7.30. NaturallySpeaking

Speech-recognition programs have traditionally been far more advanced on Windows than on the Macintosh. Windows programs like Dragon NaturallySpeaking transcribe your dictated text with almost Star Trek–like accuracy, and even let you make corrections and manipulate the computer itself using all voice commands.

Fortunately, that same Dragon technology finally made it onto the Mac in early 2008 with the release of MacSpeech Dictate. It uses precisely the same "recognition engine" as Dragon Naturally Speaking (www.macspeech.com). If you just can't use the keyboard, or don't want to, you'll be amazed at its speed and accuracy.