Alternatively, a student can buy a used computer-compatible machine for less than $675.  A new student realtime machine can be purchased from Stenograph (1-800-228-2339); within three years it can be traded in for a professional model, with the original amount paid credited toward its purchase.  Their web address is www.stenograph.com. 

Although much of the home study course can be completed with nothing more sophisticated than a used manual machine, it is important that a student get started as early as possible with a computerized configuration.  The reason for this is the increasing importance of CAT (computer-aided transcription) and realtime writing in both the traditional and alternative career paths in court reporting.  The earlier a student becomes familiar with these technologies, the earlier he’ll/she’ll be able to build a realtime dictionary and become competent and comfortable writing both accurately and rapidly. 

Translation software for conflict-free realtime writing is available from several companies (see CAT software). 

Vendors for new machines have ads in the monthly “Journal for the Reporting and Captioning Professions.”  A wide array of used machines can be purchased from the three firms below, each of which has sold consistently excellent equipment to Stenotype/StenoMax students:

For the more adventurous shoppers, some students have had success using the Internet’s eBay auction site.  One StenoMax student recently purchased a two-year-old Stenograph 200 SRT (complete with tripod and case) for $130. 

Additional sources for machine purchase include other on-line searches, court reporters/court reporting firm owners, and classified ads in the “Journal for the Reporting and Captioning Professions.”