Best expensive e-dictionary?

[Mr. Graves]

Here's what I need in a mandarin-Chinese electronic dictionary:

-traditional/simplified characters (+ pinyin)

-writing recognition

-touch screen

-high-quality word sound pronunciation (mp3)

-Also, learning exercises would be a plus!

I don't need extra language features such as Japanese, Korean, etc. Although I wouldn't be opposed to them if those features are included in my ideal e-dictionary.

I'm not concerned about the price. I just want to know where I can find the best of the best.

Thanks for the help!!

-Graves

[Guest realmayo]

Plecodict is very good. Can't remember if it has pronunciation though. Runs off a palm or (I think) pocket pc.

[ipsi()]

Plecodict 1.0.3 has all of those bar Pronounciation. It also doesn't have learning exercises as such, but it does allow you to import or create flashcards which you can then use to test yourself. Very handy . It also contains a number of printed dictionaries in electronic form:

ABC Chinese -> English

New World Press English -> Chinese

Oxford Concise Dictionary English -> Chinese / Chinese -> English

Cheng & Tsui Lexicon of Business Terms English -> Chinese

I think it's generally fantastic, and far more oriented towards an English student than any of the electronic ones you can buy in China. 1.0.3 generally works best on a Palm device. This is not true of 2.0, for which Pleco is now recommending a Windows Mobile device (but 2.0 will work on a Palm - I'm using the beta on my 680).

Pleco 2.0, currently in open beta, will contain pronounciation. I don't know what your definition of high-quality is, but it seems generally fine to me.

It will also contain (I think) three or four new dictionaries, two of which are available for Beta Testers to purchase (They'll only be available for 2.0, I'm afraid).

It only supports Chinese, which obviously isn't a big negative for you.

Best to check http://www.pleco.com for more info .

[Howatt]

If you want the best of the best here are the 2:

1. Instant-Dict MD300WiFi - http://www.instant-dict.com.hk/product_details.asp?modelno=78

It has everything + Internet access

2. Not quite as good but reasonable is the BESTA CD-868

[L-F-J]

i've been shopping for one recently. just came across that md300wifi, it looks amazing! have you used it? just gotta find the best price for it and its mine.

[Howatt]

I have been using the MD300WiFi, and its great.!!! Easily the best on the market now.

The best price I got was from:

The best price I was able to track down was this:

$439/unit and they gave me FREE International Express Shipping also.

http://www.powerdictionary.com/cgi-bin/dictionary/index.html

Best of luck.

[imron]

If you're going to be paying that much for a dictionary, you really should consider just purchasing a Palm (or a windows mobile device) + Pleco. For example a Palm TX (which also has built-in WiFi and other bits and bobs) retails for $300 from Palm's website (so could almost certainly be had cheaper elsewhere). Pleco professional costs $100, plus another $60 if you want a Chinese-Chinese dictionary for version 2, so prices are pretty comparable.

It doesn't do other languages, however unlike most (all?) other e-dictionaries, Pleco has been designed for English-speaking learners of Chinese, and it shows. It really is an excellent product and the biggest complaint you usually hear about it, is how its taking so long for the new version to come out

Anyway, I've been running the release candidate of Pleco 2 for almost the last week without any problems so far. In fact by all accounts it contains a host of improvements over 1. The audio used is actual recordings of native speakers (male and female) rather than computer generated text-to-speech and quality is good.

[L-F-J]

thanks for the info! i'm still shopping. just started, but my eyes are set on the md300wifi. i may very well end up getting that.

howatt, i have a couple questions about it though.

first, does the dictionary display both the characters and the pinyin? i've seen screen shots just showing the characters and then the english. even with the voice though, i'd want to be sure of the pinyin and tone, you know? also chinese-chinese dictionary?

second, it has the capability of extending the dictionary by downloading dictionary updates, as with other models, correct?

that would probably be a deal maker. not sure what else i could ask from it, really. thanks again for the info!

Edited October 30, 2008 at 03:44 AM by L-F-J