Talking Dictionary 9.8.5

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

We applaud the idea behind this text-to-speech lexicon for the visually impaired. We just wish it were a bit more polished. Talking Dictionary combines the free Wordnet thesaurus with the free Microsoft speech engine. Unfortunately, the Microsoft speech engine stumbles over difficult words, and even at its best can be hard to understand. The interface is admirably simple, though. You type a word to call up its definition, and then use function keys to navigate within the entry. Unfortunately, the program settings can t be accessed this way. Moreover, Talking Dictionary doesn't even display the help file, let alone read it out loud. We also thought the trial version's five-letter limit on entries was too restrictive. And $28.88 is pretty steep for such a modest program, especially one built out of free parts. Talking Dictionary works adequately, but it's not an ideal companion for the visually impaired.

Publisher's description

From RWF Talking Software :

Talking Dictionary is a speech enabled 250,000 word English dictionary and thesaurus. Like all the talking software products on this site, Talking Dictionary has been designed for use by the non sighted person. All of the controls are easily remembered keyboard shortcuts and it is a very fast and easy program to use. Talking Dictionary is designed to be used as a stand alone program. What this means is that you do not need any kind of screen reading software or anything else to use this program. Your PC must run Windows 95 or greater and you must have a sound card or speakers. Talking Dictionary has been tested and is digitally signed for use on personal computers running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 2000 and the Windows 95 / 98. Talking Dictionary has many outstanding features, such as a powerful spell checker and the ability to quickly scroll through various word definitions and synonyms. The dictionary also comes complete with a "getting started" tutorial which gives you examples of using the dictionary. Comprehensive help is also built into the product.

Right now Talking Dictionary is on special offer. Instead of paying the normal price of $34.95 you can buy Talking Dictionary on CD for only $9.95. This price includes the cost of postage and handling. When you buy Talking Dictionary on CD you also receive three additional products - Talking Event Scheduler, Talking Calculator and Talking Maze Game. These are not time limited or restricted versions. They are full and unlimited. Right now is the best time ever to order Talking Dictionary.

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