I think you're misreading what has been posted. There is no third generation SpeechWare 3-in-1. I think you're confusing the SpeechWare 6-in-1 with the SpeechWare 3-in-1. Both are second-generation. The only difference is that they six and one has more features, including support for a foot pedal and a built-in speaker. Otherwise, they are both using the second-generation system board.

"The problem with communication is the illusion that is has occurred."- George Bernard Shaw

We are already on third-generation 3-in-1 ?

When did that happen?

"Life's Rule #1: Once you pull the pin, Mr. Grenade is no longer your friend."  (Variant of Murphy's Law  -  Edward A. Murphy, Jr)

I can see the longer neck being useful.

 By the way, loving my 3-in1, thinking about getting another one for at home.

R 

still keen to hear from anyone who is successfully using the 9450 with Dragon. 

L 

Well, if I were Parcel Farce, I would do it just like this.

FedEx

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm

provides a wealth of information. For example:If you're sending or receiving goods by post for your personal use from outside the European Union (EU), you'll have to pay any tax and/or duty once the goods arrive in the UK. Normally Royal Mail/Parcel Force will pay what's due on your behalf and may charge a handling fee which you must pay before your parcel can be delivered.

The amount will be made up of the UK Import Duty appropriate to the item multiplied by its declared value, VAT charged at the UK rate on the declared value plus duty and a handling fee added by the courier.  Import duty rates are listed on the HMRC web site but there are ~14,000 classifications so good luck in finding the correct one (rates vary from 0% to 85% with an average between 5-9%).The courier companies (usually UPS, FedEx, Parcel Force, DHL) will pay the duties and then bill you either by invoice or in the case of Parcel Farce collect cash before delivery.  The handling fee varies with UPS @ £11, FedEx @ £10 and Parcel Force (teamed with USPS) @ £13.50. I hope this helps to shed a little light.

Graham Hendry
www.itspeaking.co.uk

Camner,

I wear prescription glasses for both reading and driving. Like you, I need my reading glasses when working on the computer and using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. As to whether or not the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone headset is comfortable has been debated by some who have larger head sizes. However, I have never found the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone headset to be either uncomfortable or interfere with my wearing glasses and I've been using the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone now for well over five years.

I haven't used, but I've taken a look at, the Stage 5 series microphones from Samson. Based on the technical specifications I think that you would find the Stage 5 series microphones a viable alternative if you are uncomfortable with an over the ear, behind the head headset like the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone. However, there are a couple of caveats:

1. The Stage 55 is more prone to external EMI interference than the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone (i.e., large bank overhead fluorescent lighting or anything producing a strong EMI field anywhere near the belt pack or receiver.

2. The Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone is better suited for speech recognition by virtue of the microphone element and noise canceling capabilities.

3. I personally dislike dangling wires that can get in the way of movement and/or use as a result of the fact that the Stage 55 requires a belt pack whereas the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone transmitter is an all contained unit on the back of the headset, which is generally unobtrusive, except for disabled users for whom the self-contained transmitter on the headset for the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone might interfere with their head rests and/or having to lie down.

4. For all practical purposes, not taking into consideration issues surrounding the headset and microphone elements, the Stage 55 microphone is essentially a Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone without the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone headset and self-contained wireless transmitter.

5. Performance and accuracy being able to use alternative headsets with the Stage 55 has not been thoroughly tested, whereas the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone has and does provide top-of-the-line performance and accuracy with Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

My own personal preferences to have everything contained in the headset rather than using the belt pack with an alternative headset. For example, if you wanted to use the VXI TalkPro with its standard extra long cable and headphone connector would not be viable with the Stage 55. In addition, with the Stage 55 there is no accommodating headset microphones with earphones. That is, there is no audio output capability. The belt pack is a one-way transmitter. It would be extremely awkward trying to use a combination microphone/headphone headset with this unit.

Overall, my preferences for the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone. However, that's my own personal preference for the reasons stated above. If your situation requires the specifications of the Stage 55, or you would find the Samson Airline 77 wireless microphone uncomfortable, then the Stage 55 would likely be a viable alternative. However, I think it important to take into consideration the various strengths and weaknesses relative to how you need to work with Dragon NaturallySpeaking and your personal ergonomic situation.

Chuck Runquist
Technical Project Manager
VoiceTeach LLC
Home of VoicePower®: We don't make Dragon NaturallySpeaking, We make it better!

"Many of the things you can count, don't count. Many of the things you can't count, really count." Albert Einstein

The Stage 55 looks to be a typical "over the head" style mic, and I've never had that interfere or be interfered with by glasses.

Your point about the potential advantage of the Stage 55 with a detachable mike is interesting and worthy of some thought.

Thanks again!