Hello,
let me preface is with the following: I am a serious Japanese learner (have done 3 years of college education, spend a few summers in Japan). I am now going to do field research for a year in Tokyo (will mainly research Japanese govern. documents + newspaper). Now I am looking for a tool that would help me.
I've noticed that recently dictionary applications for Ipod/Iphone seem to be of good quality and can qualify as fullfledged Japanese dictionaries. E.g. there is Eijiro, Jim Breen's Edict with EdPPocket, Japanese, SlovoED, Wisdom etc. and of course apps that are completely free of charge such as Kotoba.
For more info:
EBPocket Professional for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store
Best Study Japanese iPhone Apps
Now it seems that I could buy an Ipod simply to use it as a Japanese translation tool and enjoy its own functions by the side - rather than going for a traditional Denshi Jisho.
I do have worries though: while Ipod/Iphones do have a hand-written recognition software, I am not sure if fingers can be ever as precise when looking up a complicated kanji than a stylus? Anyone can comment?
Secondly, I'd like to have a dictionary which contains examples and sample sentences but also one which would allow me to illuminate a word and direclty look it up in a sentence. Not sure this is still possbile.
If there are any users are there who know Japanese well and can comment on the use of Ipod/Iphones as translation tools, please let me know what you think!!!
Thank you very much.
btw. I don't mind bying dictionaries online for 20$ or 30$ for Ipod as long as it's a good dictionary.