Japanese Electronic Dictionaries: Your Comprehensive Shopping Guide

Why Choose an Electronic Dictionary?

-Convenience and portability
-Faster lookups compared to paper dictionaries
-Multiple dictionaries in one device
-Additional learning features

Key Factors to Consider:
a) Proficiency Level:

Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Advanced

b) Intended Use:

Japanese language learning
Academic study
Professional use
JLPT preparation

c) Portability:

Size and weight
Battery life

Important Features:
a) Dictionary Content:

Japanese-English / English-Japanese
Monolingual Japanese
Kanji dictionary
Specialized dictionaries (e.g., business, history, )

b) Input Methods:

QWERTY keyboard
Handwriting recognition
Radical lookup for kanji

c) Learning Tools:

Example sentences
Audio pronunciation
Verb conjugations
JLPT study materials

d) Display:

Touch screen
Scroll Pad
High Quality Font
Layout change

e) Additional Features:

Bulk Search
Draw Kanji
Native Pronunication
Jump function
History function

Top Brands and Popular Models:
a) Casio:

EX-word series Known for user-friendly interfaces

b) Sharp:

Brain series has more features than Casio devices such as vertical display.

Price Ranges:

Entry-level: ¥10,000 - ¥20,000
Mid-range: ¥20,000 - ¥40,000
High-end: ¥40,000 - ¥80,000+

How to Choose:
a) Assess your needs and proficiency level
b) Compare features across models
c) Read product description and specs
d) Consider your budget
e) Check warranty and customer support options

By considering these factors, you can select the Japanese electronic dictionary that best fits your needs and budget. Remember to balance features with price and prioritize the functions most important to your language learning journey.

Japanese Electronic Dictionaries: better than smart phone/website ?

Here are some key reasons to choose an electronic dictionary over a smartphone app or website:

Specialized purpose:

Designed specifically for language learning and dictionary use
Optimized interface for quick lookups and navigation

Reliability:

Works without internet connection
Not dependent on battery life of a multi-purpose device

Comprehensive content:

Often includes more extensive and specialized dictionaries
Typically offers more detailed entries and examples

Focused learning environment:

Fewer distractions compared to a smartphone
Encourages dedicated study time

Advanced language-specific features:

Better handwriting recognition for kanji
Specialized kanji lookup methods (radicals, components)

Long-term cost-effectiveness:

One-time purchase vs. potential subscription fees for apps
No need for data usage or Wi-Fi

Durability:

Built to withstand frequent use and travel

Physical buttons:

Easier to use in various environments
Potentially faster input for some users

Battery life:

Often lasts weeks or months on a single charge