What Are Electronic Dictionaries?
Modern smartphones have given consumers a host of tools at their fingertips, including spelling and translation information. Unfortunately, this often requires data service and always requires a charged device, so for those who are traveling, who do not own a smartphone, or who prefer a dedicated device, electronic dictionaries may be the answer.
What is an electronic dictionary?
These pocket-sized devices provide a modern alternative to large books.
- Like a paper dictionary, an electronic dictionary is a reference source that includes the spellings, pronunciations, and usage of included entries.
- Different languages are available as well, like English and Chinese. Some electronic dictionaries may have more than one language, with each language's translation for each word.
- Various publishers and manufacturers can influence the words included in an electronic dictionary. Individual models differ in their design, meaning that some may be touchscreen while others have keyboards. Those with keyboards and multiple languages often have representation for the appropriate characters as well.
What are the advantages of an electronic dictionary?
The size of the device and vocabulary, translation capability, and ease of use make electronic dictionaries appealing to many.
- Despite their small form factor, these devices often contain even more words than their paper counterparts do. A book with every word that an electronic alternative has would be very large, heavy, and cumbersome to search through and find individual entries.
- A paper dictionary requires finding the section that an entry is within, then narrowing down to it by alphabetical order, and if the spelling is completely unknown, this can be nearly impossible. It also takes more time than simply typing in the entry as a user thinks it is spelled and having the device find the correct spelling.
- An electronic dictionary can also act as a translator. Words and sometimes entire sentences can be translated back and forth between English and other languages, with English-Chinese and Chinese-English being common options. Pronunciation and the sentences or phrases can be read out loud by the device as well.
What features do Besta electronic dictionaries offer?
Input and displays on dictionaries from manufacturers like Besta make usage intuitive and expansive.
- LCD screens paired with full keyboards can make these devices seem like very small laptops. Some have touch screens instead of keyboards. Displays can be black and white or full color.
- These dictionaries may be battery-powered or rechargeable, so having a backup supply of batteries or access to outlets is required. One type may be more appropriate for a specific situation, like travelers preferring to carry batteries.
- Styluses, carrying cases, and other accessories are sometimes included, though chargers for rechargeable dictionaries may not always be included if the item is purchased used.
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