Originally Posted by chipdouglas  Ok,
I've been using all three systems at once, that is, each and every day I train my reading speed with SpeedReader X, Reading Genius 2.0 and EyeQ.
Clearly and without any doubt Reading Genius offers more tools to help with reading. Also Ed Strachar's voice and overall mindset causes me to listen good. Through listening, one can feel this man knows what's he's talking about. Also, there's a section with scientific references for the techniques used. The Brain gym software is great as well, I really like it.
EyeQ is good as well, but it doesn't include all of the audio CDs included in Reading genius. But EyeQ does increase brain processing speed as well. It's a different kind of program intended to get the same outcome in the end. There's less theory in this last and more practice practice and more practice.
Speed Reader X is even more basis in terms of theory than the above two. It goes straight to you doing exercises that will increase your reading speed. There's no fluff like it's author states.
Is it mandatory to know about the things included in Reading Genius in order to see your reading speed increase ? Um, I don't think so, but then the many details and techniques to make one interested in one's reading material and how to still your mind and other odds and ends like that may add up and in time make you a more efficient reader. What's more, those nifty tricks can clearly be of benefit in other areas of your life as well. Ed delves much deeper into the toipic of reading. After, it's what he does for a living, and sure knows a good deal about this. Again, I really like the practice software ! I like it's interface and one can see it's been created with conscientiousness in mind. The other above mentioned softwares are ok too, but they're more basic. All in all though, they all converge towards the same goal.
In terms of fun of use, I'd rate Reading Genius number one, EyeQ second, and Speed reader X third.
In terms of benefits, I'd have to rate Reading Genius number one as well, followed by EyeQ and speed reader as second and third respectively. I think that the interface has much to do with consistency of use, so my vote MOST DEFINATELY goes to reading genius, because of it's fun and colorful layout. This in turn will cause your brain to associate training your speed with a fun feeling. EyeQ isn't so bad either, and Speed Reader X does a fine job too, but the interface is rather drab/plain. But provided that you use it consistently, I have no doubt that you're going to see your speed go up.
I can tell you this : The ones I have the most fun training with are RG and then EyeQ. I feel EyeQ complements RG well because of the eye exercises. It clearly makes a difference in my brain processing speed, but then, maybe I'm benefiting more because I have ADHD.
It all comes down to whether or not you know you'd be more consistent in using a glitzy fun and colorful softwares or not. If you can answer this, you'll know which to get, but like I said, any of these will increase your speed. Theory is good, but practicing is key.
Also, if you want a very good book by one of Evelyn Wood's Reading Dynamics, go to Amazon and get : Breakthrough rapid reading by Peter Kump. But be prepared to do a lot of tedious drills. That's what I do not like about the book, but is it effective ? It sure is !
Hope this helps |