[steven]

I have a suggestion.

There is a software for the Nintendo DS called 漢字そのままds楽引辞典 (kanji sono mama DS rakubiki jiten). It is essentially a kanji dictionary for Japanese people. It has many kanji quizes and functions that will not be useful for you. However, as almost a side function it has a very useful dictionary. The dictonary has various features like jumping and different uses of words in actual sentences. On top of that, due to the DSs touch panel, you can write kanji that you see-- it may be challenging sometimes because if your stroke order is not right, you will get a different kanji... however, there is a feature that reveals similar kanji, which is very useful. It also stores all of your searches until you turn off your DS. You can also save different words and even make flash card collections. I got this brand new while I was in college for about $50. I already had a DS, so it was a VERY good buy. I got years of use out of it. In fact, I still use it from time to time. My wife sometimes uses it to practice kanji! I can't recommend this software enough.

However, I have to warn you that the interface might be overwhelming. The features might not all pop out at you or be obvious from the get go. I managed to figure most of it out during my intermediate years at college. There might be a guide/menu translation online somewhere.

The dictionary is not as expansive as electronic dictionaries-- it might compete with the older ones, but definitely no with new ones. I never really had any big problems though. The touch screen bein as big as it is is a huge thing though. To get that function on an electronic dictionary raises the price quite a bit as far as I know. Needless to say, I used to carry it around everywhere with me in college. I used my original DS so much (because of this software... I considered selling it until I found out that this software existed!!) that a lot of the grey paint has worn off to reveal the white plastic underneath.

If you already have a DS, this is a must buy. If you don't have a DS, I can still recommend it. Just get a cheap used DS and have at it. I'd bet you could get both the hardware and the software for under $100.

One more warning- I recently got my wife a DSL, which has built in software. One of the built in softwares is a version of this software without any English dictionaries. I didn't realize this and was caught by surprise. But I still have my original software so it's just a matter of taking that out whenever we want to look something up with it.