06-14-2002, 03:30 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Ectaco Universal Translator Review
http://reviews.pocketnow.com/content.cgi?db=reviews&id=259
Sanjay Srikonda at pocketnow.com reviews an interesting app - I had a chance to use the English to German version a few months ago for Mobius 2002, and it was a mixed bag. Excellent concept, but somewhat awkward to use and I typically found it easier to stumble through a conversation with someone in fragmented English instead of taking out my Pocket PC to fire up the program. Here's Sanjay's conclusion on the application:
"Like I said at the beginning of this review, I really wanted to like this software. I wanted to be blown away for $79.95. Instead, I spent more time trying to figure out the interface, getting the software to function as promised, and looking for phrases that I thought should have been easier to find. All in all, my suggestion is, stick with the paper phrasebooks, they come with indexes and don't make you click 3x to get back to the main phrase screen. They're a lot more compendious and a lot easier to use. If you're looking for a neato piece of software that lets you say individual phrases to someone in another country, and if you have a LOT of time to make sure that you're getting the correct phrase out, this is for you, but it's not for me, not for the price Ectaco is asking."
I think Ectaco has the makings of a great product on their hands, but they need to drop the price at least $30, and improve the interface and speed.
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06-14-2002, 03:51 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 113
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Dutch - English version of Ectaco
I just reviewed the Dutch<->English dictionary from Ectaco for the Dutch PocketPc-club and I must say that I am quiet happy with this version. It's not the universal translater.
this is not made for translating sentences, but it gives you all different options of words being used in different context. Yes indeed you have to get used to the interface but it won't take long.
The Price however is only $49.95 for this version, which I think is still high....but as usergroups you can get a discount from them and Commission. Just contact their sales people.
Click here for my review and a link to their site.
__________________
Johan van Mierlo
Founding Partner, Sr. News & Review Editor
MobilityMinded.com & WP7.nl - Microsoft MVP - Windows Phone
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06-14-2002, 04:18 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 102
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Ectaco's Chinese dictionary
I reviewed the Chinese version too (as reported on here at the time).
The review is at:
http://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/rev...dictionary.htm
The product is definitely not a phrasebook but as a reference work and learning tool I thought it was worthwhile. I believe the price is $49.95 as posted above - I agree $79.95 would be too high.
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06-14-2002, 04:32 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 102
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Just to clarify, I reviewed the Chinese version of the partner dictionary - not the Universal Translator.
Nice review of the Spanish software by PocketNow by the way! 
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06-14-2002, 05:42 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 167
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thanks for the insights
I was hoping that the review was unbiased. I had put in, what I hoped as well, were constructive changes the company could make for usability of the software.
They have a nice concept, the UI needs work and the searchability of the phrasebook needs work, I can't say I'd recommend it if you want to carry on a conversation with someone who doesn't speak English, but as a learning tool, to hear the phrases said out loud to check yourself, it might be worthwhile, but not if it's going to cost $79.95.
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06-14-2002, 10:20 PM
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Editorial Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,411
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Ectaco Universal Translator
Does it do Klingon?
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Linear Mode
