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Devyn

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
14
0
Where can you find great, well-written definitions for any word in the English language? An Oxford dictionary would clearly be a good place to start. However, who wants to carry around a large, heavy, old-school dictionary all the time? If you have the newest app that I found, you don’t have to. That app is the Concise Oxford English Dictionary iPhone app by Prelude Mobile.

This app is destined to be one of the greats. Its simple design is lightning fast and pleasant to look at. Prelude has really hit the mark on this one. It has the features you need without getting over complicated and slow. It consistently performs great and gives you definition you want without the wait time. The features are easy to use and appeals to common iPhone use. You will never be left wondering “How do I…”

After using the dynamic search capabilities to find the word you want, the definition instantly loads with no visible wait time. The digital definition provided is worthy of the high quality content it displays. There is no extraneous colored text or unprofessional fonts. Each definition is displayed nearly exactly as it is in a print version, in a size that is easy on the eyes which makes understanding the definition easier on the mind. As soon as the app appears, “clickable” words are displayed in a tasteful blue, indicating which word you can tap to look up.

This is not the first Oxford app on the iPhone, however it does seem to leave the rest in their literary nursery rooms. There are many functions which set this app apart:

• There is the incredible speed with which this app performs.
• There is no wait time after you have clicked on the word you want.
• A full pronunciation key is provided.
• The layout and design is leaps and bounds above the competitor products.
• No screen space is wasted in this app, allowing for a larger type font while displaying as much of the definition as possible.

This app is definitely a great find that you will use every day you have it. You can find this app by searching “Prelude Oxford” or you can click here. If you do download this app, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought.
 
I didn't realize there are so many different companies putting out Oxford dictionaries, etc. Has anyone done a comparison of the various versions?

I'm looking for the most complete dictionary and thesaurus available -- but one that works seamlessly (sorry for the term) with the iPhone.

Thanks!
 
Go to TouchMyApps to see a comparison of four Concise Oxford Dictionaries. The most comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus app would definitely be the [app]Oxford Deluxe[/app]. Beautiful graphics and great interface. [app]Wordbook[/app] would be the most comprehensive dictionary at a more affordable price, or you could just go with [app]Dictionary.com[/app], that's free, but requires Internet access.
 
Do you think (assuming you have the Internet connection) dictionary.com is as good as AHD or the Complete Oxford? What are the differences?

Dictionary.com is ok, but I don't love it -- but spending $30 or $55 is a lot for something if it isn't much better.

Thanks!

Also, cool site -- glad I found it!
 
Do you think (assuming you have the Internet connection) dictionary.com is as good as AHD or the Complete Oxford? What are the differences?

Dictionary.com is ok, but I don't love it -- but spending $30 or $55 is a lot for something if it isn't much better.

Thanks!

Also, cool site -- glad I found it!

The power of the Internet VS The power of an iPhone hard drive

Unlimited information VS Limited information

Dictionary.com is perfect for iPhone users but not for iPod Touch users unless you have Wifi...

Who the he'll is going to install the whole Internet on an iPod touch.
 
Actually for me it has nothing to do with online vs offline. I can use either dictionary -- or both -- but I'd like to know if Oxford or AHD offers a greater number of definitions and features than dictionary.com -- in other words, will I get a lot of value from spending the extra money or not. Thanks.
 
I can't compare [app]Oxford Deluxe[/app] to [app]Dictionary.com[/app], as I haven't used the latter much at all, but The Oxford Deluxe most often has every word I wish to look up, and all the entries are detailed and easy enough to understand. For the speed and great interface, I rarely see the need to go to another dictionary, and it saves a lot of battery life.
 
The OED is great and I do think it's useful for some to have an offline dictionary.

However, the price of some of these is pretty steep.

This is the best dictionary app, but is it worth the price? Only you can judge.
 
I am leaning toward the Oxford, but I would love to get American Heritage Deluxe too -- I just love dictionaries. Thanks for the tips!
 
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