This speaking function is awesome. This is the reason I bought this device. My American wife said that most of the words sound OK. It's great that I can check pronunciation by hearing. I think that this way makes it faster to memorize new words too.

For ESL (English as a Second Language) people, how easy the word definition is, is very important. The other function I like very much is that when the definition has a word I don't know, I can check that word also in the dictionary right away without typing that word, and I can go back to the previous definition by pushing the "back" button. This function is really useful. Though this device's definitions are a little bit difficult for me, it includes a thesaurus, so I can usually guess the meaning of words by using both books. However, if you're not using an English/English dictionary now, my advice is to use an easier paperback English/English dictionary (Ex: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English) first to get used to using an English/English dictionary.

Some people say that the function's responses are too slow. If the response was quicker, it would be great, but I think that anyway it's quicker than using a paperback dictionary for me. When I check words with a paperback dictionary, I support the dictionary with one hand and turn pages with the other hand, then I often lose my place where I was reading in my book and have to find that place again before I can continue reading. However, I only need one hand to use this device and the other hand can be keeping my place in the book. People who don't lose their place while reading might not understand this point.

Anyway, the pros outweigh the cons for this device. I would recommend it.

Attention! Make Sure You Buy the Right Model. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : First of all, let me warn you. There are at least two models of Franklin-Merriam Webster's Dictionary. The cheap one (list price $59.99) is worth less than $20. The expensive one (list price $99.99) is worth $300 or more.

The cheap model is a VERY bad deal for two reasons:
(1) The display is very difficult to read (even configured with large type size).
(2) It is lacking in vocabulary. What is the point of carrying along a dictionary that ignores the meaning of 100,000 words?

The expensive model is a wonderful deal for several reasons:
(1) The display is excellent even in the small print size. I spend hours playing games and my eyes don't get strained.
(2) It has twice the vocabulary of the cheaper model (200,000 words) and it pronounces the words.
(3) It has several powerful dictionary and thesaurus tools and a cornucopia of extra features laid out in a very friendly interface.
(4) It has several Learning Tools, including the SAT word list, flashcards, speaking spelling bee and a grammar guide.
(5) You can add words to the dictionary if you want to. It also accepts book cards.
(6) After looking up a word in the dictionary, you can add it to your personal list and review it as a flash card. What a great idea!
(7) It has 12 educational vocabulary games that are a lot of fun. Each game has five levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert and wizard. You can also configure the games to use only the SAT vocabulary.
(8) It also has a calculator, metric converter, a clock and a databank. Each one of the extras is easy to find and yet do not compete with the dictionary. Every time you turn the machine on it works by default as a dictionary. Perfect!

OK folks, now the bad news. While the cheap model is easy to find, you won't find the expensive model in most computer stores, even the large ones. So most customers end up buying the wrong model, like I did.

For some reason, most shop owners do not leave expensive electronic products on display. If the machine costs around 100 dollars, they hide it in a secret chamber. I bought the cheap model because it was the only one I could find. Later on I ordered the top Franklin model from Amazon.

All Franklin models have a similar name. I noticed that some Amazon reviewers who gave this product a low rating were actually writing about a different model. So don't get yourself confused. Make a note of the full name of the top model: Franklin Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition Speaking.

DYNAMIC (Rating: 5.00)
Review : If you can press a button, you can literally, use this dictionary, it is light weight and extremely, portable.I am a perfectionist, and I carry it everywhere, it is an extremely educational tool and everyone should own one, purchase yours right NOW!!!! It is worth ten times it cost, you will not be sorry.

Product is disappointing and misleading (Rating: 1.00)
Review : Although the product description says on amazon.com it is "Accurate Pronunciation", the speaking of a word is not clear or even it is not accurate at all. For example, the pronunciation of "quantitate" is wrong. It is misleading. English is my second language. I am very disappointed about the dictionary because I wish I could use the speaking function to improve my pronunciation. Otherwise, I might have a much cheaper one without the speaking function. I think the product defective. I am asking for full refund.

Disappointing and misleading E-dictionary (Rating: 1.00)
Review : Although the product description says on amazon.com it is "Accurate Pronunciation", the speaking of a word is not clear or even it is not accurate at all. For example, the pronucation of "quantitate" is wrong. It is misleading. English is my second language. I am very disappointed about the dictionary because I wish I could use the speaking function to improve my pronunciation. Otherwise, I might have a much cheaper one without speaking function. I think the product defective. I brought it for my wife as her graduate gift. I am asking for full refund.