Customer Reviews

Ectaco ES600T Language TEACher English-Spanish Speaking Dictionary

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

 

 

The product may be good but don't try to get any kind of service from Ectaco if you need to return the item.

Ectaco states they will only take returns if you call for a return authorization number BEFORE shipping the item back. However, you really get a run around trying to get the number. After being transferred repeatedly, I was informed the ONE AND ONLY employee, Boris, who could give out the return authorization number was "on vacation" and instructed to leave a voice mail which would be promptly answered BEFORE the return deadline. Needless to say, my voice mail was never returned and I am stuck with a translator my daughter didn't like. In addition, they had the temerity to blame ME for not getting the return authorization by the deadline and tried claiming that every single employee I spoke with could have and would have gladly given me the authorization number if I had bothered to ask for it!!! Well I did! Why else was I on the phone first thing the day after Christmas? I was trying to follow their return policy. If you really want this product buy it used from someone else on-line and save yourself the headache of dealing with Ectaco.

It is a nice dictionary but, it is mostly for Spanish to English. For instance, the irregular verbs are English irregular verbs not Spanish irregular verbs. It also has a nice testing program, but it is for English only. The voice is of course mechanical, but it is still nice in that it will try to pronounce anything that you put input into it.

All in all it has been an invaluable, dependable, durable tool and I wouldn't want to do without it. THE PROS: compact, flat, with protective lid, purse or pocket size. Back lit display, auto shut off energy saving feature. Large vocabulary, separates verbs, adverbs, adjectives and nouns in same spelling words. The computer tries to anticipate the word you are searching for with a simultaneous display as you enter the word. Audio pronunciation feature is invaluable. Has slang words and some phrases, vulgarities and idioms but is incomplete. Scroll feature for next word in dictionary is very useful. Some words have 3 or 4 phrase use examples one can scroll through from the point of original word entry. Quick switching from English to Spanish or Spanish to English for cross referencing for definition accuracy. CONS: Only lists translated words, not actual definition descriptions. The English translations seems to be half British and half American. A very few translations make no sense at all when cross-referenced for this reason. Beeps with every key entry which eats batteries and is distracting in quiet public areas, no "silent mode" option. The computer anticipation of spelling overrides receiving subsequent entries of letters until computer anticipation display has searched its data base and has "caught up" with you. This causes missed letters and having to erase and reenter letters. Uses 3 "AA" batteries and really eats them, I've gone throught 5 or 6 sets in 5 months. There is an a/c adapter available for about $15.