Phrasebooks provide speed by eliminating the need to type in a word or string of words. They limit flexibility because the device may not have the exact phrase you need. This is one reason the newer phrasebooks are so much larger than their predecessors.

Typically, a phrasebook:

• Contains phrases that allow you to do something. For example, find a hotel.
• Is arranged into categories. This means you think of the function you are trying to do, go to the general topic, and quickly find the phrase you need.
• Requires only a minimal number of keyboard, touchscreen, or voice entries for you to find the relevant phrase.

What are the topics? That depends on the manufacturer and model. We provide electronic versions of the manual for each unit, so you can see the particulars of each model before you buy it. There are 12 to 16 categories. Here is a typical example:

• Basics (everyday conversation)
• Traveling
• Hotel
• Local transport
• Sightseeing
• Bank
• Communications
• In the restaurant
• Shopping
• Repairs/Laundry
• Sport/Leisure
• Health/Drugstore
• Beauty Care

Now you can understand why electronic dictionaries (one word at a time) and electronic translators (sentences) also have phrasebooks. It may seem silly to have a phrasebook when the device can translate sentences. But the phrasebook eliminates the need to type in the whole sentence. So, that gives you some insight into phrasebooks.

TL-2 Series Translator Overview

The TL-2 series electronic translator is similar in functionality to the 800-series. The TL-2 series begins life as the SpeechGuard TL-2 hardware. Think of the hardware as a well-crafted "player" for TL-2 series software, which comes on an MultiMedia Card (MMC). The contents of its MultiMedia Card (MMC) determine what the device actually does. For example, a blank TL-2 becomes a TL-2F when a TL-2F MultiMedia Card (MMC) is installed. This opens many possibilities for the TL-2 series owner.

• Features. The TL-2 series comes loaded with standard features (which you will see detailed on this page). But there are also features that vary by language set. We have developed, for each TL-2 unit, a chart that shows which non-standard TL-2 series features that particular unit has.
   
• Nothing extra needed. You don't need to buy any software or accessories, though you can buy Multimedia Cards (MMCs) to add languages. Also, you need some means of converting from a non-USA-style receptacle to your 120VAC plug if you travel outside the USA with your unit (which is why we offer the AC Travel Kit). A spare battery is not necessary (the battery charges inside the unit; there is no cradle charger), but we offer it as an option because many customers feel better if they have one.
   
• Follows standards. If you are familiar with portable digital devices, such as a PDA or Pocket PC, you will find the controls of the TL-2 instantly familiar. You don't have to learn a proprietary system.

TL-2 Translator Details

The more you look at the TL-2, the more you see how very useful it is. The team at Ectaco really did their homework when the produced this device, as you'll see:

Visibility, ease of use

• Hi-resolution backlit screen
• Adjustable font sizes
• Customizable elements

Speech

• Speech recognition (see the Specifications Table for which languages). You can set this as a "quick lookup" function, after which you can select from the results and have the unit speak it, or you can set it to bypass intermediate steps and go directly from voice input to voice output.
• Recorded human voice in the phrasebooks sounds like a real person because it is as real person.
• Synthesized voice in the dictionaries helps you understand the phonetic pronunciation of a word (the phrasebook is your communication tool; the dictionary is more of a learning tool).

Dictionaries

• Massive word count (see the Specifications Table).
• Advanced word recognition including MorphoFinder™ allows you to find a word just by typing the first few letters (see the Features table for target language applicability, below).
• The "Add new word " function allows you to add the existing dictionary contents.
• The "Slang lock" function allows you to toggle between "include" or "exclude" (lock in/lock out) slang in the dictionaries.
• Look-up function helps you easily navigate through huge vocabulary bases.

Phrasebook

• The audio phrasebook with natural human-recorded speech will help you in a variety of standard everyday situations and activities.
• A "phrase" is actually a complete sentence. It's called a "phrase" out of tradition and to distinguish from the few models that permit typing in a random sentence.
• Designed with the real traveler in mind, the audio phrasebook was recorded by professional native narrators. Consequently, it delivers superb voice output.
• The "You may hear it" function helps you to understand the other person's answer. For instance, having picked the topic "In a restaurant" you choose the phrase "I would like some white wine please". When you choose "You may hear it" option, the system will display the potential answers you may hear from the waiter in response to your request.

About Sentence Builder

• You will love this powerful, yet easy to use feature.
• Choose from the huge selection of phrases (all conveniently organized for fast selection, plus you have voice-operated lookup available).
• Substitute a word in the phrase* to create a new phrase.
• This feature is on all 800 and TL models. Once you become adept at it, you'll be able to quickly translate sentences.

Language-learning

• SAT 200 and SAT 5000 vocabularies. Helpful to English speakers, but also helps those learning English to prepare for English-language standard proficiency tests
• Linguistic games: Flash Cards, Pockets, Spell It, Translation Test: these help you learn at your own pace, expand your vocabulary, and improve spelling
• Synthesized voice for all included languages and comprehensive examples for use in real-life situations
• English phonetic transcription, essential tool for those learning to speak and write properly

Additional features

• High resolution backlit touch screen (320x240 pixels)
• Virtual keyboard.
• Media Player with MP3 support to aid you in study and at play. Thousands of audio books are available to be programmed into this MP3 player.
• Currency and metric conversions
• World time
• Daily alarm
• Calculator
• Currency and Metric conversion
• FlashCards: the classic game that helps you to improve your vocabulary while you play.
• Interchangeable MMC/SD cards allow you to add a variety of languages and linguistic content from Ectaco, Inc.
• This device is powered by an AC/DC adapter and rechargeable battery pack. Both are included.
• MultiMedia Card slot (Card included) for simplified content replacement and updates, you can add up to 20 languages on MMC and over the Internet
• Auto Off function will shut off translator when it’s idle
• The AC adapter and rechargeable battery are included in the package. Rechargeable battery charges by adapter.

TL-2 Translator Comparisons

So, how does it stack up? Let's take a quick look:

TL-2 vs. 800-series

The TL-2 and the 800-series translators share some functionality, such as:

• Speech input (speech recognition).
• Speech output.
• Sentence builder.
• Virtual keyboard.
• Display of possible replies to a phrase it just spoke to the other person).
• Conversion to another language, by simply swapping out inexpensive Multimedia Cards (MMCs).
• Free rechargeable battery
• Adjustable brightness
• Adjustable contrast
• Adjustable screen font sizes.

But the 800 also has:

• Color touch screen for enhanced visibility.
• Adjustable color schemes.
• Physical keyboard.
• WordNet Princeton edition English-English dictionary of modern English, with over 70,000 head words and detailed explanations.
• SAT 200/5000 vocabularies (of benefit even to native English speakers).

TL-2 series vs. other devices

Let's take a quick look at the competition.