Electronic translators

[HAOLE BOY]

this has probably been asked before, but what would you all recommend for those hand held translators that are reasonably priced? i've seen several, but would like to get feedback.
thanks

[Tomisimo]

To be honest, I've never used an electronic translator, so I don't think I can be very helpful.

That said, what are your goals with the device? Are you planning on traveling and you want a back-up?

I'd say you can get by with a paper dictionary better than an electronic gadget. Honestly, I think I could look up a word in the dictionary faster than I could punch it in the little keyboard thing on an electronic one.

You could probably look for a combination dictionary/phrasebook, depending on what you're planning to do, that would be a pretty good option.

Also, if you have internet on your cellphone, I'm almost ready to release a stripped down WAP version of Tomisimo for use on handheld devices.

[HAOLE BOY]

I agree the paper dictionary would be quicker (any suggestions?), but this would be for home use, watching tv or reading the newspaper when I need help on a word.

[Tomisimo]

A paper dictionary that I would totally recommend for leaving on the coffee table, in your car or on top of the TV, is the New World Spanish/English English/Spanish Dictionary. It's a cheapo paperback dictionary I bought for 5 or 6 dollars around 1999 or 2000 and it's been a great resource for me. I even took it to Costa Rica with me. I think it's a great compromise because, although it's small, it also has a lot of entries and somehow the font size and font face is a good combination for easy reading.

Here it is on amazon They have some used copies available too.

You cou always go with an electronic dictionary, but IMO, they're more hassle & not as quick. But maybe you're more dexterous than I am.

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[ajijicgail]

I have a little Franklin Bookman III, with Merriam-Webster dictionary in it. While it is somewhat useful, I agree it's much easier to use a paperback dictionary. For someone unsure of pronunciation, it's good. The real problem I have with the Bookman is that it is so hard to read, especially in sunlight. Maybe the new ones are better? Anyway, I'd go with the paper, and feel free to mark it up with new words and usages as you use it!

[Tomisimo]

I guess one advantage of an electronic dictionary is the small size, especially for travel/backpacking, and of course pronunciation as ajijicgail says.

[HAOLE BOY]

Gracias! I just bought it for a couple of bucks and also a phrase book for a penny.

[Zach]

I just bought a paperback Vox Spanish <--> English dictionary at Barnes and Noble...it was the best one I could see that was there...so far I have been able to look up every word I've seen. It even has alot of modern slang/cuss words too, which are good things to know about for defensive purposes.

[HAOLE BOY]

thanks, too, Zach

[Tomisimo]

Originally Posted by HAOLE BOY

Gracias! I just bought it for a couple of bucks and also a phrase book for a penny.

I buy books at Goodwill/Garage sales all the time. Great source of cheap books.