Franklin BES-2150 Speaking Merriam-Webster Spanish-English and Advanced Learner's English Dictionary (BES-2150)

I haven't used many talking dictionaries, but this one is great. The screens and keyboard are pretty intuitive. I haven't looked at the instructions yet because, honestly, I haven't really needed them, so I don't know how comprehensive they are. The voice function is pretty clear, even on the highest volume setting. The size of this device is very convenient as well: small enough to fit comfortably into your pocket, but large enough that you're probably not going to lose it. Also, I figured out how to work the backlight on my second try: if you're familiar with laptop keyboards, you'll recognize the FN key and the little picture of a lightbulb next to the Enter key and go from there. (The first time I tried, I just pressed the FN key and then the Enter key, but on my second try, I realized I'd have to hold down the FN key while pressing Enter.) It's really not that difficult. There is a bit of a delay sometimes while the device is "thinking", but what exactly do you expect from an electronic dictionary like this? It's not like Franklin would have/could have put a mega-powerful processor in the thing. Overall, this is an excellent little device, and I'm very pleased with my purchase.

This translator works probably like most of the other ones on the market, but one thing that should be taken into consideration is that this should probably be used by someone who is trying to learn English and not vice versa. Most of the books and reference materials that are pre-downloaded are used to teach English. The only thing that I find useful is the Spanish-English dictionary, and this is only useful if you know a Spanish word that you want to have translated. It will also take any English word and translate it into Spanish, but it does not translate phrases. You can't learn Spanish one word at a time, and also if you try to translate an English sentence literally into Spanish, you will not get the anticipated meaning. So if you don't know a good bit of Spanish, this is probably the wrong device for you. I wish it would translate more prepositions and linking-words and two to three word phrases like 'instead of' or 'for the sake of' or 'once upon a time'. It doesn't. So if you're trying to learn Spanish, this is probably not the product for you......

I bought it after reading most of the reviews here. the 2150 is functionally working fine as a dictionary, it is small and easy to put in my pocket. However, my main complaint is it is hard to read the screen. I don't notice any backlight. I tested by turning of the light in my room at night, and there is no light from the 2150 screen, nothing, nada.

I read the 5-star reviews for this little translator and was so excited to be getting it. I am a native English speaker with HS Spanish only and a volunteer teacher for English As A Second Language in my small Texas town. I should have read the 1-star reviews too, as I advise prospective buyers to do (the other ones besides mine). This device is intended for Spanish speakers who are learning English, not the other way around. If you are good with machines and don't mind searching a lot and not finding, then you might not care that it's difficult to navigate through, but it was useless for me, and I am returning it.Also, the instructions are very poor. As evidence, check out all the reviewers who couldn't figure out how to turn the backlight on! I was one until I saw that someone else told in his review how to do it. You hold down the Fn key and then press the Enter key, which has a tiny light bulb inscribed over it. But there are no instructions included with regard to this feature which was one of the better reasons to get this model. It's hard to read unless you use the backlight.I gave this device one star just because it seems intended for Spanish, not English, speakers, and also because the instructions are very poorly done. Otherwise, it seems like a sturdy little device. But not worth $80+ for me. Thank goodness for Amazon's return policy! (I bought from the Amazon Prime listing. You should check the return policy of your seller if you think you want to try it but aren't sure you'll like it.)

Although I've not had too much usage yet, the unit seems very versatile and has a comprehensive data set. The package is very compact so it fits in a purse very well. I like the fact that it has a cover built in so that the face does not get damaged when carried. It seemed a bit expensive, but as it should last for years, it will not be expensive in the long run. I was please with the idioms presented. They are perhaps the hardest thing for a non-English speaker to understand.

Don't bother spending more on the 2150. This is the third Franklin dictionary I have purchased, and this was the greatest waste of money. The "backlight" is non-existent, the screen is difficult to read except under well-lit conditions. I owned a BES 1650 with a manual back light that was far superior to this model, but alas, it finally wore out. I see virtually NO difference in the 2100 and the 2150, despite what other reviewers have stated. I agree with the reviewer that stated this model is a BIG disappointment. I will NEVER purchase another Franklin product, despite my delight with the BES 1650. Being ripped off twice, first with the 2100 and then with the 2150 is too much.