Sharp PWE500A Electronic Dictionary and Thesaurus with Quotations, Crossword and Puzzle Solver
Posted by Notcot on Sep 7, 2010 in Handhelds & PDAs |
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Electronic dictionaries have been slow to catch on in the UK, but this model may change that. I guess most children have an aversion to dictionaries full-stop. I remember at school finding it so tedious to look up words in the index, or in a dictionary, particularly when you weren’t confident about the spelling. The exercise became even more labrious if the explanation of the word contained further words you didn’t understand.
Electronic dictionaries are potentially offputting because you have to key the word in — tedious if you’re also using a computer WP package which means you’ll have to key the word in twice. But wait … if you don’t get the spelling correct, this machine suggests similar-looking words. And if there’s any word you don’t understand in the explanation of a word, you simply move the cursor to that word and jump to its explanation. Hopping around from word to word is much easier with the Sharp than with a hardcopy dictionary.
The Sharp also contains a good thesaurus and … uniquely … a fine book of quotations, from the Oxford University Press. I have the hardcopy versions of the Oxford Dictionary of English and the Oxford Book of Quotations, and I know from the size and weight of them that I would not want to lug them around. Yet this device weighs little more than a scientific calculator.
The reason I refer in the title to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is that, unexpectedly, the Oxford Dictionary of English contains a reasonable encyclopaedia. This is not sufficiently extensive to have the people at Britannica worried, but if I key in, for example, RICHARD and hit the ENTER key, I get 60-word write-ups of each of the three King Richards of England.
It is a minor marvel. And the great thing is that there is no boot-up time: you switch it on and, as fast as a calculator, it’s ready for input.
The only down-side is that, though this may look like many of Sharp’s organisers, you cannot store any of your own text or data on the device. But that’s probably for the best — I wouldn’t want to become too dependent on the thing!
Rating: 5 / 5
At £100 for the version with quotations you may hesitate. Don’t – it’s worth every penny. The device itself is well designed, feels well made and the size and weight is just right for desktop or handheld use. The content, as you would expect from the OUP, is excellent.
Those impressed by high-priced, do everything PDA gadgetry will no doubt deride the relatively low-tech display but it’s more than adequate for the job at hand and, best of all, instant start up and fit-and-almost-forget battery life will give you ample opportunity to look up the words bonehead and gullible as they go off in search of a mains socket to recharge.
As a ‘productivity tool’ it has exceeded my expectations. I read classical poetry and continually come across words that I need to look up. Previously I noted these down and looked them up afterwards so as not to break the flow of the poem. Now I am looking up words without even breaking metre, my understanding and enjoyment of the text on first reading has increased, and I am spending more time reading literature and less time looking things up.
I think the image on this page doesn’t show the latest version – the PWE500A – which has a backlight.
Any quibbles? It would be churlish of me to criticize this exceptionally useful reference tool but if pushed I’d say identifying a name entry can be a little frustrating. Take Jones – there are 6 listed but as Jones 1 to 6, not Jones, B to Jones, T. You have to guess which one is the one you want and if you’re wrong go back and try another. So instead of Daniel Jones I get Tom Jones? Well I am studying ancient classics I suppose.
Rating: 5 / 5
Saw the Sharp dictionary in a newspaper article, and thought that I’d risk a purchase. My first surprise upon getting it was just how stylish and portable it really is. My second was how easy it is to use, which is a refreshing change.
The content in the PW-E500 is what really makes it special, and I’ve found myself using all 3 of the reference works included. The dictionary definitions are superb, and the use of encylopedic data is an essential part of its appeal,along with the clearest text I’ve seen. The thesaurus is excellent, and I’ve found the quotations book to be both useful and informative.
I’ve used products by others, but what I’ve found different with the Sharp device is how it can be used as an interactive tool, leaping around different words, going back and forth in search of the right one. It’s something that would take too long with normal dictionaries.
In summary – it’s exceptional/extraordinary/singular/unprecedented… , and judging by reactions from my colleagues, will also be making many more appearances.
Rating: 5 / 5
I’ve had one of these about a year now and I’d be very reluctant to part with it. It’s become part of my life and is more important to me than my mobile phone. I originally bought this as a present for my wife, but after I’d played with it, kept it for myself.
First, the device:
The design is well thought out. You can find what you want quickly and intuitively. You can pass it to someone that’s never seen one before and even they can use it after you’ve told them to press the “DICT” button. It’s that easy. When I first got it, I wasn’t too keen on the screen, which I thought should be higher resolution, but actually, the screen is good enough to do its job. Battery life is excellent: I use it every day and still haven’t had to change the battery yet! One of the best features is you don’t need to turn it on: you just press “DICT”, “THES” or “QUOTE” and it’s ready to do what you want. It’s quicker and easier to use than a paper dictionary. I use the “DICT” function 98% of the time, but don’t regret buying the more expensive model. When you need “THES” or “QUOTE”, it’s very nice to have them right there in your pocket.
Second, the content:
I own and have used many different dictionaries, ranging from kiddies dictionaries, through to the monstrous and intimidating 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary. I can honestly say the Oxford Dictionary of English, which this device contains, is the best dictionary I have had the pleasure to use. It is comprehensive, yet unlike other dictionaries of similar size, it’s easy to understand. This, to me, is very important. What is the point of looking up a word if you can’t understand it’s definition? If you can’t follow it, you are none the wiser. The dictionary Sharp chose to put in this device is what puts the PWE500A head and shoulders above the rest.
Like the telephone, every home should have one. Maybe every pocket.
Rating: 5 / 5
I admit that I have very little to add to Gavin Wilson’s review. I found this electronic dictionary excellent – comprehesive and easy to use with good definitions and lots of extra features. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an electronic dictionary.
Rating: 5 / 5