PRS-600 foreign language dictionaries

[jj2me]

Translation (bidirectional) dictionaries like you get in the Ectaco jetBooks, like English <-> French, and Sony's got my $400.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by Laurentiu

I have never heard of any third party dictionaries. Even if there were, I suspect that they would be loaded as any other book, in which case, the reader (person) would have to exit the book he/she is reading, to search the word in the dictionary, then return to the book. In my opinion, this is worse than having a paper dictionary beside you.

What I would like to see is the same convenience offered by the current dictionaries: tap a word and, Bingo!, the definition appears at the bottom of the screen.
There is, however, something that I don't really like at the current dictionaries: if the word is not found, the eReader does not allow you to enter a word - the sign for keyboard appears only if the definition was found. In my opinion, this is a drawback and I think that Sony's developers made a mistake here.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the sony prs-900 offers the possibility to enter a word via the keyboard to find it in the dictionary. (I'm pretty sure I remember seeing that in a video review the other day)

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the sony prs-900 offers the possibility to enter a word via the keyboard to find it in the dictionary. (I'm pretty sure I remember seeing that in a video review the other day)

Yes, once the dictionary has popped up you can enter another word to look up.

[Laurentiu]

Originally Posted by jj2me

Translation (bidirectional) dictionaries like you get in the Ectaco jetBooks, like English <-> French, and Sony's got my $400.

Well, instead of a English <-> Language dictionary, I would rather prefer something similar to the built in dictionaries, where one gets the definition of a word, instead of the translation.

In other words: 'Voiture' (car, in French)m would come up with this definition.

I noticed, this is the best way to learn a language.

[jj2me]

Originally Posted by Laurentiu

Well, instead of a English <-> Language dictionary, I would rather prefer something similar to the built in dictionaries, where one gets the definition of a word, instead of the translation.

In other words: 'Voiture' (car, in French)m would come up with this definition.

I noticed, this is the best way to learn a language.

Thanks for that language learning tip. Although perhaps the bidirectional dictionaries might still be useful in the first few weeks of learning.

Wouldn't it be nice if Sony had a way of purchasing additional dictionaries, that got loaded as dictionaries, not books? Nice for Sony too. I'd pay $20 for a good dictionary.

[muzzle]

Originally Posted by Laurentiu

Although I realize that this is not a firm promise, I think that those who are interested in getting other dictionaries on their readers, should call Sony eReader support and open a case. The more people will ask for it, the more chances we have to see other dictionaries in our readers. So, call 1-877-263-2863 and tell them I sent you - just kidding :-), tell them you would like to see new dictionaries in your Reader.

In case you call don't forget to mention you'd be willing to pay to buy a new dictionary; they might not listen to their customers (they already have your money) but they might respond to a new potential market

[raymondchen625]

If Sony won't do it. Guess some computer guru can do it. Since the function is already there. It seems not that hard to crack the format. (hard for me) .
I downloaded a firmware modified by some guru, which enabled Chinese language support. But it seems nobody is interested to making another dictionary.

[afterry]

Right, Sony is listening and DYING to do this for us!!!

Get a grip. Like the guy said - Don't hold your breath.

I spoke to tech at Sony and they "assured" me the 600 is not and will not be bilingual!

I ended up purchasing the Jetbook - which is.

[Mike_73]

Originally Posted by raymondchen625

If Sony won't do it. Guess some computer guru can do it. Since the function is already there. It seems not that hard to crack the format. (hard for me) .
I downloaded a firmware modified by some guru, which enabled Chinese language support. But it seems nobody is interested to making another dictionary.

Looking at all the custom firmwares (e.g. for the 505) and hacks (e.g. clock and russian localization for the 600), a German dictionary doesn't seem that complicated.
I think replacing (or adding) one of the english dictionaries with German should be doable.
On the other side, you can still take notes while on the go and later look them up. Ok, this is not as convenient as a dictionary, but it should work.

The custom firmwares and hacks are all done by persons which wanted to have additional functionality, and then they bit the bullet researching all the stuff and putting the work in. It just looks as if a dictionary, after all, seems not sooooo necessary for most. Otherwise I'm sure there would be a hack.


Maybe I connect my reader to the pc later just to see if I can find the dictionaries on the device. For the device, comparing a highlighted word with words from a dictionary is just 011100110 (or similar)

[cjcinmd]

Hi Folks!

I'd like to chime in about getting Sony's attention to the community's request for additional dictionary support!! I have had my PRS-600 since Christmas (a gift, obviously!), and have read about 5 Donna Leon Brunetti mysteries. It has become, however, very apparent that an Italian-English dictionary would be quite helpful! Perhaps we should all inundate Sony's Customer Service department, and see if there is anyone listening!! Cheers!!

[franklekens]

Hm... I have no great need for bilingual dictionaries. Though maybe once they add support for multiple dictionaries, it doesn't much matter and you can get what you want anyway. But as someone earlier in the discussion said, when you're learning a foreign language, once you're past the beginner's stage a really good single language foreign dictionary is the best help towards understanding the text *and* expanding your knowledge at the same time.

[Mike_73]

Originally Posted by Mike_73

Maybe I connect my reader to the pc later just to see if I can find the dictionaries on the device. For the device, comparing a highlighted word with words from a dictionary is just 011100110 (or similar)

Ok, I have checked out the readers memory and I couldn't find the dictionaries. They must be hidden somewhere. But I got the info from one of the 505-threads to contact Porkupan. He seems to be the guy that already tinkered with some dictionaries.