Supply List for Training

(For a list of used supplies for sale, see bottom of page.)

LAPTOP SPECIFICATIONS:

DUE TO CONTINUING ISSUES WITH VARIOUS NEW AND USED COMPUTERS STUDENTS HAVE PURCHASED, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASE YOUR LAPTOP FROM M-TECH.  SEE INFORMATION BELOW.  Please feel free to contact me regarding your laptop purchase.  We can discuss the best options for you.

LAPTOP:  

Intel i7 with four or more cores, an i9, or an Ultra 7

32GB of 4800MHz or faster RAM, with 64GB or more being much better with larger amounts being significantly better

1 TB SSD (solid state) NVMe drive – the faster the better. Two drives are much better if it is set up to utilize the second drive drive 

Windows Home 11 is fine.

Your laptop must meet these specifications to be adequate for voice writing.

Make sure you have at least TWO FREE USB PORTS.
More ports are better but make sure you have at least two free.  FYI, some laptops have two USB ports but use one for the power cord.  That does not leave you with two FREE UBS ports.

These are minimum specifications.

Strongly suggest you do not get a Ryzen processor and that you stick with an Intel.

FYI:  You will NOT use this laptop to Zoom classes.  You will need to Zoom the classes with another computer or possibly a tablet (although you won’t be able to see much of what’s going on as it will be too small), but you can’t watch class on your student/work laptop as you can’t watch and work at the same time.

FYI:  YOU MUST COMPLETELY DELETE AND REMOVE ONEDRIVE AND ALL ONEDRIVE FOLDERS FROM YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE LOADING ANY SOFTWARE!!!!  Once you have signed up for the training, there are videos that will help you with this.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING PURCHASING YOUR LAPTOP.  This is my current recommendation:  M-Tech Laptops.  Contact Jerry Michrina for additional information:  jerry@m-techlaptops.com or 231-547-5562.  Please tell him you are one of RVT’s students (Charlene Hansard) so he’ll know the correct configuration you need.  Please note that M-Tech is NOT your personal computer technician.  They will only help with tech on laptops purchased through them.  PLEASE NOTE THAT IT WILL TAKE A WEEK TO BUILD YOUR LAPTOP AND THEN SHIPPING TIME TO SEND TO YOU.  SO MAKE SURE YOU ALLOW AT LEAST TWO WEEKS TO RECEIVE YOUR LAPTOP.

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SOFTWARE NEEDED:

BEFORE PURCHASING DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING SOFTWARE, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME DIRECTLY AT CHARLENE@REALTIMEVOICETRAINING.COM.

ECLIPSEVOX STUDENT SOFTWARE: Student software cannot be
purchased until Advantage Software has proof of enrollment.
Eclipse (Computer Aided Transcription/CAT) use begins five weeks into the
session. $399 will be paid to Advantage Software AFTER classes start.
Eclipse student software is NOT required until later in the course.
This is STUDENT software. Upgrading to the professional version will be necessary upon certification.

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HARDWARE AND ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE:

  • TRANSCRIPTION PEDAL: Infinity USB three-pedal transcription pedal – MUST HAVE
    FYI:  Texas students do not need a foot pedal for class as you’re not allowed to use to test.
  • Express Scribe transcription software – free download for home use only (use this link to download the free version)
  • WIRED TRANSCRIPTION EARBUDS or HEADPHONES (optional): No microphone –
    MUST HAVE.  You don’t have to get these exact items. The links are examples.
  • STENOMASK:  MUST HAVE – 3 options

     1.  Stenomask SR Pro-1 (my preference) – By default, the SR Pro-1 comes with a cushioned facepiece.  Amazon link.  Optional:  Dual microphone SR Pro-2.  There is an optional facepiece that is available.  CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR DISCOUNT CODE FOR TALK TECHNOLOGIES.

     2.  Martel mini mask – new mask I am currently testing which have received good reviews from students.  NOT MY FAVORITE.

     3.  AccuSpeak Mask – You’ll need to call to order.  Promising results so far!!

  • USB SOUND CARD (pod): – MUST HAVE
    Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3
  • GEORGIA STUDENTS ONLY! If you plan to sit for the Georgia test with
    backup, you will need a USB microphone.  USB CM-1000 microphone
  • LAPTOP COOLING STAND: X-Stand or Thermaltake Fan Cooling Pad (my favorite) – All laptops need some way to cool the fan.  You should never sit your laptop completely flat upon your desk or lap.
  • PRINTER:  of your choosing
  • MY REALTIME COACH:  Beginning January of 2024, all students will be required to purchase a subscription to My Realtime Coach for the 20-week training.  You will be able to extend this month-to-month after the training if you still need the program up until you test.  The cost will be $39 per month for the 20 weeks for a total of $156.  We will walk through setting up this subscription in class so no need to purchase before classes start.  You will receive an email with instructions to sign up for My Realtime Coach once you have registered for training.  Don’t sign up for this subscription until I tell you in class.

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BOOKS:

• The Essential 99 Punctuation Rules for Court Reporters – MUST HAVE

• The Fundamentals of Court Reporting (previously known as The Complete Court Reporter’s Handbook) – MUST HAVE (You can order directly from NCRA without joining the association.  Click on the link and create an account with NCRA.  Once the account is created, you will need to sign in and then it will take you to the order page.)

• Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition – HIGHLY SUGGESTED (Kindle copy okay)
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Realtime Voice Training – Court reporting student package – $2500 – 20-week training class package

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TOTAL APPROXIMATE COSTS:

$1500-2500 Voice-writing laptop

$399 Student EclipseVox voice writing software – paid to Advantage
Software

$260-$290 Voice input for court reporting students, Stenomask

$18 for SoundBlaster Play! 3 

$65 approximately-USB transcription pedal

$156 for My Realtime Coach for the 20-week period.  Optional $39/month after classes on a month-to-month basis if needed

GEORGIA STUDENTS:  $70-$100 – Georgia students taking the Georgia test in 2025 will need an external microphone.

Realtime Voice Training program:  $2500

Estimated expenses: $6000 

(Please note that all amounts are estimated amounts and are subject to change by the individual vendors at any time.  All supplies are purchased by the student directly and are not supplied by Realtime Voice Training.)

Used Supplies

If you’re interested in purchasing used supplies/books that might be available, please click the following link:

Click here
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