Light Speed by Stenovations.

[Stacy L. Metz]

Hi, everyone.  I have a friend that is considering purchasing the Light Speed by Stenovations.  She has some general questions, and because we all know how daunting the task of purchasing a steno machine can be, I'm hoping to get some good, general feedback. 

 

1.  Does it work well?

2.  Does it need maintenance, and, if so, how frequently?

3.  Do you have any problems and/or flaws that you've noticed occurring?

4.  How much support do you need with the machine?

5.  How would you rate this machine on a scale from 1 to 10 -- 10 being the best machine ever.

 

Thanks so much!  Your time is greatly appreciated.

[Kerry F]

I had the Lightspeed for about a year.  It was WONDERFUL on my body.  Nothing ever hurt.  But I just could not

get my untranslate rate stabilized.  And I found their support department and company very difficult to deal with.

[Stacy L. Metz]

Thank you so much, Janet & Kelli.  I will forward this information to my friend.  :)

[Janet]

I'm not a Light Speed fan.  I ended up with so much pain in my thumbs after using the Light Speed that I stopped using it. 

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I bought the Light Speed and kept it for about a month and then returned it.  I couldn't write realtime at all - way too many mistakes.  I was talking to a reporter today that uses the Lightspeed and does a ton of realtime jobs.  However, she told me today it has taken her "two years" - yes, two years to become proficient.  She said if she could start over, she didn't think she would make that investment having to do realtime at the same time.  Just thought I'd pass that on.

I don't know if Tasha below my post is a realtime reporter where every attorney in the room can see every mistake you make.  That makes a huge difference in what writer you want to invest in.  Just something to consider....

[Stacy L. Metz]

Thanks so much, Tosha.  I'll pass this on to my friend.  :)

[Tosha Seaney]

I cannot tell you how much I love, love, love my Lightspeed!  I have had it for 3 years this month, so I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  One drawback is there is a learning curve.  Actually, it's more of a break-in period.  It took me about 3 months to get comfortable, but it was worth every bit of frustration.  I translate under 1 percent and never, ever have shoulder fatigue or back issues due to writing all day.

1.  It's like everything else, good in/good out.  I use it with CaseCatalyst, and I have no problems at all.

2.  I had to call them one time, and they remotely accessed the lightspeed through my computer and reset everything.  It took about 20 minutes total, and I was back to work.

3.  I haven't had any issues. 

4.  I spent a lot of tweaking time on the front end, and ultimately decided to use someone else's settings, and they worked perfectly for me.  I would recommend downloading other user preferences out there before you re-invent the wheel.

5.  15...the best machine I have ever used.  Innovations is wonderful to work with, and I will never go back to any other machine.  My body thanks me daily!

I recommend using the Lightspeed with a tripod and insTand, so you can manipulate the height based on the work environment.  I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have