Lingo Voyager 2 12-Language Talking Translator

The Lingo Voyager 2 is the flagship of the Lingo line of talking translators. We found the Voyager (TTV-2) easy to use with a big, easy-to-read screen (character-based languages like Japanese or Chinese were exceptionally clear). The look of the Voyager reminded us of a "Blackberry" smartphone--although it is slightly larger. While the Voyager will fit in your shirt "pocket", it is probably best suited for the purse, backpack or jacket pocket. The Voyager also comes with a very stylish leather case to help protect the unit while traveling. The 12 language dictionaries contain some 240,000 words. Please note that you cannot add words or find "ad hoc" phrases with the Voyager. The Voyager itself is more "scroll-driven" with a navigation button than "1-button" feature access (like the Lingo Pacifica). For some, the buttons on the keypad will be small. However, you really don't have to type much as most of the features are "one-touch" or just a few keystrokes. Also, typing individual words is painless as each letter "narrows" your words letter by letter. For example, "beautiful" only requires you to type in "beau." The Voyager has hundreds of useful travel phrases that are found in logical travel categories such as "communication" or "meals". After you get your Lingo, we recommend that you spend some time familiarizing yourself with the different phrases so you can find them quickly when needed. The sounds spoken from the Voyager were not as clear as we would have liked. Some words were very difficult to hear and understand. However, the sound quality is greatly improved by using the supplied earbuds. (For additional information, please see our Editor's review under "Lingo Pacifica."