On the subject of translators, I've been using my Palm Pilot (a Palm IIIxe) loaded with BDicty and the Spanish Gold Bundle. (Total used memory is 1.44MB)

This program gives multiple options for words, where applicable, and provides some usage context as well. It also indicates options when a word can be used as a verb or a noun, thus giving some basic grammar tips. I've found it to be very useful and VERY quick.

As you write in a word, the software shows the word options as a list, narrowing the list with each added letter. Often I can get to the correct word in as little as three letters and then select the word with a simple 'tap' on the word list. And, since Spanish is such a "phonics basic" language, being able to correctly spell words in Spanish tends to be pretty easy. (I'd say much easier than trying to do it in English as a non native speaker)

BDicty is a 'shell' program for lots of translation references. Several languages are available. French, Spanish and Portuguese are all available. (as are several other languages) Each translation uses a single 'lexicon'. (i.e. Spanish-English is one, and English-Spanish is another) There is also a Phrase lexicon available for Spanish. (and some other languages) This gives some simple phrases in the 'stock' format. One of the really cool things about BDicty is that the user can add translations to the lexicon. This is extreamly helpful when you want to save phrases that are not part of the stock program. (let's face it, a Club Hombre member might have need for a 'special' phrase reference that other folks may never need.)

Formerly, use of BDicty did presume that you can do basic verb conjugations. Now, Bekis has a new verb conjugation tool for Spanish that is available for use as a 'partner' program. (I have not worked with this program, yet. I'll review it as I get a chance to use the program.) The full version of this program is $10.

You can FTP a demo (FREE) version from to give it a try.
( http://www.beiks.com/palmzonebg/Bdictyen.htm ) If you like it, I'd suggest buying the 'Spanish Gold Bundle'. In comes with the Commercial version of the BDicty program, both Standard and Gold versions of the English-Spanish and Spanish-English lexicons, the English to English Gold lexicon (a 35k word English Dictionary, which I no longer have loaded on my Pilot) , and the English-Spanish Phrasebook. Total price for this is $25 and includes lifetime updates of the program and lexicons. The free updates ARE useful as the publisher is doing continuous upgrades and updates to this program. I also have to praise the support of the product by Bekis. A year ago, I reported some early issues with the 4.2 version, and they helped me out, and gave me free access to all of the lexicons as a 'thank you'. (note the current version is 4.6)

This stuff sure does fascinate las chicas. Several times I've been able to use my Pilot not only to enhance the conversation, but it makes a darn good icebreaker. Some of my other applications add some fun as well as entertainment. 'Mi Amiga Especial' was thrilled and amazed when I entered her phone number and address right into my Pilot 'Phone Book', when she had written the info down on a piece of paper for me. (BIG smile, and a VERY warm Cuddle) I think she took it as a sign that her place in my life was more special than if I'd simply taken the piece of paper and stuck it in my wallet.

One last thought, I've tried several of the other Palm translation programs, but I still like BDicty best. To be honest t could be that I'm just used to it. However, I also know that this program consistently gets top ratings from the professional reviewers, and has numerous positive reviews on the most popular Palm software related web sites.

Bueno Suerte,

StrikeEagle