The Super Dictionary

I am not a fan of PDAs - Personal Digital Assistants that is- Public Displays of Affection are fine, especially if I am the recipient. Between a PowerBook, iPod, Wordtank and mobile phone I feel I have enough gadgets and I like the kinaesthetic aspect of taking notes in my trusty Kokuyo 105 by 148 mm Campus notebook. Some people however love PDAs - and this hint is for them. Peter Rivard has written an article about setting up a PDA to be a super dictionary - for those people who are yet to fork out for a Canon Wordtank or other electronic dictionary you may be persuaded....

Comments

[RichB]

Extremely helpful and informative site, but I think you have given too short shrift to Mr. Rivard's post. As he points out, contemporary versions of Wordtanks are very user-unfriendly to non-native Japanese speakers. His post shows you how to set up an English-language PDA with Japanese language input, then how to install multiple, cross-referenced dictionaries with literally millions of entries, and with "save" function for later study. From there, it is possible to set up a contemporary Palm PDA (probably PocketPC as well) to be an all-in-one, lean, mean Japanese studying machine. Palms have a notepad function that allows you to scribble study notes or new vocabulary in your own handwriting on the fly. (Some also have a voicememo function.) You can then add Supermemo or similar flashcard system to master your newly acquired vocabulary. You can strengthen your listening skills by listening to podcasts or (if you have one of the newer Palms) by watching video clips from Japanese movies and TV programs, with an add-on like the excellent freeware TMPCP. In short, it is not a choice between a PDA and a Wordtank, but, following Mr. Rivard's lead, between a PDA and a video iPod.

[CarolinaLawson19]

I would like to propose not to hold back until you earn big sum of cash to buy goods! You should just take the personal loans or college loan and feel yourself fine