Customer Reviews

Franklin MWD-1450 Merriam-Web Dictionary Thesaurus, downloadable content capability

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought mine as a reference for times when I don't have access to the internet (dictionary.com is a lifesaver), like when I'm on the plane or train or reading in bed and really don't feel like getting up.

The screen is a little annoying but not off-putting. The lack of pronunciation was mind boggling to me. The first time I used mine I kept scrolling up and down, thinking that I'd missed it somewhere. But at least the words are broken down into syllables, which gives me a good idea of how the word should be said.

But the thing that's driving me crazy is that half of the time I go to look up a word it's not in there. I'm thinking of getting the 'advanced dictionary and thesaurus' bookcard--though I don't think Amazon sells them-- and hopefully that will fix the problem. Kinda annoying that I'd have to pay another [money] just to get it to do what I bought it for. On the other hand, maybe I should have known better since I have the same problem with old-fashioned paper and glue collegiate dictionaries.

Otherwise it's great. It's lightweight, turns on instantly, even looks kinda cute. A few tweaks and the next model could be brilliant.

Let me start off by saying that I have owned both the Franklin SCD-1870 and the MWD-1450. After using the 1450 for about a week, I returned it to the store where I purchased it.

I will present this review as a comparison between the Franklin SCD-1870 and the MWD-1450.

Content:
The winner is the 1870. You know that the 1870 has a larger database by the specifications, but it really becomes apparent when you use the device. With the 1450, many words are available for lookup, but it only tells you the part of speech. To find the definition, you have to access the thesaurus for a brief definition with synonyms. So far, the 1870 has contained every definition that I have asked from it, with the exception of some modified words. For example, if you search for `ardently,' it will only return that it is an adverb. If you want the definition, you have to enter the root, or `ardent.'

Others have mentioned the 1450's lack of phonetic spellings, which I did find to be a disappointment. The 1870 also lacks the printed phonetics, but makes up for it with the speaking ability. On the topic of speaking, the 1870 does pretty well. It is a little quite, but I think that is a good thing. I don't have to worry about accidentally speaking a word too loudly in the office. The synthesized voice is a little hard to follow while reading the definitions due to an unnatural flow. Some words are spoken with no space between them, while others leave a ½ second between words.

The 1870 has a lot more to offer past the dictionary and thesaurus capabilities, most of which I don't have much use for. It has a menu for "Signs, Symbols and Tables" that lists lots of... well, signs, symbols and tables. The content varies from the astronomical symbols used to label the planets on a sky chart, to the start-dates of the Jewish calendar, to the books of the Bible, to the elements of the Periodic Table. Could be useful to some, but I don't find myself needing to access that information very much.

Both have some word games, with the 1870 having at least twice as many as the 1450. They both use cheesy graphics for transitions (winning or losing a game) that you can easily turn off. Due to the poor screen of the 1450 (see below) I did not spend much time on the games. The 1870's games are entertaining. One feature that I miss from the 1450 is a "Word Learning" option. It was sort-of like a "word of the day," except it would give you a new word every time you powered up (I guess you could call it "word of the session").

I will not comment on the organizer capabilities of each device because it is something that I personally have no use for. I can imagine, however, that this feature would have been helpful while I was a high school student (10 years ago!).

Screen:
With the number of electronic devices incorporating LCD's today, the quality to cost ratio is usually extremely high. Not so, however, with the 1450. The screen is MISERABLE. Aside from the inconvenient screen size, the quality simply sucks. You have to have absolutely perfect lighting to read the screen with ease; lighting that I do not have in my office or next to my bed at home. It was my sole reason for returning the 1450.

The 1870 on the other hand, has a screen that is clear, legible, and a pleasure to read, and is much larger and more efficient at providing information -that's what I expect.

Ergonomics:
I initially preferred the horizontal layout of the 1450, but have grown to favor the vertical design of the 1870. The vertical arrangement makes it natural to hold in one had while navigating the system. The 1450's keyboard is easier to use since the buttons are larger and spaced further apart. However, the buttons seem like the printing will wear off very quickly. On the 1870, the buttons manageable.

Construction:
Here, I would have to favor the 1450 for its cover. It is hard and opens and snaps shut with ease. I would have no worries dropping it into my pocket and forgetting that it was there. The 1870 has a semi-soft cover that just flips around from the front to the back. It is convenient, but it doesn't protect the screen and buttons as well and the attachment feature seems rather flimsy.

The 1450 tries to be high-tech with `touch-screen technology.' It is a waste. You can clearly see the wiring lines on the screen that make it function, and you end up with lots of fingerprints and smudges at the bottom of the already crowded screen. The 1870 uses much more robust dedicated buttons below the screen to access the menu items.

For use on a desk, I prefer the 1870. The 1450 was nice... until you start typing. While pressing the letters to the outside, the unit rocks side-to-side, which gets annoying. The 1870 can lay nice and flat, and can easily be propped up for easy viewing as seen in all of the advertising photos. In this position, it is not practical to enter or scroll through information.

Recommendation:
Both units provide sufficient value to the user. The MWD-1450 would be more suited for a younger user, perhaps elementary students up to high school. The hard cover makes it that much more rugged and able to withstand the abuse of a backpack. Also, children are less demanding on quality and ease of use and are less likely to complain about the poor screen. From high school on up, the SCD-1870 is the definite winner. It has a far greater ease of use, many more functions, and a larger content that is demanded at a higher level.

Overall, the 1450 is OK and the 1870 is GREAT. Enjoy!

I have two of these devices.

1) The screen display is terrible. I have selected larger text display and fruitlessly tried to improve the display usability by carefully adjusting the contrast. Absolutely futile (You have to see this to believe it!). I have to hold it just right and even then I often end up using a magnifying glass. (My glasses are only 1.5 so that is not the problem!)This is more what you would expect on a much cheaper product.

2) The supplied definitions are extremely terse. About what you would expect from a cracker box dictionary.

3) This very definitely is a "politically correct" dictionary. Remember, he who controls what words are available with which to express our thoughts controls our very thoughts. It seems as if any word that could possibly offend absolutely anyone has been deleted. "Mommy, what is a 'redneck'? It isn't in the dictionary!" (and almost every other word as well. Even Jesus isn't allowed!)

A popular adage is that "you get what you pay for". Whatever I paid for I definitely did not get with this product.

I was in the market for electronic dictionaries after my old one I used throughout high school finally passed away. Didn't know what was out there until I checked amazon; wasn't interested in the extravagant one's that talk to you 'cause I could always figure out the pronunciation for a word later on the internet or with some other dictionary at home. Yet I still wanted a higher quality dictionary that would be able to define all the words I inquired. This Franklin model turned out to be a very satisfying choice. So far it's had every word I've searched for including such fancy, obscure ones as maladroit, oneiric, nonage, outre and vitiate. The screen display is fine, it's only a little hard to see when the lights are dim but even then you can tilt it a little bit to see more clearly. The size is just right, fits comfortably into your hand, and so far it has proven to be very robust as I keep it in the front pocket of my backpack which gets thrown at walls and the ground often out of frustration induced by stressfully excessive schoolwork. It searches and brings up your entries super fast and likens the e-dictionary it replaced to my sluggish grandma on a hot summer's day. It's very easy to use and actually has touch-screen capabilities so you can conviently switch between games or the thesaurus with the mere tap of your finger. I should also add that though the definitions will not provide pronunciations, they do list all the derived forms of the word. I think this e-dictionary would be best for someone who writes papers or any other kind of literature and needs to promptly double check definitions or someone who aspires to expand their vocabularly but is burderned by their bad memory like me, habitually forgetting the meanings of new words. I honestly have to say I don't have any words of criticism for this product other than next to the enter button is another button that if you accidently press takes you to the clock (then you have to press menu, and select dictionary to go back, but all in all a minor vexation).

I bought the MWD-1450 after accidentally breaking the screen on my Franlkin Pagemark dictionary which I had for only 2 months. This one has basically the same set-up as the previous. The Upside: It is lightweight and portable, and you can add words to a personalized word list. Downside: no pronunication (pro-nun-si-ay-sh'n) key, screen doesn't have a led light, and word list can only hold 40 words. Overall, this is a good buy.

This electronic dictionary does not display pronunciation for the words that you look up. If learning the pronunciation is also important to you, you should stay away from this product.

there are many bad points about this electronic dictionary.

a) the thesaurus is terrible. when you search a word, it only gives you about 4 or 5 synonyms.

b) the dictionary is also very poor. the definitions are not very easy to understand, sometimes it gives a rather stupid answer. for example, lets say you didn't know what the word 'indignation' meant. you type in the word, and the definition will say something like 'to be indignant'. hiw are you meant to learn anyting from that??

at one point i got so fed up with this piece of junk i resorted to the trusty book-form dictionary. buy a book version instead; this thing isn't worth half it's price.

The screen display is terrible. Couldn't really see anything.
You really have to tilt to certain direction in order to view
the definition.
It needs real imporvement on the contrast. Everything else is fine.

My daughter's English teacher (who is very demanding but an awesome educator!) recommended this for his Honor's English class and it has been a wonderful writing tool! It has not only helped with her composition skills, but the increase in verbal vocabulary skills is noticeable, also. That's important in a world of "whatever" and less-than-literate text messaging popularity. A valuable instrument that would make an excellent gift for your favorite student or your favorite writer.

How did I ever get along without this gadget. Any student should be required to carry one of these handy little toys.

It has helped me broaden my vocabluary. And anything that I hear or read & don't understand I could just look it up.

I would not change a thing. It's compact, has it's own carry case/cover. It even has a phonebook, calculator and a few fun games. Get this one if you have a choice. The thesarus is great addition. I use it regularly.