I can't imagine many people in a medical emergency opening up their electronic pocket-sized translator to find out how to say 'Call an ambulance' in French.

The new Franklin TG 218 allows you to store up to 100 names and phone numbers, use a calculator and convert currency but also has the ability to translate thousands of words and commonly used phrases. You can find out how to say beer in 11 different languages, including French and Russian, and you can also learn how to say 'Get me a doctor' when you've drunk too much.

No doubt the translator is targeted at the business traveller visiting more than one country who doesn't want to be weighed down with lots of phrasebooks or a keen traveller who likes gadgets. Call me a technophobe but I'd much rather trawl through a phrasebook.

• The TG models cost from £34.99. Contact Franklin on 0800 328 5618.