In a world of global competition and escalating qualifications, learning an extra language is an advantage and gives added value to one’s resume. Learning a new foreign language such as Chinese, English or Japanese is easy with the advance of technology. A useful gadget manufactured by Seoul-based MT Systems Co Ltd can be used to pronounce words or characters simply by pointing the pen-like reader to the printed image. Known as the Tonto PA-200, the device produces a clear reading voice which sounds very humanlike at an excellent speed of up to 128Kbps.
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The reader can pronounce and read in ten different languages. The best news is it reads books that have been embedded with a special invisible film invented by MT System. Thus, existing reading materials can be easily converted to become compatible with Tonto PA-200. New languages can be programmed into the device by transferring the necessary information from a PC via a USB port. The gadget comes with a built-in memory of 256 MB as well as a removable NAND Flash memory cartridge for audio files. It runs on electricity or two AA batteries.

In situations where one has to visit a foreign country for business or pleasure and has no time to learn the basics of a language, the gadget can come in handy. By simply pointing to words or phrases, one can ‘converse’ with the locals. For the basic price of $120, this electronic gadget makes a great Christmas gift for young children, travelling adults or retired people who want to learn new languages. It is a great bargain for an educational toy or studying aid.