Review of H&H Japan2Go Talking Phrase Book

[dwhittacre]

Living in Tokyo I decided to purchase a Dell Axim based on the need for good translation software. Not owning a PDA meant that I needed to purchase one so I could test the variety available. My first review begins with H&H Japan2Go Talking Phrase Book (MIPS) by H&H Software LLC. Priced at $24.99 downloadable from Handango, it was a bargain compared to the alternative (several years of Japanese classes). The real test would be the promised functionality.

This product is billed as a talking English to Japanese phrasebook. If you thought you'd learn the language from this product, you'd be disappointed. What it does provide are a few valuable phrases that any tourist to Japan might want.

For those that don't know where the Mecca of the computer nerds is, it is in Tokyo, Japan. The suburb I am referring to is the famed Akihabara Electronics District. This is twenty blocks and several stories high of computer and electronic shops. If you want to see the latest and greatest, it appears here first. I decided to do a field test of software.

The interface is functional. It is divided into categories and an area to store the most common phrases you may use. I loaded my favorites with shopping phrases and pleasantries. I slowly approached the store clerk pedaling processors and pointed at the latest Intel processor. Tapping the screen my Dell Axim spouted out, "Do you have this in a larger size?" Shaking his finger and rolling his eyes, I wondered if he understood. From behind the counter he presented the new ADM Athlon 64 FX. While not exactly Intel, at ¥32700 it was a real steal.

Now before everyone starts asking for their half price Athlon, you'll need airfare to Tokyo, a map of the subway to Akihabara, bring your Dell Axim and make sure you load H&H Japan2Go Talking Phrase Book (MIPS) by H&H Software LLC.

I give this software a 8 out of 10. It could use a few more techie phrases and the ability to customize/download additional phrases.

[Akira]

I have been forunate enough to visit Akihabara several times. If you visit Tokyo, I would strongly recommend spending some time there. A whole day was spent just browsing the entire place and then going back to purchase on a second trip. It seems not everything was a bargin as many vendors sold the same item. I was told that bartering was allowed. Most items is best bought in your country unless it can only be found in Japan.

Being a Sansei or third generation Japanese American, I know a few phrases of Nihongo which proved very useful. The two most common phrases I used was, "Sumimasen, kore wa misette kudasai." (Excuse me, may I please see this?) and " "Ikura desu ka?" (How much is this item?). I think most of the younger Japanese people can understand English. Have fun shopping!