Merriam-Webster Dictionary and MP3 Player
© 2006 Franklin Electronic Publishers
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary and MP3 Player ($100, www.franklin.com) combines a dictionary, world clock, calculator and digital music player into one small device that slips easily into a vest pocket. The dictionary's Google-like search window and a chicklet QWERTY keyboard provide access to 274,000 definitions. We did not count them, but can attest that there were five best guesses for the word "errent" including "Orient" and the correct "errant." The definition includes multiple verb forms, displayed on the four-line scrollable LCD screen. Another word contained in the dictionary is "cantankerous" which describes how you'll feel when you try to set the time on the clock. The calculator transforms the letters into a numerical keypad, offering standard math functions. But what makes this not your average electronic dictionary/calculator/clock is the ability to store and play back audio files through included earbuds. You can either use a USB cable and a Mac or Windows computer and simply drag the files to the 128 MB hard drive icon, or insert an SD card. Powered by two AA batteries, Franklin's MP3 player/dictionary makes you wonder how many other every day devices will soon have MP3 players. Note that the batteries have a short life, especially when you leave the MP3 player on.
$100, Smart Toy, Windows XP, Max OSX
Teaches: vocabulary, music
CTR Rating: 74%