iriver's D5 electronic dictionary gets whitewashed

We know it's not natural to get all funny about an e-dictionary, but we can't help it -- iriver's little D5 gets us hot under the collar. You may remember seeing this multi-use, flip-open device in its original black, but luckily for us the company has decided to issue a new color that we can oggle. As before, the D5 features MPEG-4 video and MP3 audio playback, a 480 x 272 TFT display, an FM radio, voice recorder, and USB connectivity. Also as before, you'll need to hit Korea if you hope to get your hands on one -- cause this puppy doesn't seem to be headed Stateside.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Rob @ Jan 4th 2008 10:01AM]

Why is it always this way, Asian countries get to play with all the cool stuff, while here in the States we get their scraps. Having lived in Japan I saw plenty of cool gadgets by Sony, Panasonic, Roland, and many other Japanese brands that never made it to the U.S. I'm aware that their products are conceived over there. But, it would be nice to get some of the cool stuff once in a while without having to travel.

[Homeboy @ Jan 4th 2008 12:08PM]

Kim Jong II isn't allowed to order an iPod and in return we get none of the marvelous iRiver, Sony and Panasonic gadgets sold in Korea.

Hopefully the next US president will focus on resolving this gadget grudge rather than trying to play police and raise an eye brow anytime another nation starts a nuclear program.

[Rob @ Jan 4th 2008 12:28PM]

You got your Koreas mixed up there buddy. South Korea is as developed, in any sense, as any other wealthy/undustrialized country. The only thing that North Korea has to export is nuclear weapons and poverty. So, get your facts straight before spewing political bull, regardless of your stand on the issues.

[Homeboy @ Jan 4th 2008 12:43PM]

Rob: Who said anything about South Korea being an under developed country.

[Rob @ Jan 4th 2008 1:14PM]

Well, according to your post "Kim Jong II isn't allowed to order an iPod ..." So, right away I'm inclined to believe that you may be getting them mixed up. In any event, I apologize if my post offended you, as that was not my intent. Maybe I didn't get your sarcasm.

However, I know the reason why we don't get all the gadgets released in Asia, and politics has nothing to do with it. It's the potential for marketability and/or profits. I'm no expert, but companies can assume that certain countries would not be very receptive to a particular product. Sony's MiniDisc failed miserably in the States. However, you can easily find MiniDisc players all over Japan, and even the 100 yen stores sell you generic discs as well. Price also plays a big role. Often times it amazed me how much electronics cost in Japan. But, the cost of living there is high as well, and the natives don't live with all the extras we do in the States. The standard of living is the same as in any other well developed country. But, they don't spend money on gardening gear, big furniture, and other items not needed for their life style. So, they may have a bit of extra money to spend on their gadgets.

Regarding politics, well no one is safe. Unfortunately the U.S. plays world police all the time. Pick your time in recent history and you'd see it. Ever since World Wars we've been involved in world issues. Some of them, I thought we should've stay out of.

Anyway, have a great day.

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Jan 4th 2008 10:29AM]

What's wrong with using dead trees as a dictionary? Are you telling me Koreans are more "green" than Americans?

[warsteiner1 @ Jan 4th 2008 2:21PM]

I wouldn't say Korea is more "green" than US, but I do know recycling over there is in some ways not an option, but is the law. Stores and other establishments can pay hefty fines if they're caught not recycling certain items. I found out about this when I visited and saw neat piles of separated trash outside stores and apartments. Please refer to the link below for more info:

http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/intenviron/newsletter/feb03/korea/

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Jan 4th 2008 3:52PM]

I'm all for that law.

[Lewis @ Jan 4th 2008 11:16AM]

Wait, why is white more oggleable than black? Seriously if I was picking a product on color alone I'll always choose black over white.

[John @ Jan 4th 2008 11:28AM]

Maybe Engadget has deep southern roots?? Down south, they will tell you white is always better than black.

[Phred @ Jan 4th 2008 11:42AM]

I was lucky enough to buy one of the black ones when I was in Korea. They are really nice. A great reference if you're learning korean!

[tamoghno @ Jan 4th 2008 12:15PM]

the question is why they call it "DICTIONARY" ?
why the hell they dont call it PMP ?

[TMF @ Jan 4th 2008 1:04PM]

I have a black D5. Trust me, it's a dictionary at heart and regardless of all the PMP features on the thing, it focuses on the dictionary and learning aid functions more. If you know Korean, this thing is amazing as it can translate 4 languages: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. It's also small and sleek.




Now, if only I can get my friends to stop calling it a "dickball" instead of "dicple."

[3rdsun @ Jan 4th 2008 2:11PM]

If only iriver got into the UMPC game as this device has a formfactor screaming Eee pc killer.

[nate @ Jan 4th 2008 3:34PM]

For one of these to be successful in the states the main features it needs are a simple webrowser and text editor. All the dictionary functions are great and all, but what we all really want on it is email/web!

[DeoWulf @ Jan 4th 2008 4:47PM]

It already has a keyboard, why the heck is there no word processor?

[HungryPirate @ Jan 7th 2008 2:40AM]

D5, DS , D5, DS

hmmmmmmmmm

now where is the second screen?