Pocket PC as Japanese dictionary

I have heard that a Japanese Pocket PC model is the best thing to use as an electronic Japanese dictionary. Many companies make Pocket PCs. They come with the Microsoft Windows CE operating system — the Japanese version of this apparently has built-in Japanese handwriting recognition.

Once you have the hardware, you can download various free programs and have a dictionary, kanji lookup program, flash card program, word processor, or whatever you like, in your pocket.

The advantage over other electronic dictionaries is that the software is developed for English speakers learning Japanese, which makes it much easier to concentrate on learning rather than figuring out how the device works. This, together with the direct input of kanji, makes this option very appealing. Even though it will cost much more than a dedicated dictionary — maybe 30,000-50,000 yen — I still plan to get a Pocket PC someday.