I am searching for a word expander. Another posting recommended the Bytescribe. Any further comments from anyone about Bytescribe or any others would be great. Thanks.

Good question! Word Expander software can be as easy or complicated as you want to invest in. I started out w/a midrange expander, Shorthand, and loved it. It had a lot of features, was moderately priced, and pretty easy to figure out. However, in time, I got the Premium of all word expander software, Instant Text. It can even wash the dinner dishes for you. Okay, not really, but it does EVERYTHING imaginable. The problem with Instant Text is that there is a learning curve. I did not have the time to figure it out. I've tested out many expanders and have found that just because an expander is expensive doesn't mean it's the BEST. I tried Smartype and HATED it; However, some people LOVE Smartype.

My recommendation is to with an expander that has some feature but is easy to use. I have tested Ditto and LOVED it. It was super easy to figure out, had a good amount of features, worked well, and was $50. Also, Bytescribe's Swift Text is okay. Again, it's around $50. Swift Text doesn't have many features but it's simple to learn to use.

I would not invest in a $200 expander just starting out. Now, after you've been working for a year or so and are looking for ways to increase your speed, you may then decide that some of those new fangled features of the upper end expanders something that you want to take the time to learn to use and try out.

For me, I use Ditto and like it a lot. It fit my budget and has just the right amount of features.

Here is a link to some information regarding expanders:

http://www.meditec.com/word-vocabulary-expanders.html

I do recommend the book Saving Keystrokes as well. Also, a WONDERFUL place to learn a system for creating abbreviations is Jon Knowles ABCZ system. I use the ABCZ system as it works the way my brain think. Here is a link to his site where you can learn the system for free, and pick up some abbreviation/expansion lists premade already created using the ABCZ method. Word to the wise: I bought all the lists and loved them, BUT it is easier, in my opinion, to create your own list as you go so that you KNOW what is in there. The dates, labs, etc though are very useful. http://home.earthlink.net/~agjon/abczrule.htm

Good luck! I hope you find the right expander program for you!