Is Kindle full substitute for electronic dicctionary?

[vij_mahesh]

For my kid, I am planning to buy a electronic dictionary. I see that good electronic dictionary are around $70. Now I read that Kindle has full fledged dictionary, so why not buy a Kindle rather than electronic dictionary (just another $70).

My questions to members:
1. Is Kindle full substitute of electronic dictionary? Is there anything, which Kindle dictionary is lagging compared to electronic dictionary?

2. Is Kindle dictionary as easy to use as eletronic dictionary?

Ofcourse with Kindle, I get much more than dictionary. Your opinion please.... Thanks!

[M V]

I have recommended the SHARP PW E550 electronic dictionary many times, and have one for each kid as a matter of fact. Didn't think of the Kindle as a substitute for that!

Comparing the two (PW E550 and Kindle), the "dictionary" experience is the same. Both have the New Oxford American Dictionary. Both have the basic features like auto-complete of word to be searched.

The Kindle does not have a Thesaurus. One of its uses is kids can use for finding synonyms when writing - to find a better or less common word for a word they have in mind.

I think the other electronic dictionary features like Super Jump (look up any of the words in the definition of a word without losing place), Spell check, calculator, crossword solver, anagram solver, currency converter are nice but child might not not miss them in a Kindle.

To answer your question, I think for a grown-up who reads books and needs to look up words occasionally, Kindle's dictionary is good enough. For a child, may be not. The Kindle keyboard is also not as finger friendly as that in an electronic dictionary.

If you haven't already, you may want to read the the Kindle vs iPad posts and Kindle Wi-Fi vs Kindle 3G in Kindle books recommendations thread.

Also, my kids do use the electronic dictionary, but perhaps not often enough to warrant the $75 price. They use it more when reading a book or during a long-term writing assignment, but if they need to look up a word for regular dialy homework, the laptop is anyway on, and she sometimes just opens a new browser tab. But I look at it as a one-time expense that they will or might use for many years, so it is OK.

Add a Kindle case/cover cost if buying a Kindle. A cover is a must for Kindle, especially if kids are going to use it.

As usual, became longer than intended response : )

[vij_mahesh]

I have recommended the SHARP PW E550 electronic dictionary many times, and have one for each kid as a matter of fact. Didn't think of the Kindle as a substitute for that!

Comparing the two (PW E550) and Kindle, the "dictionary" experience is the same. Both have the New Oxford American Dictionary. Both have the basic features like auto-complete of word to be searched.

The Kindle does not have a Thesaurus. One of its uses is kids can use for finding synonyms when writing - to find a better or less common word for a word they have in mind.

I think the other electronic dictionary features like Super Jump (look up any of the words in the definition of a word without losing place), Spell check, calculator, crossword solver, anagram solver, currency converter are nice but child might not not miss them in a Kindle.

To answer your question, I think for a grown-up who reads books and needs to look up words occasionally, Kindle's dictionary is good enough. For a child, may be not. The Kindle keyboard is also not as finger friendly as that in an electronic dictionary.

If you haven't already, you may want to read the the Kindle vs iPad posts and Kindle Wi-Fi vs Kindle 3G in Kindle books recommendations thread?

Also, my kids do use the electronic dictionary, but perhaps not often enough to warrant the $75 price. They use it more when reading a book, but if they need to look up a word for homework, the laptop is anyway on, and she sometimes just opens a new tab. But I look at it as a one-time expense that they will or might use for many years, so it is OK.

Add a Kindle case/cover cost if buying a Kindle. A cover is a must for Kindle, especially if kids are going to use it.

As usual, became longer than intended response : )

Thanks MV for detailed reply.
Yes, I remembered your Sharp dictionary recommendation and I have only this particular dictionary in mind.

[go4sam]

I am also looking for same need and was comparing child talking dictionary(which could help in saying the word correctly, not sure if this is available in Sharp model) or Sharp PW E550 or Scrabble

http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-KID-1240-Childrens-Dictionary-Corrector/dp/B0002OP83I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294108560&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Electronics-PW-E550-Electronic-Dictionary/dp/B00028DM96

http://www.amazon.com/Scrabble-Nintendo-DS/dp/B001LX4BN2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1294110299&sr=8-7

[M V]

The PW E550 does not have audio pronunciation. When I researched electronic dictionaries, I was also looking for that feature, but found that dictionaries that had that feature often have less than 50,000 definitions/meanings. A dictionary needs to have definitions of at least 200,000 words to be usable by kids 9 or 10 yrs and older.

[VS007]

The PW E550 does not have audio pronunciation. When I researched electronic dictionaries, I was also looking for that feature, but found that dictionaries that had that feature often have less than 50,000 definitions/meanings. A dictionary needs to have definitions of at least 200,000 words to be usable by kids 9 or 10 yrs and older.

Do the kids use this at home or at school and any advantages of electronic one over the online or even the book if used at home?

[go4sam]

Agree, may be I need both of them(Sharp,child talking dictionary) in that case as I want kids to learn correct pronunciation.

[M V]

Agree, may be I need both of them(Sharp,child talking dictionary) in that case as I want kids to learn correct pronunciation.

Hmm.. I did not find a dictionary with at least 200,000 definitions AND audio pronunciation. At least not under $100. The child talking dictionary (Franklin) will have only 50,000 or less words. My search was a few years back BTW.

But, I have this typical desi conditioning that anything I buy should last or be useful for long. The Franklin talking dictionaries come in bright colors, are good for kids in the age group 4-7 or even 8 who like to read, so maybe worth a buy.

When craigslist was less violent, I would buy, use and sell such stuff including many learning toys from LeapFrog. Alas, now craigslist is a bad place to buy or sell.

[M V]

Do the kids use this at home or at school and any advantages of electronic one over the online or even the book if used at home?

My kids do not take it to school yet. I have heard of middle school kids taking calculators but not dictionaries to school. maybe dictionary is at high school level, if at all.

About the use at home:
[QUOTE]Also, my kids do use the electronic dictionary, but perhaps not often enough to warrant the $75 price. They use it more when reading a book or during a long-term writing assignment, but if they need to look up a word for regular dialy homework, the laptop is anyway on, and she sometimes just opens a new browser tab. But I look at it as a one-time expense that they will or might use for many years, so it is OK.


The book dictionary is still used by kids, and they even learn how to use it in 1st and 2nd grades. But, like everything else, it is the "instant coffee" generation, so an electronic dictionary, even a Franklin Children's one will be used more than a book one.

All said and done, no dictionary like mom or dad. A Walking Talking dictionary.

[vij_mahesh]

The book dictionary is still used by kids, and they even learn how to use it in 1st and 2nd grades. But, like everything else, it is the "instant coffee" generation, so an electronic dictionary, even a Franklin Children's one will be used more than a book one.

All said and done, no dictionary like mom or dad. A Walking Talking dictionary.

100% agree with MV here. Electronic dictionary is likely to be used more often. My kid wants to use computer for every word rather than paper dictionary.