Translation Software

[beau]

A few years ago i downloaded an ectaco software program to my PDA as i was doing business in China.
I could speak English (australian) into it and it would translate my comment into Chinese Text (mandarin)
It did work "sort of" with a very limited variety of travel words.
I see they now have newer versions and I wonder If anyone has had experience with systems like this.
It must be handheld and not too expensive, I just want simple communciation beyond the phrase book.
It shows a respect for their culture if you are trying to communiciate with them.

[Kiwikat]

Beau, we just unsubscribed after a free trial of "voice to text" messaging on our mobile phones from Telstra and that was English to English (well Australian anyway). I would be way too scared of insulting somebody with one of those devices. JMHO.

In saying that, I would also be really happy to hear of any success stories.

Cheers

[beau]

i looked up amazon and saw 15 reviews on he ectaco voice system.
ALL were very negative, and said that they were a waste of money and time. So I will not be buying one after all.