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LOVE IT!!
Submitted by Derek Brown on 01/Mar/2008
Message:
Just got my axim (well a couple of weeks ago) and it's a dream come true. Instead of floundering with about with 4 dictionaries to read anything , now I just tap! My students love it too!!
I also found myself using the PDA functions (schedules, memos etc) as much as the dictionary.
If you are wondering whether to buy one, stop it and order one now!
I would like to know if there are any apps. available to make your own vocab/kanji tests from words you look up. eg when you search for a word or kani you can then save it across to a "test" builder and then run that app. when you have a few spare moments. I'm sure there must be and if not, Peter how you feel about creating one??
Also what would be the best way to connect to the internet. I am want to be able to access the net anywhere, not just at home or at hot spots. Can anyone recommend a modem card or simmilar for this? (I am in Japan).
Reply from Peter
Thanks for the kind words. I haven't looked into exactly the kind of "testing" program you ask about, but it's easy to simply highlight and copy the entry for a word and then paste it into another application, so it would be easy to do with any flash-card maker or other study program that runs on Windows Mobile (there are MANY to choose from). I love King Kanji from Gakusoft: first, it comes with card sets already made for all the major texts, tests, and study methods (and you can find more online for free); second, it gives you the option of writing in the answer in kanji or kana in it's own handwriting system, which is quite strict and grades you as you go (WM's built in system isn't at all strict, which is great when you just want to find the kanji, but for learning you want a taskmaster scolding you until you get it right.)
For connecting on the go, you're asking about connecting over a cell phone network. 2 ways to do that.
1. Use your cell phone as a modem. You need cell phone service with a data plan and a phone with Bluetooth. You use the Axim's built-in Bluetooth to connect to the phone, which serves as your modem. A data plan will probably run you 8000-10,000 yen a month on top of your regular cell phone bill. Data plans might be cheaper in other countries.
2. Probably easier, because you can buy it with a data plan all set up, is to get a cellular modem that plugs into the CF slot. Check out the FOMA N2502 from Docomo, the W05K from KDDI au, and the Connect Card from Softbank. (available models and services may change). The available service plan and how much it costs is more important than the hardware--a data plan might easily add 8000 to 10,000 yen to your phone bill every month (note that if you get a SmartPhone the same rates apply). If you've got computer access at home and at work, you really may want to consider whether cruising the web on a tiny PDA screen at other times is worth an extra thousand bucks a year or more. This is in Japan--data plans may be less expensive in other countries (crazy rates don't stop people from consuming here, so the phone companies have no reason to make the services less expensive).
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