The key, according to Dragon spokesman Roger Matus, is having a good sound card. The cards that come standard on most computers usually skimp on audio input. Thus, an upgrade might be in order. To make matters more confusing, the most expensive sound card might not be the best. Dragon Systems features reviews of sound cards on its Web site, and most speech-recognition software vendors should be willing to give a recommendation.
Laptops are another matter entirely.
While sound card upgrades on a desktop computer are relatively painless, they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, on a laptop. Ask the experts at Comdex. The Web Copyright 2000 ABC News Internet Ventures.