Eectronic Translators and dictionairies

[alarm_man]

Electronic Translators and dictionaries

Does anybody have any recommendations for Electronic Translators and dictionaries (or even paper dictionaries ).  I’ve read in some trip reports how it helped a lot when the terp had gone, but have also seen some comments that it never gets used.

Are the speaking or voice recognition ones worth the extra?

Any recommendations on where to buy?

Many Thanks,
Andy

[Rags II]

I bought an Ectaco translator for use on our first trip together (to Crimea) where we would not have a terp with us 24/7.    It came in very handy then and six years later my wife still uses it at home and in her college courses quite often. That thing has paid for itself many times over and is much easier and faster than a dictionary.

Be advised that the vocabulary is somewhat limited (and at times amusing) but so are most dictionaries that you would want to drag around with you. We found the speaking feature is not really very useful or needed. One that translates phrases or sentences might be worth the extra cost.

I would say that it is a must buy item. I got ours online for $130 if I remember correctly. I probably wasted half that much on dictionaries and phrase books that I rarely used.

[Turboguy]

Ectaco is the one I hear everyone mention the most.   The old saying that you get what you pay for will never be truer than with these. 

First you need to decide what you want to do with it.   If you want to type in a word in Russian and usually get the word back in English the cheaper ones will do.   If you want to type a sentance in using English and have it translate the sentance for your lady and then have her type in a Russian Sentance and have it translate that sentance for you then you are going to need a good one.

The one I have was about a $ 300.00 unit, it was a talking one but only said the word in English which did not help me much.   Their current best model is the 800 which I have heard good things about.   It sells for about $ 500.00.  On their website I belive they will come on live and give you a discount.   I have found Ebay to be a good source for these units at a discount and new in a sealed box.  (I bought mine on Ebay)

Here is a link to their Russian-English models   http://www.ectaco.com/Russian-items/

[Gator]

I have used the 800 model for a year.  I like it; most RW like it.  Found one at ebay for less than $400.

Very important to type simple sentences, use words that do not have multiple meanings, and spell correctly.   

The battery charger accomodates both 110 and 220 voltage (but need to buy a $0.50 adapter).

[Son of Clyde]

I purchased two Ectaco translators.
Neither of them work 100% according to the instructions as some of the keys seem to serve no function, they are made of black plastic and the screen display is a dull black and white. One is a talking English/Russian dictionary that cost about $250.00 the other is a basic dicctionary and cost half the price. They both work, but they are not so nice to look at. I would think the $500.00 model would be nicer. Why is nothing made of light metal anymore?

[prince_alfie]

Isn't it possible to buy a Palm or WIndows mobile version of a Russian-English translator software rather than a Ectaco which is highly specialized?

I think that PROMT has one doesn't it?

[Daknack]

I have an Ectaco as well the highest end model they have.  Its not perfect, but nothing is even someone else translating.  But its pretty damn good.  This is a case of you get what you pay for.

[alarm_man]

Thanks guys I seem to be hesitating between:

ECTACO Partner E15C800 Multilingual Talking Electronic Dictionary and Audio PhraseBook

http://www.ectaco.com/ECTACO-E15C800/

and

http://www.ectaco.com/ECTACO-Partner-ER800/

The 15c800 will allow me to use it in other places (I like to visit Egypt a lot, but my Arabic is very poor). But the ER800 is the only one to allow full sentance translation.

Any thoughts or suggestions on the best way to go?  This thing is probably going to cost more than my plane ticket, so I want to get it right!

Many thanks,
Andy

[Turboguy]

I would vote for the ER-800.   

I can understand the idea that you can use the other anywhere.  As far as Egypt most everyone I met there with a few exceptions speaks English and Russian both.

My guess is that the 15C800 to do all the languages is going to sacrifice some capability in Russian.   I am not saying that I know that for a fact.  I have about 5 electronic translators.   The one I have that is multi language is weaker in any one of those.   I think it will be a little like our old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none".

Since the main goal it to be able to have communication with a gal who speaks little or no English I would target that application.

In the uses I have had for my own electronic translator I have found two.   Sitting in a quiet place with a Russian woman and communicating and when trying to translate something in written Russian it is faster to type it in than to thumb through the pages of a thick dictionary trying to find a word.

I have only had one occasion where I used mine "in the street" lets say.  An example of what I mean by that is that it is highly unlikely that you will use it when you are in a store and want to buy something you don't know the name of by whipping it open and typing in the word.  That is probably the only occasion you would have to use it in a place like Egypt.

[alarm_man]

Thanks for the thoughts Turboguy,  I probably was not very clear I have been visiting Egypt regularly and although you can manage without speaking any Arabic, if you can speak even a few words another world will open itself up to you.

I often don't even get charged for my hotel room, am invited to eat with the locals etc.

However, I take your point about Jack of all trades, and I think the ER or EE 800, will be the way to go,  There's no point getting something not quite as good when Russian is my main requirement, so I'll invest what is needed to solve this problem - if I decide to go for an Arabic one later that will be another choice for another situation.

I can't get over how brilliant this forum is, there is just so much information and help out there.

Thanks everybody for your contribution.

For anybody thinking of buying a Ectaco translator go to the website select the model you want and then click on the discount button.  an hour or so later you'll receive a code to get a discount off of full list price  (mine is only valid 5 days).....  (Not much but hey every little helps)

Andy

[Son of Clyde]

Andy, those two models look like the way to go. Multi color display and the case looks like it may be plastic and light metal. Much nicer than both of the ones I purchased. I am wondering if Ectaco is the only way to go? Are there other companies making these electronic translators?

[alarm_man]

Ectaco seem to be the "biggest" in the market or at least have the biggest presence on the web.

They are reccomending the ER800 as it is the only one to do full sentence translation, so it looks like thats where I'll be going.  You can also get extra cards to do other language PAIRS.  So if i Get Arab<->French  it will not do English Arab, or French Russian.

The website is very confusing and it appears that all models are shipped out of the US with a US power adaptor even though they pretend to be in France and the UK (I think they just up the prices, but offer free shipping)

Ciao,
Andy  - Who's having a great time just getting ready for his trip:)

[Gator]

Andy,

I suggest that you go to their webpage and do everything to complete an order, including entering your name and email addy, except stop just before the final step.  Do this again 3 days later.  I imagine that they will eventually offer you a discount thinking that you are on the fence.

[Son of Clyde]

Sorry to renew this old thread but I phoned Ectaco once or twice and a Russian guy answered the phone. So it is best we support Ectaco.

[2tallbill]

I really like mine. (Estaco) Sometimes even with a English speaking woman you can run into a word she doesnt understand. Its also great for shopping, or asking for directions a million and one uses.

But I remember my first trip sitting naked on the bed with a woman (also naked) and passing it back and forth and having the best time of my life at that very moment. Things didnt work out between us but I can vividly remember that moment.

Mine has a back light so that you can see and use it in the dark

Good luck,

Bill

[funkola]

I just got the ER800 on ebay for $400 shipped. It hasn't arrived yet though. Plan to take it to Ukraine with me. At home I am using Rosetta stone to learn Russian. Or at least that was the plan.....

[alarm_man]

2TallBill, well if that doesn't push me to buy one I don't know what will   Do you work for them by any chance, if not send them a pointer to your post and ask for commission, brilliant post.  Just hope mine arrives before my trip.....

Andy

[2tallbill]

2TallBill, well if that doesn't push me to buy one I don't know what will   Do you work for them by any chance, if not send them a pointer to your post and ask for commission, brilliant post.  Just hope mine arrives before my trip.....

Andy

LOL, No I don't work for them or have stock or anything else. I hope that you have a great time
Good luck,

Bill