iTranslate

Software that promises to translate foreign languages often comes up short. iTranslate, a two-CD set for Windows computers, is full of promise, but ultimately proves the rule. Unlike many of these translation programs, however, it not only works on your Windows PC, it’s designed to work on Pocket PCs running Windows CE and Palm PDAs running the Palm Operating System.

For Pocket PCs it will generate translations in three languages — Spanish, French and German — as you speak into your device in English. For PDAs running the Palm OS, you have to settle for written translations, but you get more languages — Spanish, French, German, Russian, Polish and Chinese. To use these dictionaries, you find the word or phrase in English or the foreign language and get a written translation. For English to Chinese, for example, you get the Chinese character along with a phonetic translation. There’s also a virtual keyboard feature, which you can use to find words quickly.

I don’t have a Pocket PC, so I was not able to test its verbal translations, but if they are anything like the verbal translations I tested with a microphone on my PC, the sound is fuzzy even though the speakers’ pronunciation is good.

Still, if you find yourself in a foreign country with only your PDA, iTranslate will help you get directions, find accommodations, order from a menu and even trade pleasantries with the natives.

Gannett News Service