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To ask for advice re Microsoft word?

10 replies

Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 12:06

Hi everyone, I am hoping to start using a newer version of Microsoft Word dictation/transcription. I was just wondering if it would be better to buy Microsoft word or better to just buy a new Laptop with it already installed? If so, would anyone have recommendations re laptops? I’m clueless! Just wondering about what would be more cost efficient?
Thanks so much!

OP posts:
zzplea · 07/04/2025 12:12

I think nowadays licences for Microsoft products have to be bought each year - it's not like the old days when you bought a licence, installed the software on you PC and used it until either your PC or the software became obsolete. So if you bought a laptop with Word (or more likely, Office) pre-installed, you'd still need to renew the licence in a year's time.

Are you sure the dictation/transcription is included in the Word licence? I thought that's what Co-Pilot 365 does.

Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 12:17

zzplea · 07/04/2025 12:12

I think nowadays licences for Microsoft products have to be bought each year - it's not like the old days when you bought a licence, installed the software on you PC and used it until either your PC or the software became obsolete. So if you bought a laptop with Word (or more likely, Office) pre-installed, you'd still need to renew the licence in a year's time.

Are you sure the dictation/transcription is included in the Word licence? I thought that's what Co-Pilot 365 does.

Thank you! Yes I think you can record directly into Word with Microsoft office word 365 and it’ll type as you speak which is exactly what I’m after

OP posts:
unsync · 07/04/2025 12:19

You need to get an annual subscription to Microsoft 365.

Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 12:21

unsync · 07/04/2025 12:19

You need to get an annual subscription to Microsoft 365.

@unsync

thank you! How much is that do you know? I’ve heard it’s really expensive!

OP posts:
zzplea · 07/04/2025 12:23

Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 12:17

Thank you! Yes I think you can record directly into Word with Microsoft office word 365 and it’ll type as you speak which is exactly what I’m after

Oooh, I didn't know that. I've looked and yes, the dictate and transcribe function are there.

Ineedpeaceandquiet · 07/04/2025 12:25

You can buy it from Argos and it comes as a bundle with Anti Virus too!

Gliblet · 07/04/2025 12:25

It's pricier if you want the family version but an individual subscription is about £8.50 a month and that'll get you all the MS Office packages plus 1tb of cloud storage. Just keep saying 'no' when it offers you extras!

ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax · 07/04/2025 12:31

The Word webapp includes dictation and transcription and is free to use - no requirement for any purchase or subscription.

Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 12:37

ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax · 07/04/2025 12:31

The Word webapp includes dictation and transcription and is free to use - no requirement for any purchase or subscription.

@ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax

thank you! How do I go about getting the Word webapp? Never heard of this!

OP posts:
Cherrytree86 · 07/04/2025 19:24

Web app anyone? Has anyone used it?

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