I installed Dragon Medical version 8 on my Tabletpc Electrovaya Scribbler with an array microphone and G-wifi. I don’t have an external CD ROM, with this unit, so I installed the software over a shared CD drive on my office network. I ran into a small quirk. The install disk number one reached a point where it stated that, “the source file sea.cab could not be found!” After searching both disks for sea.cab I discovered the problem. Sea.cab is on disk two, but the install program failed to tell me to insert disk two! Apparently, this error only occurs over a shared network CD because when I installed on my desktop, with the incorporated CD ROM, the software correctly tells the user to put in disk number two. (An external CD, connected to my same TPC, also works fine, asking for disk two). In retrospect, if installing over a shared network CD, simply assume the source file is now on the second disk and insert it. Scansoft should be aware of this quirk as it could be common if Tabletpc users do not have external CD ROMs and use a shared network CD. Again, this install quirk only occurs in the absence of a directly attached CD Rom.  Another effective solution is to make a desktop folder and copy the contents of both CDs into the folder. In my case, I then moved this folder to my USB Hard Drive.

After successfully installing the software program, the wizard asked me to choose my dictation source. I wish Scansoft had a specific choice for a Tabletpc but it does not. There are several choices of array mics, but none specifically refer to the Tabletpc. At any rate, I chose the default source. (Microphone plugged into mic-in jack). Training was fast and easy. Afterward, I let the software scan my drive to learn from my writing style and I was up and running. 

 
Scansoft got it right with version 8 with respect to voice recognition on a Tabletpc. This version 8 is "awesome." It is definitely better than 7 on a Tabletpc! I am literally having a hard time getting the program to make a mistake! I was beginning to think I died and had gone to heaven but then it choked on the word, "Electrovaya." ;-)

Version 7, at least on my TPC, was not as accurate with names. Now, for the first time, with my EMR open, I can dictate in a patient’s name and then say “search.” Version 8, simply has better recognition, no matter what program is the target for your dictation. For example, I like to dictate directly into my EMR as opposed to Word or Dragon Pad. While this could always be done, DNS seemed to be more accurate with their own Dragon Pad. Now the improved recognition accuracy facilitates input into multiple target areas. This is not a trivial matter, as many doctors compromise and end up with a copy and paste of their dictated text, into their EMR. Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Medical comes with specialty vocabularies for Radiology, Cardiology, Surgery, General Medical, Family Practice, ObGyn, Neurology, Pathology, Orthopedic, Emergency, Mental Health, Oncology, Pediatrics and Gastroenterology.

I have not used the Roaming network feature. However, this works by employing a single network profile that can be opened from multiple network machines. (Eg Hospital, office, home). The local roaming user profile is a copy the user data taken originally from the network user and modified locally by connections and acoustic data gathered during the dictation session.

You can adjust the array by going into the "Control Panel," and clicking on IntellisonicDx.

Conclusion: What can I say? Scansoft claims the recognition in version 8, is 25% better, and I think their recognition is accurate (pun intended). Version 8 is simply better than any other version with respect to recognition.
There really is nothing else to say and that says it all!

Fix for memory error: 1/25/05

C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\NaturallySpeaking\Program\natspeak.exe

Higlight and click on the properties of this file and select the box to turn off the advanced text services. This will eliminate the error.

Caveats:

Dragon is intensive, so expect it to use your battery even in the "listening," mode.
 

Install CD does not apprise user to change to disk two over a shared network CD Rom when source error occurs. Just remove the first CD and insert the second. Another simple solution is to make a desktop folder and copy the contents of both CDs into the folder. Install this folder on a portable medium.

You need an array mic or external microphone for excellent recognition on TPC.

Quirk:

I get a memory error only when exiting the DNS program. I can repeat the error on every exit. "Natspeak.exe-Application error. The instructions at 0xSeddee78 can not be read." This error is on exit only and does not affect the recognition or use of the program but seems to be TPC specific as it does not occur on a desktop. Others have reported similar memory errors with their TPC. I have made Scansoft aware of this issue and they notified me that they can replicate it and are investigating. This error has since been fixed.

Pros:

Best Voice Recognition money can buy
98-99% accuracy with a Tabletpc and array microphone

External Mic included

Best tool for any EMR

Cons:

Expensive for Professional versions
No free technical support

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With respect to usage on a Scribbler Tabletpc, with an internal array microphone, version 7 resulted in equivocating results for me. Sometimes great and other times not so great.  With version 8 there is no equivocating on the results. The recognition is good, very good all the way around. I briefly tried version 8 on an Acer convertible C110 TPC, with the built in plain vanilla internal mic and was not impressed. I think you may need an array mic if your choice of hardware is the TPC and you don't want to use an external mic.

DNS version 8 is a break through for the healthcare market with respect to Voice Recognition. The Tabletpc with built in array microphone makes a hands free experience of virtual excellence! A must have for any EMR!

Chris Wilkerson, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Editor-in-Chief
MedicalTabletPC.com