Is there something better than Google Translate?

[artistnatural]

To amyone

My professora continues to say that Google Translate will often be wrong and should not be used as a learning device. However, lately there has been a lot of news about improvements in machine translation. If this is true where can I find something better than Google Translate?

Thanks

[Rusty]

No machine translation will be accurate every time. It is simply not possible.
I don't recommend using any machine translator.

The best learning device is total immersion. Short of that, hang out with native speakers and do your level best to communicate. Ask a lot of questions. Ask for correction.
Reading is also a very good resource. Seeing the language in its written form will help with your spelling (check the spelling of professor, by the way ;) ).

Save the grammar questions for the forums. :)

[Jiyuuna Ryuu]

Online translators are usually accurate enough for short entries (a few words). If you learn the grammar by yourself, you can use the translator for words or phrases. However, always confirm the word means what you want it to mean. Two words in Spanish may translate the same in English but mean completely different things (e.g. present as in gift and present as in to show).

Don't use a translator for an entire phrase or sentence. Translators WILL mess up even basic phrases. In addition, doing things by yourself is better for learning and also makes the Spanish sound more natural. There are many online resources all over the place if you need help with a particular sentence.