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This must be one of the strangest key-bearing devices in my possession.
As far as I know this is also the very first pocket (if you have big
pockets that is) personal translators. The product advertising (which
was widespread) spoke like the very wheel was reinvented even though
without any language modules the translator’s vocabulary could easily be
scribbled onto the back of a coaster. A wondrous machine. The language modules
make the machine more useful, containing about 3000 words per module.
There is a switch near the battery compartment to select between alkaline and NiCad batteries.
Its language modules are actually regular Dual Inline IC’s inserted into a plastic container in such a way that they become easily inserted into a special socket. Dual Inline IC’s metal pins are used as contact points for this socket. There are a total of three sockets for language modules.
And it is a bit of a calculator too. In "EXT" mode some of its keys can be used to enter calculations. Although one has to be patient to be able to use this function. Performing a simple calculation like "1/3" takes between 7 and 8 seconds to perform, and yields the amazingly accurate answer of "0.33". Multiplication is a little bit faster though.
This is not an original PHILIPS design. It is a rebranded version of the Craig M100 Translator, designed by Ron Gordon.
There is a lot of useful information on this machine on this Retro-Lab page (link valid 2024-04-28). In Dutch.
Thanks Jacques Rengerink for his donation of a series of ROM modules. Very much appreciated.