With the exception of this feature, the MD7250 is largely similar to the GD700, with a 500,000-word/character vocabulary and synthetic English/Mandarin/Cantonese voice. Higher-end models of the Language Teacher line also have the stylus-input feature, but the Franklin model is notable for being far less expensive than equivalent Language Teacher models, and for having its input pad on the bottom-half of the device -- stylus-input on Language Teacher models is done on the screen itself.
LANGUAGE TEACHER GD986
US$330
The GD986 represents the top of the Language Teacher line. Like the Franklin model, you can use a stylus to enter Chinese characters or tap away at the touch-screen capability, but where either of the aforementioned models might be found packed into a traveler's carry-on bag, the GD986 is for serious students and language professionals. It works not only with Chinese and English, but a total of eight languages. It has a built-in 800,000-word/character vocabulary that can be expanded through the addition of IC cards and downloads. It also helps students through grammar and sentence-building programs that can also be expanded.
There are models in the Language Learner line between this model and the GD700 that contain some of these features -- the EC5900HV, for example, also offers grammar tutorials -- but none have all the bells and whistles of the GD986, nor its hefty price tag.
INSTANT LD9988 SUPER
US$200
Instant Corp is a local manufacturer of top-selling electronic dictionaries. It's LD9988 Super, like Language Teacher's GD986, represents the top of the company's line. It is the equal of the GD986 in most every respect. It's built-in dictionary recognizes nearly a million words/characters and its grammar tutorial programs can be expanded through IC cards and Internet downloads. The two big differences between the LD9988 and the GD986, however, is that this locally manufactured model costs US$130 less, and that its interface is in Chinese. Despite the Chinese interface, it deserves a mention here. Why? If you're in the market for a machine that can do all that these last two models can, a Chinese-language interface is likely no problem for you. It must be said, however, that the expandable tutoring programs available for the LD9988 are strictly for Chinese speakers learning English.
One last note on electronic dictionaries: If you don't need a device you can stick in your pocket and you already own a computer, you can knock US$100 or more off the price of a digital dictionary by buying only the software. Some of the best brands available in this category are Dr. Eye, KuaiXue and Wenlin, the latter of which especially is an excellent tool for learning Chinese. The drawback to most of these programs is the lack of stylus input. But for the difference in price, it might be worth a few extra keystrokes.
Check out www.translation.net for a detailed run-down of popular electronic dictionaries.
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