Customer Reviews

Ectaco EE586HT Multilingual Communication System

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I researched this machine, but ultimately didn't buy it because I noticed (and confirmed with the manufacturer) that this $449.00 talking translator talks English only. I think an American or any English-speaking purchaser would expect the machine to speak the foreign language he was interested in (French, Italian, etc.) not only the language he already knows how to pronounce. This machine was designed for Europeans neading a talking feature to help them pronounce English, not the other way around. It is not bilingual both directions. If it doesn't help an English speaker pronounce the European languages, then the talking feature is useless, and the enormous cost and large size of this machine cannot be justified. This is Ectaco's current flagship translator, but it was not designed with English speakers in mind, and Amazon's customers should notice that deficiency before they buy. The limitation on the talking feature is probably counter-intuitive to an English speaking purchaser, and it might go unnoticed if not specifically pointed out before the purchase is made.

Until now, we were a Gold Dealer for Ectaco Dictionaries but due to Ectaco's failure to honour their Warranty, we no longer recommend them to our customers.
Ectaco "Service" Department failed to respond to our request for Service and when we finally got an email back from the Sales Department, trying to sell an upgrade, they told us that the warranty had expired as we had not delivered the Dictionary to them, from New Zealand, prior to the warranty expiring.
This is completely unsatisfactory and if it wasn't for the distances involved, we would take them to the New Zealand Small Claims Court.

I like this translator very much. It has all the features that I need to get along in foreign countries. It has a speaker for pronunciation (english only) and full bi-directional translation (Garza Garcia must have misinterpreted the manual). It come with variuous other features such as world time, notes, recorder, typical phrases etc.

I saw the EE586HT listed on Amazon.com and decided to take some of my time to write this message for people who would be interested in buying this AMAZING device. I paid $400.00 in a local retail store and can tell you -- it worth every peny I spent. If you are a constant traveler, student or a business man you sure do need this machine. I love it.