Hi,

I've just been lucky enough to be given a Dell Inspiron laptop 6400/E1505, and I'd like to install Dragon Naturally Speaking Version 8 (preferred) onto it for home use (I have the software from work).

However, I gather from reading the forums that I may need to do something about sound quality on Dell laptops. Would you advise that I get a different soundcard/pod - and what would be the best microphone to go with it?

Emmie

i'm using inspiron 8100 with plantronics mic.--not bad. just make sure you use a USB pod, or an Andrea USB pod converter. Andrea mic's are good too, just funky wires that fray easily. but good quality.

We agree with frogleg’s recommendation to bypass the integrated soundcard with a USB Pod external soundcard. We also agree with the Andrea Electronics microphone recommendation but Andrea hasn't made any significant microphone improvements since the late 90s so they're still decent microphones but for about the same money, there are better options such as the KnowBrainer Hands-free microphone which is a Sennheiser ME3 knockoff. However, you might want to examine our Microphone Comparison Matrix which includes a rating on all the microphones we approve and compares accuracy, price, noise cancellation and comfort. We run our entire company with NaturallySpeaking and specialty commands so comfort can also be a major factor.

Thanks very much for the info. will definitely get pod or converter. Have a good hands free day!

Vostro 2510 Small Businesses looking for a feature rich system with an eye-catching, cherry red exterior to handle daily demands. Dell Vostro is a line of computers aimed at small business users. Dell has re-branded their home and small business computer lines. The previous division was for home portables to be labeled Inspiron, and home desktop computers Dimension. Now, all home line computers, desktop or portable, are branded with the Inspiron label. The business version of that system receives the Vostro brand. In the future it is likely that the Inspiron and Vostro brands will not share the same hardware.
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Victor

Tampa Lawyers

Luis -

I have been looking for a microphone that would improve my accuracy on my Dell. I already use the pod but my current accuracy is still pretty poor. I would like to see if the Know Brainer mic you recommend will improve it and am wondering if it is returnable if I don't see the improvement I hope for.

Alice