Considerations

• Determine what you want the speech to text software to do on Vista. If being used for simple note taking on an infrequent basis, then a basic, lower-cost package will work. If its being used for constant dictation or creative writing, then a more advanced package should be considered.
  
  

Benefits

• Using a microphone, level-tested by the software, speech to text programs transform the words your speaking into text in a word processing document or an Internet form. Some programs also offer options to execute simple voiced commands and to translate digital voice recordings into written transcripts.
  
  

Disadvantages

• While nearly accurate, some speech to text programs for Vista do not recognize all spoken words. This can result in a document full of errors; unless the user is paying attention and manually updates the document or teaches the software how to say the words.
  
  

Costs

• Costs for speech to text software will depend on the features. Those on the lower end of the spectrum--about $40, as of September 2010--offer the ability to convert spoken words into text and surf the Web by voice. More expensive models offer features like wireless Bluetooth support and can cost upward of $150.