Ace Reader Pro Reviewer's Comments

AceReader Pro by Stepware, Inc. and winner of “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award” focuses on breaking two slow reading methods: sub vocalization and re–reading. Sub vocalization is silently pronouncing each word as you read and re-reading is accidentally reading the same line twice.

AceReader Pro is equipped with over 247 texts for speed, timed and comprehension tests. Choose from 13 reading levels for children and adults with 61 activities for each level. The program is equipped with 260 comprehension tests—20 for each reading level. The activities for the reading levels include eye warm–up drills, regular drills, Eye Span games and self–paced reading comprehension tests.

AceReader Pro and our #1 product, The Reader’s Edge have similar programs, but the user–interface of AceReader Pro is less intuitive than The Reader's Edge.

However, we would like to point out that AceReader does offer a Pro Deluxe version that will work with up to five users and incorporates password protection for the same price as the #1 product, The Reader’s Edge.

Ace Reader Pro Screenshots. Click for more
       


Features Set:  

Ace Reader Pro provides three different learning modes to give speed–reading students every advantage to learn based on their personal learning styles:

• Course Mode is an automated approach to develop speed–reading skills. Based on a student�s reading speed, activities such as drills and comprehension tests are automatically created by the program–students simply have to follow the course activity schedule. Course Mode does not allow students to change settings or perform activities out of order.
• Menu Mode is a semi–automated arrangement that allows students to select the activities they want to perform. The program creates speed–reading activities after a student establishes his/her reading speed. In Menu Mode, students can choose the order of activities to perform.
• Expert Mode allows students full control over their course activities, which include the order of activities, selection of reading material and setting reading speeds. Students can also load web pages, ebooks, .doc, .txt, and .pdf files to the program; choose the type of text display (columns, rows, flash, etc.) and change the font color, style and size as well as the background color. AceReader Pro has administration functions for teachers and parents such as adding custom text for drills and tests as well as adjusting the program�s default settings. The program also tracks a user�s speed–reading progress and generates progress reports in graph format.

Although we evaluated the Pro version Ace Reader does offer a Pro Deluxe version that includes multiple users and password protection.

Ease of Use:  

The program–s divisions into Course Mode, Menu Mode, Expert Mode and Admin. provides different levels of user options that are displayed on toolbars, scroll down menus and function buttons. This type of organization makes AceReader Pro easier to use and navigate. Not all the functions were as intuitive as we expected; however, after a few false starts, we were able to navigate the program. A detailed help menu and “Tip of the Day” pop–up box (in Expert Mode) also provide useful information about how to use AceReader Pro.

Ease of Installation/Setup:  

You can purchase AceReader Pro directly from their website. To download the program, a confirmation email is sent with a download link and instructions. Installation takes only a few minutes. To order by mail, you can print an order form from the AceReader website. Allow 5 to 10 days for delivery. AceReader Pro works on all Windows applications (including Vista) and Mac.

Help/Support:  

AceReader Pro, has an embedded help menu and the AceReader website has manuals, tutorials and a list of FAQs. For questions, you can contact Stepware, Inc. by phone or email and they will reply within 24 hours. You can download a trial version of AceReader Pro and they have a 30–day money back guarantee.

As part of your purchase price, AceReader Pro includes free minor upgrades; however, major version upgrades may cost a few extra dollars.  

Summary:  

AceReader Pro is a great speed–reading program for children and adults with 13 reading levels and 247 included texts. The varied features allow the program to guide students through their course activities or students can take control and customize their own program. AceReader Pro is easy to install and their customer service is excellent.