Did you ever get the feeling that there were occasions where you were actually sitting on a word but couldn’t utter or use it because you were not sure of its meaning? Well, you could probably refer a dictionary, but then are rudely reminded of the fact that you don’t carry voluminous books under your arms wherever you go. Did you ever feel that you wanted, when on the move, a thingamajig that would solve all your vocabulary problems at the press of a key?
If ever you wanted to have the benefit of a dictionary with you, which would help you in your day to day dealings but without the cumbersome bulk or the muscle straining weight which comes with it. Then, relax, your wish is not a dream anymore, it can be turned into a reality by your own actions. Well, there’s a catch, you have to go, see, and buy a dictionary, not any ordinary dictionary, mind you, but a small innocuous looking piece of electronic gadgetry – ‘BOOKMAN’ Dictionary and Thesaurus.
Franklin Electronic Publisher’s ‘BOOKMAN’ Dictionary & Thesaurus is an exhaustive electronic dictionary providing, at the touch of a button, instant access to more than 274, 000 definitions, 496, 000 synonyms and spelling correction for over 83, 000 words from the world famous Merriam-Webster’s dictionary.
This electronic dictionary identifies and defines words that sound-alike such as, to, too, and two. It also has a Custom word list where I can store up to 40 personal words.
PLUS The Exclusive Bookman Book Card Slot.
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The MWD 440 has an automatic demonstration feature which helps us to get acquainted with all the important functions of the device. It has also an useful ‘help’ key to guide you if you get stuck midway.
Context-sensitive help messages spring up to guide you the correct way, so you can leave you hair alone at least while using this device.
The adjustable screen contrast feature helps you to adjust the screen sharpness as per the available lighting.
Automatic shutoff time feature helps to save battery life when left unused for more than reasonable time – approximately 6 minutes.
2- to 4 -line screen display with blue coloured fonts against a light blue backround with selectable type sizes including ’Large’ type
Size and Weight: 4-3/4’’ x 3-3/8’’ x 5/8’’; 3.5 oz.
Batteries: Two 3 Volts CR2032 Lithium button cell power the unit.
The BOOKMAN comes with a Book Card slot in the back, for expanding or interchanging Book Cards. All you need to do is snap in a variety of domino-sized Book Cards for access to an entire library of information.
Each Book Card contains an entire publication--switching between the built-in title and a Book Card is as easy as pressing a key!
“Build a library of BOOKMAN Book Cards in subject areas such as reference, foreign language, health & nutrition, sports, bilingual dictionaries and religion. Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. created the handheld electronic reference category in 1986 with the introduction of the Spelling Ace® electronic spelling corrector. Today, the company develops and markets a library of handheld electronic reference products, each of which instantly retrieves data for viewing anywhere! These products include dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, Bibles, medical reference works, personal organizers, entertainment, and educational devices.”
You need to buy these separately. The one Book Card that came free with my MWS-440 is “Great Documents of American History.”
3 engrossing word building games - Hangman, Anagrams and Word Train come preloaded that can change your hours of boredom into a highly enjoyable and satisfying experience.
Hangman:
The aim is to try to guess the word behind the question marks before getting hanged. Guess the word by typing in letters. Guess the right word and the question mark over that letter disappears. Guess incorrectly, and you help the little man to the gallows. If you misjudge the word, or your options are over, you lose and this is actually depicted in the form of the man getting hanged. Time for a new game! The game has beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Anagrams:
Anagrams are words that can be built by rearranging the letters of another word. Each letter can be used only as many times as it appears in the main word. Each anagram must be at least a specified length. The number of possible anagrams is displayed on the top line (MWD-440)
Word Train:
Complete a word (at least four letters) in the train before the unit does. You type the first letter and the unit will type the second letter. The game will go back and forth with each side typing a letter until a word is completed. Typing of only one letter at a time is permitted (MWD-440).
All the games are wonderful and help in building the vocabulary of children and adults as well.
It is said, “The dictionary is a great book, it hasn’t got much plot but the author’s vocabulary is wonderful.”
I wouldn’t want to argue with that.
© M B Farookh. Jan, 2005.