Customer Reviews

Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus - iPod enabled

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

 

 

I am always on a lookout for a good computer-based dictionary. I have tested a few different versions by various software publishers. Currently, I am using Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary 3.0 and Think Map's Visual Thesaurus 3.0. I was very excited to find this product: a combination of PC/MAC-based and iPod-based dictionary! Inside the box, I also found a code for one year of free subscription to M-W Dictionary online. Wow! Then, I installed the dictionary on my 80GB iPod... And that was it! The iPod went into endless "loading notes" mode (the dictionary installed in the Notes section of the iPod storage). Worse yet, when I reset the iPod, the loading process of hundreds of notes started anew. I am sending this product back.

Purchase with caution, not for Itouch or the Iphone. You will not be able to install it. This was not clear to me at purchase time ... sigh ... I actually cancelled my order and reordered this after noting the "Ipod" extra; paying the extra few dollars. Oh well, lesson learned, go slow and read the (fine) print.

I'm very happy with my purchase of the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus. I have a Mac and PC and use it on both. It's very handy for everything from word games to writing compositions without going into other programs to find a word. It opens fast and easy. Fast delivery also and in excellent condition. I recently ordered an iPod so I'm looking forward to using it with that too.

I can't compare this product to other electronic dictionaries but I am in the Google/Firefox camp, used to easy searches and using lots of keyboard shortcuts.

This product's user interface leaves something to be desired. There's a "favorites" feature that lets you save words but there's no keyboard shortcut to save a word. When you search for a word, you can't preview the definition without actually going into the entry, and can't go "back" unless you're still in the search toolbar. There are no instructions included for installing it on an iPod so I hope it will install.

The good: It includes a spelling helper, lots of foreign language words, a lookup feature (highlight a word in your browser/Word/... and hit ctrl+c+c to look it up), and, of course, a great set of definitions that include pronunciation sound files and etymological explanations.

I would look for a different dictionary before buying this one. Be smarter than me -- check screen shots before buying.

Easy to load and use. Helpful at doing homework or with assigned reading at school (10th grade).

My grandfather is the using it and he said it woork very good. He is enjoying it.