Franklin Speaking 14 Language Translator with Merriam-Webster Dictionary EST-5014

I am about to embark on my first trip outside the good ole' USA, heading to Paris & possibly Amsterdam. One of my concerns is communication & money exchange. After purchasing & returning within a day, another translator, I did my homework on this one & found it had much better features that will help me. I received it within about a week & a half & immediatlely found it to be something I will benefit from. One feature I was specifically looking for was a backlight. Without it, if you're in a dimly lit area, it will be no good to you. I've only had it for a day & found it to be pretty easy to use. Of course, there are many features I've yet to learn about, but I'll be happy with the basics.The voices are very clear & not robotic. The main language you choose is a man's voice & the translated voice is a woman's. The screen is easy to read & there is an adjustment for the size of the text. The translator itself is about the size of a cell phone. It comes with a carrying case, ear phones, batteries & computer connector.Although I still need to familiarize myself with the many features, I highly recommend this product.

The instructions in the package state that there is a USB connection.It was not in the package.I am so disappointed in this product,it does not serve it's purpose.It would be more practical to simply use a dictionary.The instructions on how to use the product are confusing and inaccurate.The screen light is way too dim, even at it's brightest.The product does not translate, except to say in the foreign languagethat it did not find what you wanted!!!!!It was too expensive for what it is suppose to offer.

This translator enables you to look up for words in different languages very conveniently. You can use the English-Russian dictionary then just push a button to use Spanish-German dictionary. Also, the translator offers genuine voice recording that is, I find, pretty satisfactory. However the multi-lingual translator is quite limited in vocabulary, and also in definition(i.e. ambiguous words are not fully translated). And some more small complaints: it does not have backlightning(?) function and a hole around which I could tie a thread so that I could look up for words carrying it on streets and feel safe in case it falls from my hand.

My mother lives in Korea and wanted a translator that she could key in the Korean text (in Korean letters, not romanized) and find out the English meaning and this does just that.It also has Arabic and Cyrillic characters on the keyboard. It does NOT have Japanese or Chinese characters on the keyboard.If you are purchasing this as a gift - when the descriptions says "Allows for Pinyin (Chinese) and Romaji (Japanese) input via QWERTY keys" it means that the characters are not on the keyboard and you have to know how to pronounce the words phoenetically in order to translate them. I had to conclude from that that they meant the others ARE included on the keyboard so I thought I'd make it easier for someone else to figure that out - The other three languages using different character sets do appear on the keyboard so that actual input would match say a sign or menu.

i thought it was voice activated but it is not and could not return it either, I am stuck with it now. I waste over hundred dollars for nothing. Thanks!!

Disapointed...The screen is too small and it is hard to read especially during the day.Also i was supposed to have a cable to connect to the computer but i am still waiting for it.I wrote to tell you the same thing a few weeks ago and we changed the translator but it is the same thing.That's for sure that when i found a better one i won't use the Franklin anymore.Jacques

This translator works so well it is unbelievable. I have used about 9 of the 14 offered without any problems. The battery lasts a long time, for me about 2 years and gives you a long time to replace before it goes dead. Many features, like speaking the word or phrase to you.

Don't buy this translator. It's a huge disappointment that has deceptive marketing. The keys are small and cheap, the screen is very dull and hard to see. The processor is very slow and you cannot make up sentences or words for translation. It just has a preset load of words and sentences and that's it. I returned this product and would have only paid $10 for it had I known beforehand.

Inutile, non è un traduttore ma solo un vocbolario e limitato

très peu efficace , pas de phrases type, traduction longue a chercher le mots ... déçu par cette article . je suis sur google traducteur gratuit et très efficace, traduit simultanément, phonetique , traduction possible vocale , le top ...

Sprachübersetzung sehr mangelhaft,die schriftliche Übersetzung ist ok,eingebene Sätze werden nur schriflich aber korrektGerät übersetzt,für Konversationshilfe nicht geeignet. Translator ist handlich zum Mitnehmen auf Reisen.

funciona bien, buen tamaño aunque está enfocado especialmente al inglés, para otros idiomas como el francés faltan cosas, supongo que se podrán incorporar pero no he investigado en ese sentido.

A large part of learning a new language is in learning to understand how to pronounce the words you read in that language.I am a learner of Chinese Mandarin and as such I need to be able to read Pinyin (a romanized translation of the Chinese characters.)This piece of technology is essentially like a portable "Google Translate", so when I want to learn a word or a phrase, I look it up on the Translator and push a button for it to speak it in Chinese. The Pinyin and the original Chinese characters are shown on screen along with the English. The language is spoken by a native speaker.I have read reviews complaining that the sound is tinny, which is true (in some but not all recordings) however, this is more of an aesthetic problem and does not inhibit your ability to understand the pronunciation.The machine itself is robust and has a nice weight, showing quality. I get the impression that this would survive being bashed about in a bag while traveling.This would suit people who are into language learning and students of all ages who are learning languages in schools or universities.To Summarise:- helps with pronunciation- sound is tinny, but not a real problem- robust, sleek design- small, very portable item- adjustable volume- can use headphones comfortably- native speakers, not robots- gives original characters as well as romanized language (in cases where this applies)- nice key pad- backlight- adjustable font size- 2 x AAA batteries included- easy to work- works well in combination with a dictionary- fun learning tool!