Job Discussion Forums

[West Brom]

No it doesn't have that. You will need to spend a bit more.

[shmooj]

The Sharp one doesn't have that Kanji writing function either. In fact, there wasn't a single one in the shop (maybe twenty or so models) last year that had this function. Do you know of a model that does? I'd be interested to know.

[3rdEye]

Sorry to intrude. Actually, I've also thought about e-dictionaries (they're so hip and handy), but seems I've become too attached to the old books I've used for years. Either that or I'm just a really cheap. I don't want to be the old "Luddite" who pulls the plug (actually I love technology), but, books do save you a ton of money in the end, and they take wear and tear better than a high tech gizmo, and can be replaced cheaply. If you have financial difficulties, but still want to learn, its something to consider. And actually, books don't have to be all that heavy since you can easily get small "poketto" size mini versions. Of course when it comes to kanji, you obviously need both a kanwa jiten and kokugo jiten. Books also have the usual bushu-sakuin, onkun-sakuin, soukaku-sakuin charts for overall skimming.

There are other publishers, but in my case, I've always used the pocket "Kan-Wa-Ji-Ten" compiled by Toudou Akiyasu, originally published by Sho-bun-sha in 1982. This is still published today and updated. And "Koku-Go-Shin-Ji-Ten", with English and pen script, compiled by Yanai Kiusaku, published by Kin-en-sha in Showa 59. The original price was just 850 yen, its still published today, but now costs over 1200 yen. They're not hard to find I think. And if you check out a used book store, you might find it for as low as 250 yen. Ask your local friends in the community too, they might even give you a pocket dictionary for free! Both of these are the size of small walkmans and not heavy at all. Fits in any bag or case. Old is not necessarily inconvenient. Anyways, just a thought...

(PS: Sorry about the about the above romaji if you wanted more accurate references. I tried to type in japanese script, but I just get these odd codes.)

Cheers and happy studies!