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This Qur'an audio book device is both a thoughtful and unique Ramadhan or Eid gift idea
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Gadgets
have a certain curbside appeal and aesthetic that give them a chic
beyond the actual functional benefits they may have. This is what
often makes gadgets such popular gifts. Thanks to Korean company
PenMan, one such gadget gift is now available for Muslims looking
for new and more convenient ways to read and learn the Qur’an,
Islam’s holy book.
The
Holy Qur’an Digital Book, which hit markets in the fall of 2002 to
coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, is PenMan’s latest
effort to use technology to help give readers broader access to the
Qur’an.
PenMan’s
entrée in this area of technology was Al-Mukhry, a 2.5 inch square
unit that featured Qur’anic recitation by Sheikh `Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaify.
Consumers listened through headphones and had several options for
searching and replaying audio. Although Al-Mukhry was a wonderful
product, its LCD was small and the device lacked more comprehensive
features necessary for optimal ease of use and learning.
The
Holy Qur’an Audio Book is light years ahead of Al-Mukhry.
For
starters, the newer model is larger. At 4.25 inches x 2.65 inches x
.5 inches, the Holy Qur’an Audio Book provides more space for
greater functionality, which is most evident in the enlarged LCD.
Users are now able to not only listen to the Qur’an, but also view
the text as it is being recited.
Other
improvements include the augmented searching and book-marking of
text, as well as the option to listen either through the unit’s
built-in speaker or through headphones.
Unlike
Al-Mukhry, which was only available in one model, the Holy Qur’an
Digital Book has four models from which consumers can choose.
The
RS-3000Q, 3000QS and 3000QH are “Arabic only” devices for those
who are comfortable with their Arabic language skill. Both the 3000Q
and 3000QS feature recitation by `Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais and Saud
Al-Shuraim, while the 3000QH’s recitation is done by Al-Hudhaify.
The 3000QS and the 3000QH boast the built-in speaker option, unlike
the 3000Q, which requires headphones. The 3000Q does have one
advantage over the other Arabic models in that it features a
back-lit display for viewing at night or other less ideal lighting
situations (airplanes, cars, etc.).
The
high-end model in the Holy Qur’an Audio Book line is the RS-3000E.
This device is unique in that it allows users to display either
Arabic or English in the LCD. The recitation is by Hudhaify and the
interpretive translation is by Muhammad Muhsin Khan. The 3000QE also
features a built-in speaker and the searching and book-marking
functions of the other models.
For
non-Arab Muslims, the 3000QE has great advantage. Although CD-ROM
software that allows toggling between English and Arabic has existed
for years, the 3000QE represents the first time such functionality
has become portable beyond the bulky confines of a laptop computer.
On
the downside, however, some consumers have complained that the user
interface for the Holy Qur’an Audio Book series is somewhat
cumbersome, lacking ease and flexibility in searching. Additionally,
some users have lamented that a topic search was not included in any
of the current models.
However,
a start is a start; and for its first attempts at bringing the
Qur’an to the audio book market, PenMan has done a commendable
job.
The
3000QS is currently available at Yahoo
Stores retailing at the special sale price of $159.00 (regular
$199.00). Other models can be purchased through retailers listed at
the PenMan
website.
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