Users' Reviews of the JLT Dictionaries

Submitted by
Name: James

Comment
Kashikoi kaimono: I bought the Japanese JLT Axim a few weeks ago, and I haven't regretted the purchase for a second. Despite only knowing a few hundred kanji, with it I can even read a Japanese newspaper relatively easily! It's so good that sometimes the Japanese English teachers at my school prefer to ask me to look something up rather than use their own dictionaries! One of them almost soiled himself when he found out that it has Eijiro on it.

As others have said, Peter is incredibly helpful. The other day I managed to accidentally delete the dictionary files off the SD card, and when I emailed him, he replied faster than my own mother.

If you're living in Japan, the JLT is a must-have, whether you're making an effort to learn Japanese or not (if you're not, then it's even *more* useful).

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the Japanese WM2003SE operating system. This customer posted another comment about his system 16 months later.

Added: Dec 16, 2007

Submitted by
Name: M Moberg

Comment
I bought one too!: I've had the JLT Axim with me to school every day since I got it.

It's been used as dictionary of course; all the time, all the time. I know now why everyone in class always have their noses buried in their electronic dictionaries.

And it really is a great dictionary. The kanji lookup system is amazing. I can't even see what I'm writing but the JLT Axim always knows.

Oh, and the Eijiro is so much fun. Lots and lots of entries, some with hilarious English translations.

And Peter has always been very helpful.

Oh, sorry... I lied. I haven't had it with me to school every day. I managed to forget it once and felt like I'd walked to school naked. A horrifying glimpse into the pre-JLT Axim times.

I definitely recommend this thing!

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the English WM2003SE operating system.

Added: Dec 06, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Vincent H

Comment
JLT for English speakers: I have been playing with the Axim with Japanese OS for a couple of weeks now. I see it is a better tool than the denshi jisho made for native Japanese speakers and can be modify for other usage. The Reading and Kanji is definitely a plus when you come to a word you can't pronounce. I recommend this is the tool for native English speakers learning the Japanese language.

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the Japanese WM2003SE operating system.

Added: Nov 29, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Amy W

Comment
Axim English OS: The big picture is: I love this thing. I have been nothing but pleased ever since the Axim arrived, loaded & ready to go.

My priority was a mobile kanji dictionary. It drives me crazy to not be able to read. The Axim gives me the ability to read the ads on the train, the signs on the walls, and the manga I picked up just because I'm sick of textbooks. It's small, it's portable, it's exactly what I was looking for. I can't get over how easy it is to use the kanji recognition tool.

Not only that, the other dictionaries are great. They're like an added bonus. So many entries, so much fun to play with. So be ready for all the entries; as another user pointed out, it's a dictionary not a translator.

And last but not least, the Axim is a PDA. It has a life outside Japan. It is a useful nimble little tool that I can continue to use when I leave Japan and stop dealing with the language.

All that said, I find that referring to the documentation is a must, as I am not as smart as I thought I was. I am clumsy with the little stylus and find highlighting text somewhat difficult, and I occasionally blunder into dictionaries and screens I wasn't intending to visit. This stuff is mostly a matter of getting used to it and reviewing the very good documentation.

I would recommend this to any student of the language who is actually in Japan. It goes everywhere with me.

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the English WM2003SE operating system.

Added: Nov 28, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Joanne

Comment
SD card wsoftware: Now, I am awful when it comes to technology and was baffled with the PDA. Determined to stick with it after hearing it is so much better suited than a Electronic dictionary, I was suprised and delighted at the advice and support that was offered from Peter Rivard before I had even purchased anything!

I am more than happy with the finished product, indeed the PDA with Japanese dictionaries etc is more suited for a westerner! Still bumbling through but can already see the benefits!

Will highly recomment to all my classmates.

Joanne

Added: Nov 20, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Chris

Comment
Axim Japanese OS: I bought a Japanese OS Axim and overall it's fantastic and I've negotiated my way around it fairly easily so far. Peter provides great service and his descriptions on the website are bang on, so I'm not going to repeat it here.

Having a PDA has enabled me to carry my Stackz flashcards software around which is great for the train etc. I also record my teacher's intonation using the memo function and then practice later. DEFINITELY buy a case. I dropped my PDA on day 2 from about 1.5metres onto concrete and it bounced and worked fine.

If you have the money, I'd definitely get Kenkyusha too as once or twice it's had words that I could only find in Eijiro on a full search. Also, I think the layout is a little better.

Thanks Peter.

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the Japanese WM2003SE operating system.

Added: Nov 19, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Sean

Comment
Finally, the JLT!! I just received the JLT Axim, with the Japanese OS, and am totally impressed with it. It's much more versatile than the denshi-jissho that I've used, especially the kanji-look up function, which is much more forgiving and user-friendly than other systems. Thanks to Peter for his great service and help getting me set up with a system.

A warning to the adventurous: I initially thought I could set up my own Axim x50v by switching it over to a Japanese OS, and just buying a card alone from Peter. Well, about 50 hours later and a fairly detailed and useless (to me) knowledge of several ways to change a Dell Axim OS to another language, I couldn't change it over. My advice--just buy one from him, and avoid the headache!

Note from Peter: This is a review of the Complete System on an Axim X50V with the Japanese WM2003SE operating system.

Added: Nov 04, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Tehmina

Comment
Japanese version of the Axim: I bought the Japanese OS version of the Axim right after Peter got back with more stock. I have been using it now for about a month and a half, and I have really enjoyed it. Although my Japanese isn't fluent, the Japanese menus are no problem to get through. The menu options I couldn't read were easily figured out through a little trial and error.

As for the dictionary settings themselves I love them. Finally, I have a dictionary that actually finds the words I am looking for, so the frustration I had in the past with paper dictionaries is over. Even my Japanese teacher was impressed, and I am really enjoying learning to read many of the signs around Miyazaki by writing in the kanji and looking up the readings and then jumping to translations.

As far as Peter's service goes, what can I say, but he is an excellent salesman. Before I purchased the system I had many questions, and he was prompt and polite in answering all of them. When I did finally order, the Axim arrived very promptly, and Peter kept me informed throughout the process. Everything arrived in excellent condition, and I must echo previous users when I say get the Magnum case if Peter has any left as it is really nice. I also splurged on an extra battery and a screen cover. It was well worth it.

Well, hope this helps other to make the jump. The price is a little high, but boy is it worth it!

Note from Peter: this is a review of the X50V with Japanese WM2003SE OS.

Added: Nov 01, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Jeb

Comment
Grows on you: As a long-time palm user, I loved the Japanese input system from the start (bought the Japanese OS Axim), but found the Windoze OS clunky and counterintuitive. Was also not fond of the thick padded cased, and (sorry Peter) HATED the Rhino case-it just made it more clunky and harder to access. Switched back to my palm for several months. For some reason, decided to give the Axim another go, and now I love it, although I still think the OS is awkward.

I find Peter's dictionaries handy for looking up difficult items, but for day-to-day studying I recommend JWPce and King Kanji.

Despite Peter's dislike of JWPce, I installed it, and find it to be the most useful program I have. I love being able to look up a word in JWPce, and with one click insert the Kanji, Kana and translation into a study list which I can edit and save. It lets me look up individual Kanji information VERY quickly. Best of all, if I save the file with the .euc extension, I have a file suitable for use in King Kanji. Don't need to use a PC for King Kanji anymore!

Even the soft case has grown on me - offers much more protection than the flip-cover on the palm.

I recommend this product to anyone interested in studying Japanese. Peter's customer service is top-notch.

Note from Peter: this is a review of the Complete System on an X50V PDA with Japanese WM2003SE OS.

Added: Oct 30, 2007

Submitted by
Name: Colin M

Comment
Good buy: It's pretty straightforward - everything it says it is. It's a good alternative to a denshijisho because there are so many other things you can do with it; the kanji input recognition is great and the ability to add other dictionaries is very useful.

A+ for prompt and courteous service.

Note from Peter: this is a review of the Complete System with Japanese WM2003SE OS.

Added: Oct 28, 2007