Speechmike Pro 5274

The instrument is high quality throughout. All the controls are useful and coupled with Naturally Speaking (NS) software, I don't need to access the keyboard. I can control the computer controls from the 5274 or by voice commands. Most of the controls on the 5274 can be programmed by the user.I've used the boom mikes that come with NS, which work well, but are not too comfortable for me. The 5274 fits my work style much better than the supplied mikes. I'm currently using NS 12.0 and the 5274 with good success. I've had this instrument for several years and it is reliable, making the many trips on which I go in my computer equipment without damage or electronic problems.

Speechmike Pro 5274 was in good shape and works great.........

I am using this microphone to dictate medical records along with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I found an immediate improvement in accuracy when I began using this microphone. I also feel that it fits very comfortably in the hand. The programmable buttons are handy time-savers. In fact, you can really utilize these more than I realized because each button is really 3 buttons in one as they are programmable for holding CTRL and SHIFT as well. They can activate function keys, macros, or type text macros. The trackball is not my favorite way to navigate my screen, but it is there if you don't feel like reaching for a mouse. It has given me an immediate boost in productivity and has made dictation more enjoyable. In fact, I am dictating this review, and have not needed to correct its output at all.My only criticism is that it has a rather light, cheap feel in the hand. Also, the attractive red light that looks pretty on the advertisement (around the mic receiver and also illuminating the trackball) almost never comes on. Its an indicator light for recording, but it seems to only work with the recording test-program which the microphone comes with. It's a program which you will never use. The indicator lights never activate while dictating with Dragon. It's a minor criticism.Summary: Nice mic, quality output, good ergonomics and convenient buttons. If it had a nicer "quality-feel" in the hand and indicator lights which worked with Dragon I would give it five stars easily.