Digital: When using digital dictation the days of audio (analog) tapes that get lost, broken or worn out are gone. Authors no longer wait for a tape pickup or paper report delivery. Digital dictation sound files can be handled and transported like most other computer files via your existing computer network, disk or modem with ease of storage and duplication. Digital dictation files are sent around the nation and in some cases, across the oceans for transcription within seconds. Digital dictation technology also creates better quality recordings. Similar to the comparison between a music tape to a CD. For authors and transcriptionist, moving to digital dictation technology will mean a faster turnaround time. The move to digital dictation is inevitable as very few manufacturers continue to produce the mini, micro or standard cassette size tapes or machines anymore. 

There are many different devices available for capturing digital dictation, most can be narrowed down to one of two methods: hand held digital dictation or PC based digital dictation. Both will suit any size organisation. PC based digital dictation systems can capture client information as well, by entering data on the computer keyboard with this data travelling with the voice file.

Hand held digital dictation recorders are a replacement for the old tape cassette recorders. Some digital dictation recorders have removable media, others do not. Some operate with a slide switch control and some are push button. Care should be taken when selecting a hand held digital dictation recorder and consumer research should be done beforehand. For instance, some digital dictation recorders are not dictation units but Note Takers and some of these Note takers don't upload sound files to a PC at all. Some create only .wav files, which are too large for efficient transfer. Hand held digital dictation devices come as stand-alone units or as part of a PC based system. A stand-alone unit will create sound files that are ready to transport once downloaded into a PC via an USB cable or a docking station. A "PC based digital dictation system" requires the sound files first be downloaded into a proprietary system, and the resultant digital dictation files may then be transported, again requiring special software and equipment purchases.

PC based/Computer dictation using an USB connected microphone or a connected hand held digital dictation recorder are the more featured of the two systems. Keyboard entry is available so any information can be visually available for the typist as well as the voice. Digital dictation voice files are sent instantly across an existing computer network or instantly emailed all by pressing a button. Voice files can be directed to selected typist upon completion.

Wireless dictation. Using a PDA, or Personal Digital Assistants, is considered similar to hand held digital dictation recorders in that they are portable palm-sized devices, that are now capable of recording voice using our digital dictation software. Recording is in a format that can be totally control by a typist. Digital dictation file formats compressed enough for easy downloading via a wireless network, docking via cradle or emailing. It would be fair to say the main advantage of wireless digital dictation is the ability to deliver digital dictation voice files without a physical connection to a computer. PDA's are a fast-evolving group of their own and vary in their capabilities and features.