Franklin SCD-1870 Speaking 11th Collegiate Dictionary

First of all, let me warn you. There are at least two models of Franklin-Merriam Webster's Dictionary. The cheap one (list price $59.99) is worth less than $20. The expensive one (list price $99.99) is worth $300 or more.The cheap model is a VERY bad deal for two reasons:(1) The display is very difficult to read (even configured with large type size).(2) It is lacking in vocabulary. What is the point of carrying along a dictionary that ignores the meaning of 100,000 words?The expensive model is a wonderful deal for several reasons:(1) The display is excellent even in the small print size. I spend hours playing games and my eyes don't get strained.(2) It has twice the vocabulary of the cheaper model (200,000 words) and it pronounces the words.(3) It has several powerful dictionary and thesaurus tools and a cornucopia of extra features laid out in a very friendly interface.(4) It has several Learning Tools, including the SAT word list, flashcards, speaking spelling bee and a grammar guide.(5) You can add words to the dictionary if you want to. It also accepts book cards.(6) After looking up a word in the dictionary, you can add it to your personal list and review it as a flash card. What a great idea!(7) It has 12 educational vocabulary games that are a lot of fun. Each game has five levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert and wizard. You can also configure the games to use only the SAT vocabulary.(8) It also has a calculator, metric converter, a clock and a databank. Each one of the extras is easy to find and yet do not compete with the dictionary. Every time you turn the machine on it works by default as a dictionary. Perfect!OK folks, now the bad news. While the cheap model is easy to find, you won't find the expensive model in most computer stores, even the large ones. So most customers end up buying the wrong model, like I did.For some reason, most shop owners do not leave expensive electronic products on display. If the machine costs around 100 dollars, they hide it in a secret chamber. I bought the cheap model because it was the only one I could find. Later on I ordered the top Franklin model from Amazon.All Franklin models have a similar name. I noticed that some Amazon reviewers who gave this product a low rating were actually writing about a different model. So don't get yourself confused. Make a note of the full name of the top model: Franklin Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition Speaking.

This product is okay. It is a good product for its price. However, I have some frustrations over its functionality. Its processor is quite slow. If one types in a word incorrectly, it can take up to good 5-10 seconds searching for the best matching words. Moreover, the keypads are too stiff. It requires too much effort to depress its buttons. My fingers often get fatigued during a long stretch of reading - or maybe I am looking up too many words. Furthermore, its pronunciation function is not reliable. Despite its less than perfect pronunciation, the manufacturer failed to provide pronunciation symbols. Thus, one must rely only on its verbal feedback. On the positive side, it provides clear and succinct definitions, portability, and durability.I have another brand of electronic dictionary by SHARP and its functionality and ease of use is phenomenal. It comes with a built-in voice recorder with an expansion SM card slot. Thus enables user to record several hours of voice recording. Furthemore, its processor is super fast and keypads are smooth. However, my Sharp does not have clear and succint of definition as Franklin and its extremely expensive ($375 USD).In conclusion, Frankline is a good-buy considering its price.

I used Franklin old version of e-dictionaries for many years and I WAS really satisfied. Then my e-dictionary broke and I bought this NEW! model.Very funny, very slow, somtimes you can nap...and poor in words. Just type the word "London" and you can NOT find any definition that "London is the Capital of England"....overall it is not as previous Franklin company products. I comment Japanese or other brand e-dictionaries that are cheaper and more efficient.

This item worked great except after 2 years the on/off button does not work anymore. The add-on slot for accessories, say encyclopedia-4th edition, is useless. The encyclopedia is slow to load. Looking to by another talking dictionary but will not consider Franklin!