Need your opinion

[Kwanna Collins]

Hello everyone...Right now i am a student and my speed is 190 (Q and A). I would like to know if you think it is wise for me to buy the student version to CaseCatalyst. If so, do you know where or who i can get it from for a reasonable price. I would also like to know if i should upgrade my machine because i am still using a manuel machine.....Financially, i am in a little loop whole so i dont want to spend any unecessary money...Thanks

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

I would definitely buy a new machine before you start working. I bought my electric writer while I was still in school, and I do remember because there were so many of us buying, there was some kind of deal because of a group purchase. I bought my machine through Stenograph back in the early nineties and remember I went through their finance company. I can't answer your question on the student version of CaseCatalyst. Why would you buy the student version? Do you need software now for your schooling?

[Mike Rowell]

I'm personally glad I went with CaseCatalyst, but didn't have a choice -- it was part of the program I initially enrolled in.

If you're sure that's the software you want to use long-term, then the $500 is something that will go towards the full version and you're sure to have spent it in the long run anyhow. The transition from student to full is incredibly easy, and as far as I know the only difference is that students can't make files larger than 50 pages.

I do wish I had at least explored my options a little bit, though, because I'm sure there are cheaper routes to take. Same thing for buying my Mira. I like it, but just for peace of mind wish I had tried my hand at a lightspeed or a gemini before shelling out the money for a brand new $4k writer.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

If you're really tight on money and credit, try buying a reconditioned writer through acculaw or jmsteno. I got (am getting, paid for) a Stenoram II for $500.00. Or go up to a Stenoram III, a little more in cost. For you right now, these machines will do the same thing as the real expensive one will - make a computer transcript.

Don't buy a writer off e-bay unless you are absolutely positive it is in working condition.

As for software, you can download the Globalcat Student Version for free, and you can make a dictionary for free. The website has been jumped. But you can find some sites that have a version (which I did). There is also a school that sells the Globalcat Dictionary for $50.00.

You can get DigitalCat software - download for free, get to use for free for three months; and then it's like $80.00 a month until it's paid for (about $3,500.00).

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Kwanna, my route is probably the cheapest way for you to go. I got my writer through jmsteno, Stenoram II, for $500.00. If you're at 190 Q&A, you should be hitting 225 in three months. If you think you will, then go the Digitalcat route. It's free for three months, then you start paying like $80.00 a month.

Once you get a job, and have money coming in, then you can spend more money for a nicer machine.

[Kwanna Collins]

Thanks for your response. What about the software? What i was told is the machine dont matter its the software that's the biggy. I called Acculaw Inc. and they rent to own. The rep said he could give a professional writer, CaseCat 10 (student version), and labtop for 600 down and then $150 something a month. I am trying to get everything together from now because next semester i am taken CaseCat, which is my last elective. Now, my school only teaches us that program in one semester. You know and i know that's just not enough time. So i figured if i have my writer and software, i could go over some things while i am home. I am not sure if if should rent, or should i get like a 400srt and student software, or should i get a 400srt and professional software, or do i really need to get a professional writer and software..I feel so stupid sometimes but my school dont inform us about these things so i have no choice but to seek advice from you guys....Anyway, give me your opinion and once again thanks a million :)

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

You will need professional software when you start working. If you do buy the student software, see what kind of a trade in the company will give you when you update to professional software. Personally I wouldn't spend money on student software, but I have been out of school for over 12 years, so I'm not sure how much school has changed since then.

As far as your writer, unless you plan on going home and typing up the transcript from your steno notes, you would need an electric writer with a disk drive so you can go home and upload your job right on to your computer.

I have a very old Stenura 8000 with a drive that no longer works, but I bring my laptop to all my jobs and do realtime for myself. Hope this helps.