 
no. As with any new technology, these first desktop LCD panels are 
fairly expensive--most run between $1000 and $2000. Another 
downside is the screen size, or viewable area. Most of these LCD 
panels measure only about 15 inches on the diagonal, making them 
the same size as a small CRT monitor today.

There are pluses to these new monitors, or no one would be buying 
them. First of all, the space you'll save with these flat displays 
is quite tremendous--most are less than half the volume of a 
standard CRT monitor. And they weigh much less, allowing you to 
pick up and move the display whenever you feel the need. Finally, 
in general, these monitors offer extremely clear screens with 
brilliant colors. Many reviewers find them better viewing than CRT 
monitors of the same size.


*8. THE BRIGHT NEW WORLD OF PC MONITORS--PART 2 OF 4

Monitors now come in the standard VGA interface and in the new USB 
interface. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a USB 
monitor? Here's a quick breakdown. 

The advantages: USB monitors do not require a video graphics card, 
saving you money if you don't already own one. The USB hot-swap 
capability lets you quickly port a USB monitor from one computer 
to another. USB monitors often include (or offer as an option) a 
USB hub, allowing you to plug more USB devices into the back of 
your monitor. 

The disadvantages: Your system's graphics performance may suffer 
without a video graphics card. USB monitors are slightly more 
expensive than standard monitors of the same screen size, mostly 
because the technology is still new. 


*9. THE BRIGHT NEW WORLD OF PC MONITORS--PART 3 OF 4

Large-screen presentation monitors (27 inches or more across the 
diagonal) now sit alongside regular 21-inch and smaller desktop 
models on store shelves. These large-screen models make for 
better viewing, especially for large audiences watching 
demonstrations and presentations. Unfortunately, you'll end up 
paying a few hundred dollars more for these large monitors. You 
should also be aware that most presentation monitors do not 
support the very high resolutions of high-end desktop monitors, as 
they are not designed for such use. But if you regularly present 
computer data to a group, you'll find these monitors more 
affordable and flexible than a digital projector.


*10. THE BRIGHT NEW WORLD OF PC MONITORS--PART 4 OF 4

Whenever you consider buying a new monitor, first familiarize 
yourself with the tuning controls. Because the glare and lighting 
conditions of your work environment may change as you move your 
desk and office furniture around, you always want to choose a 
monitor that offers a wide range of tuning options (brightness, 
contrast, focus, and so forth).
