Sanyo ICRB200 Voice Activated Digital Recorder Review

Helps me out a great deal
I can record and play be as much as possible

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Product Description:
Sanyo ICRB200 Voice Activated Digital Recorder (IC-RB200, ICRB-200), Removable Smart Media card, 30 min with 4mb /120 min with 16mb, Digital record to PC download/ PC to digital record upload, High speed download through USB port, Download through 1.44 floppy disc slot with optional flashpath adapter, On-screen transcriber software, Edit (overwrite, insert), Large LCD display.

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Sony M-800V Microcassette Voice Recorder Review

THIS MINI SIZE RECORDER GIVES YOU MINI SIZED PERFORMANCE.The specs. say it uses AA BATTERIES.I PURCHASED ONE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT TAKES AAA BATTERIES.IT'S SMALL SIZE IS IMPRESSIVE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO HEAR WHAT YOU RECORDED? I WOULD STAY CLEAR OF THE 800 SERIES RECORDERS FROM SONY!!I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THAT AAA BATTERY DEVICES DO NOT HAVE THE POWER OF AA BATTERY DEVICES.SONY'S 500 AND 600 SERIES MICROCASETTE RECORDERS HAVE EXCELLENT AUDIO PLAY BACK.THEY HAVE A BIGGER SPEAKER AND USE AA BATTERIES.I RETURNED THE, M850V AND PURCHASED THE M650V.WOW!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE.I ACTUALLY HAVE TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN.
IF YOU WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU RECORDED? STAY AWAY FROM THESE MINI SIZED 800 SERIES UNITS.THE 500 AND 600 SERIES ARE ONLY 5/8 OF AN INCH LONGER AND OFFER 100% BETTER PLAY BACK!!!!!

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Product Description:
VOR - Voice Operated Recording / Digital Tape Counter / Built-in Microphone / Built-in Speaker / AutoReverse Record and Play

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Panasonic RN-2021 Microcassette Recorder Review

The playback is noisy and sound pickup is very lacking,clarity and volume are poor.
I should have sent it back.
Jack

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Product Description:
You know when you're driving back from a meeting and you wish you had some way of taking notes? This is what you need: the RN-2021 from Panasonic. Dictate your thoughts into this small, lightweight recorder, and the high-sensitivity condenser mike will cleanly record everything you say so you can easily transfer the information back at the office. This model features a Fast Playback capability and one-touch and follow-up recording for ease of use.This model comes with one 60 min. cassette.

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Panasonic RR-US360 Digital Voice Recorder Review

After reading other reviews and shopping around I elected to buy a Panasonic RR US360.I am very happy with the ease of use, size, and clarity.However, I will NOT recommend this item to anyone due to the extreme difficulty I have had trying to download the recordings to my Dell D600 using Win 2000.What you do not learn until you have purchased and possibly used the item is that Win 2000 will not recognize the device and you are told to access it via the VoiceStudio software that comes with the item.Great, except it has not worked and doesn't recognize the USB port, much less the device.I have tried contacting Panasonic help and I strongly recommend anyone thinking of purchasing one of these to call them at 1-800-211-7262 and cycle thru the options (1,4,2,7) as given to me by the 'audio technician' to get help with the US360. The minimum wait time I have encountered is 21 minutes, but have yet to get a resolution and having been told I would be called and left my number, after 2 weeks I have yet to be called, have sent in emails via their web, and have not received any response.Panasonic again, absolutely NOT!!!!Call for yourself before buying and save yourself the frustration later.

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Product Description:
The RR-US360 records longer in SP Mode than Panasonic's previous models and does not require LP (Long Play) Mode to record up to eight hours. In the past, LP (Long Play) Mode was necessary to maximize recording time, but this often meant sacrificing sound quality. Now you no longer have to choose between sound quality and recording time.You can save and edit the sound files you record on the RR-US360 with the included software. The included USB Cable connects your IC Recorder to a compatible PC for easy file transfers.Thanks to the Digital Voice Activated System on the RR-US360, recording begins as soon as sound is detected. This helps eliminate wasted tape space.At less than 4" tall and less than 1" deep, the RR-US360 is easy to carry and fits conveniently in just about any pocket.

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Panasonic RN305 Micro Cassette Recorder with Voice Activation System Review

I'm a writer for a college newspaper.Money isn't something that I can just toss around.However, I needed a micro-cassette recorder for interviews.
I saw this one, it was much cheaper than the digital recorders that I was looking at.I tried it as soon as I got home.If you buy this, be sure to pick up a 3pk of micro-cassettes and 2 AA batteries.
It has worked pretty well.I don't use the voice activation feature. Making sure to get everything that I need on tape is far to important, so I just record.
I really wish that this also had a spot for a plug in microphone.It would really come in handy when trying to get some comments when you are standing in a crowd.A wrist strap would also be nice, so you don't have to worry about dropping this thing.
If you can afford a digital recorder, get it.If you can't or aren't going to use it enough to make it worth spending that kind of money, this is a great alternative.

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Product Description:
One-touch recording combined with standard controls such as cue, review, and pause make the Panasonic RN-305 a complete microcassette recorder. The voice-activated system and built-in condenser mic allow for easy, automatic recording. There is a dynamic speaker for quality playback. Fast playback lets you speed up a tape by 20 percent. The Panasonic RN-305 runs on two AA batteries, and there are DC-in and headphone jacks. The slim design fits in the palm of your hand, and it comes in a silver finish.

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Sony BM-575 Portable Microcassette Dictating Machine Review

I have had one of these for about a year and love it.I just bought another one for my assistant.The sound quality and clarity is better than any other one I have ever owned

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Product Description:
Portable with easytouse slideswitch operation, metal case and voiceoperated recording. Recorder also comes with a lock switch, dictate/conference switch, fastplayback function and fastforward cue.

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Sony M530V Microcassette Recorder Review

After using this product for only a year, it konked out on me. I didn't use it every day, either. The sound quality was fair to good, but the rewind/FF was pretty slow. The tape counter was a nice feature. I'm not too sure about Sony's product quality anymore. A few other electronics I've purchased have not lasted very long at all. This recorder just stopped working for no reason. Changing batteries didn't help and it was never dropped or damaged.

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Product Description:
This handheld mini-cassette recorder is great for office dictation or lecture recording. Sony ClearVoice technology dramatically improves voice quality for both record and playback.

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Sony BM575 Portable Microcassette Dictator Review

I have owned three Lanier Microcassette Recorders over the past thirty years. It was everything they advertised it to be. When I went to buy one this time they were no longer being made. They were replaced by this Sony BM-575. It isn't half the recorder that the Lanier was. You can't record in noisy areas without picking up all the background noises. The plaback is nowhere as clear as the Lanier. If I could find a Lanier right now I would buy one and throw this Sony away.

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Product Description:
Portable Microcassette Dictating Machine.This is the BM-575A inventory designated model.

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RCA Digital 128 MB built in flash Memory voice recorder Review

I did not get this device for the camera. At 0.3Mp, it is not as good as my Philips key019 at 2Mp (too bad they don't make those anymore). It came with it, so I have it Picture seems ok. Probably comparable to some phones.

It seems to offer all the settings that one may want for a voice recorder: Quality control (3 settings), mic sensitivity (conf, dictation) and AVR with AVR level setting.
I do not intend to use less than the HQ (best) level recording as you can already put more than 8 hours of it on there. At that level, the sound is clear. It seems to pick up well with the internal mic and maybe better with the provided external mic (but the difference would not justify going through great length to use the external one).
I saw some other review for other RCA voice recorders on the quality of the sound where people could not make the difference between 's' and 'f' and what not, but I don't experience this with this device. All seems clear. Obviously, background noise will act the way it usually does (as it does with camcorders...)

Connectivity: this is why I took 4 stars and not 5.
It seems that with version 1.07 of the firmware, there is a problem with computers that have external HDs (plugged in or not).
Without any, the connectivity works fine. With one, you might have a problem hanging the Windows explorer when trying to view the RCA files (voice or images) in the Windows explorer (it will hang).
The work around (until they provide a fw update), is to change the drive letter from the external HD (my Seagate on E:) to something else (like S:). Then you can connect the RCA device that will happily work. You can then change the drive letter for the RCA device (from the Disk Manager starting under the Administrative tools -at least on XP-) to R: for example and restore the drive letter for the external HD to E:.
Then all will work fine. Nothing should really try to use R: (way up in the list). So connectivity problems with external HDs, but you have the work around here.
This issue with the "solution" has been passed on to RCA and if they follow through, they should fix this in the newer device or provide a firmware update that should fix this so that you won't have to deal with this issue, if you encounter it.

Overall, I like this recorder.
It's intuitive.
It does what I want it to do. I can hear and understand what I record (I'm not getting HiFi stereo, but it's also not a very expensive recorder).
Buttons are ok (not too cheap, but not high end either).
You get what you pay for. Considering that there are some that are 4x the price, at this price, I think the package is quite fine.
People who leave comments on this tend to forget this. If you pay less than the maximum, you can't be complaining about what's missing on it (like the key019 where people would complain about not having the bells and whistles, but it's perfect for in the pocket and for someone like my mother: easy to use and yet still gives very descent pictures... so descent that I don't see myself get a bigger 5Mp camera for myself and just use my wife's...).
They also provide the NiMh AAA that you need and it will recharge off the base, which is convenient (if you run out, you can always stick some regular AAA that you can get anywhere, but I would be careful about plugging it in the USB base with regular AAA because you don't want to recharge regular AAA!).
External mix is really nice to have and the pouch is a bit like some cellphone pouches. It's open on the top, so you can be recording with it in the pouch (doesn't cover the internal mic at the top).
Could have wished for more memory or external SD slot, but with more than 8h with HQ, it's probably more than I care to keep on the device. I could try lowering the quality (maybe not so noticeable) to get more hours, but usually with more memory, people tends to leave a lot of unnecessary files that do nothing more than take some space... With the older tape, you only got 30mn (or maybe 1h) in the HQ and the quality of the sound was not as good as with this device.
With the docking station, it is easy to move the files from 'it' to the computer and make some space for later... and you recharge it at the same time...

As for durability, I don't know yet as I have only had this device for 24h. I don't expect any problems.

I hope this helps.

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Product Description:
RCA Digital Voice Recorder with 128 mb built in flash memory -includes editing functions, built in speaker, built in microphone, recording quality selector, low battery indicator, headphone jack, docking station, carrying case and rechargeable batteries.

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PANRR930 - Analog Micro Cassette Recorder/Transcriber Model RR930 Review

I ordered this transcriber but ended up returning it.Everything seemed to work well but I couldn't tolerate the noise the tape made during the auto-rewind.This transcriber requires that the play button is engaged in order for the foot pedal to operate.Because of this, as you let off the foot pedal and the tape rewinds just a bit to allow you to catch up, the tape screeches in your ear as it does so.I couldn't concentrate enough to remember what I was typing.Not a good feature.Probably wears tapes down, too, since it is under that stress as it rewinds.

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Product Description:
* Cassette Size - Microcassette * Foot/Hand Controls - 2-Function Foot Control * Indicators/Warnings - Mechanical Tape Counter * Microphone - Speaker in Handheld Microphon * Post-Consumer Recycled Content Percent [Nom] - 0 %

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GE 35364 Mini Cassette Recorder (Silver) Review

I just recently bought my second one of these. I've been very happy with the performance of the 3-5364B Cassette Recorder.
What I like about the recorder is that it takes full-sized cassettes that can be played in your car cassette player. This is good if you're weird like me and read to yourself and want to hear your own homemade audiobook in the car while you're driving. I also use it to tape my phone messages before I erase them, because I may like the sound of their voice, and because maybe future kids will want to know what their grandmother sounded like. I also liked the fact that it fit so well in my hand.
It has a headphone jack, so that if you wanted to listen to an audio book and had a PROPER AC adapter (3V) you could go to bed with your favorite book. Don't expect Dolby noise reduction and stereo sound with this guy. It's very basic.
My first one was VERY good on batteries. I had it over a year, and I hadn't changed the batteries since I bought it. I used Duracell Alkaline AAs. These same batteries are now in my new one and doing fine.
The variable speed playback seems a useless feature since it does have a fast forward button which works better. The mic has two sensitivities low and high...it's got a pause, which I suppose works better than the STOP button. Again, my uses for the recorder are fairly straight forward so I rarely use these features.
There is one design flaw, in my opinion. When you load the tape, realize that the side that you can see through the window is the side you are playing. Looking at the device that way the buttons are below the window facing you. You're fine if you go strictly by the symbols on the buttons for rewind, play, fast forward, etc. However, you quickly notice that if you use it that way, the lettering that goes with the buttons is upside-down! This could be disastrous if you didn't realize this and flipped the recorder over, rewinding instead of forwarding! They really need to fix this if they make a new model.
I mentioned that this is the second one I've bought...I'll explain what happened to the first one.
The first one died by accident...I fried it using the AC adapter to my desktop paper shredder. Potential buyers should know this little recorder doesn't come with its own AC adapter. In and of itself, that wasn't a big deal to me, since I used mine for over a year without ever needing one. It's just this ONE TIME I wanted to not drain the batteries by going to bed with a new relaxation tape a friend sent me, and I thought I could use one the myriad adapters from portable CD players I have lying around to fit it, but the shape of the adapter fittings on all of them were just different enough to not work. Except one. The one to my shredder WAS the right shape, but, alas, wrong voltage! OOPS! Lesson learned: make sure the adapter is set for 3 volts and not higher! Not knowing whether I could revive the old one, I just bought another one since it was my fault it was no longer working.
But, all in all, I liked the device enough to buy another one, so there you go. It might also be noted that both recorders cost about a twenty percent less than what they're selling it for at Amazon.com. I hope this is helpful.

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Product Description:
Do you have a great idea you don't want to forget? Or do you simply want to "jot" down some audio notes for an upcoming project? Then look no further than the GE 35364 Mini Cassette Recorder. This recorder features a compact, slim design and is a perfect choice for your electronic notebook. The 35364 features quick, handheld push-button operation for both recording and playback. Plus, with Automatic Voice-Activated Recording (AVR), the device will sense sound and start/stop recording automatically, so you'll never waste valuable tape on dead air.
The five-button design features record, play, rewind, fast-forward, and stop/eject functions and the device is built with an automatic, end-of-tape shutoff feature. The built-in microphone helps assure optimum recording quality and battery operation (two AA batteries) means convenient taping even when you're away from home or office.

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JWIN JX-R26 Voice-Activated Microcassette Recorder with Microphone/Earphone Review

I needed a cheap and simple tape recorder for my daughter's music teacher to play some pieces that my daughter could listen to while reading the printed music. I paid $27 for this recorder, not really inexpensive -- but indeed I did get a 'cheap' one.

When it arrived last night, I tested it recording radio, various styles of music played from iTunes on my computer, and my voice -- all in fast and slow speeds, with the Voice Activation and normal, with the included "high sensitivity" microphone and the built in mic.

The results were all equally underwhelming:

Firstly - the recorder itself is completely plastic - except for the screws holding it together (as far as I could tell -- it just felt 'plastic). You're sort of are afraid to push the buttons too hard for fear of damaging the thing. Banish the thought of dropping it.

Secondly - upon playback, what you notice is the noise, noise, noise.No matter what method used to record (built in mic / external mike), and really no matter how close the mic is to the source, what you end up with is noise (like hurricane wind) -- with your target sound somewhere, far off, sounding like it's down in a deep well, in the background, and calling through a bullhorn.

Lastly - I don't think the thing would stand up to any kind of extended use.I was afraid I'd jammed the mechanism several times just using the forward/reverse slider, and stop/play buttons in the initial trials within the 15 minutes after removing it from it's shiny plastic packaging (which looks good -- but indeed, is too good to be true).

So, it's into the box and back to Amazon.I've bought hundreds of items from Amazon since they started -- not all of exquisite quality -- but this one really takes the cake -- and is the first I've felt compelled to comment on.

My sense is that the rest of the jWIN line will all be pretty much the same quality as well. You get what you pay for.

I think I'll spend a bit more money to get a recorder with more heft and reputation behind the name now.

But if it works for you -- great!

What I can say is *** Thanks to Amazon for taking the thing off my hands ***No complaints with their system.


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Product Description:
Welcome to jWIN's new and exciting digital generation where quality is not just another word but a company philosophy. Since its founding, jWIN continuously put its efforts in R & D, and market research. And jWIN puts its pride in the products it manufactures and sells. jWIN's products have been engineered to ensure quality and reliability with the most updated set of features that the educated consumers demand. jWIN constantly works hard to improve its products and services by studying the current market. The company strives to be ahead of its competitors by offering the most up-to-date designs and features at the most affordable prices.PRODUCT FEATURES:Micro Cassette Recorder;VAS - Voice Activated System for Recording;2-Speed Play/Record Control;Built-in Wide Range Speaker;Highly Sensitive Built-in Microphone;Numeric Tape Counter and Reset;Low Battery/Rec LED Indicator;3.5mm Earphone Jack;3.5mm External Microphone Jack;DC 3 V Input Jack;Built-in Hand Carry Strap;MC-60 Micro-Cassette Tape and Case;Highly Sensitive Microphone and Earphone Included.

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GE 35383 Micro Cassette Recorder with AVR/Batteries/ and Tapes Review

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with this recorder. It comes with an external mic, but I think the internal one works great. Not only can you select "high" and "low" for recording levels, but you can fine-tune the recording level with the volume control, so you won't get that annoying buzz when there's not enough sound or too much sound for the microphone. Plus, you can plug in a set of headphones while it's recording, and listen to exactly what's being picked up by the mic.
The only (slight) bummer is that this recorder does NOT have auto-reverse. Luckily, not much noise is created by ejecting and flipping the tape, so you won't disturb anyone during a lecture if you have to do so.
You can record at 1/2 speed (to conserve tape), play at normal or 125% speed (to skip through to the part you really need to hear), and cue forward or reverse. It has a built-in tape counter (great for matching up your notes to the tape), Auto Voice Record (which I'll probably never use, because it clips the first second or so of noise), and a Record/Battery LED that dims when it's time to replace the batteries. Runs on 2 AA batteries (included), which are far easier to find (and cheaper to buy) than AAA batteries. Also comes with 2 60-min tapes.

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Product Description:
For over a century, what has remained constant is GE's dedication to change and progress. And it's what will keep the company growing over the next 100 years. From jet engines to power generation, from financial services to plastics, from television to medical imaging, GE people worldwide are dedicated to turning good ideas into products and services that make the world a better place.GE 3-5383 is a micro cassette recorder with automatic voice-activated recording (AVR). It features a four-button cassette deck with pause, a digital tape counter, a built-in condenser microphone, a two-speed recorder, a Hi/Lo microphone sensitivity switch, and more.

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Coby CX-R122 Micro Cassette Recorder Review

I've had a couple of these microcassette players, and generally they do the work but fall apart too quickly.

This one, however is a bit more solid in the construction.The unit is easy to operate, the pieces seem a lot tougher than other comparatively priced models, and the sound quality is pretty decent.

I'd highly recommend this product to anyone who needs a mini-recorder, for music, meetings or just some quick ideas.

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Product Description:
Coby Electronics is a "prime" manufacturer of quality consumer electronics that are designed to provide years of outstanding performance and sound reproduction. Unlike many other consumer electronics companies, Coby possesses an in-house art and design department and an in-house research and development department. These departments have been responsible for creating award winning packaging designs and exclusive and patented products.Coby offers you CX-R122 - a voice-activated micro cassette recorder. It features voice-activated recording system with adjustable sensitivity control and "one-touch" recording system. This player boasts also built-in wide-range speaker.

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RCA Micro Cassette Voice Recorder with contoured design and one button record Review

The recorder is good and inexpensive. It does whats its supposed to do, which is all I ask. I would have given it 5 stars, but the tapes included should have been longer.

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Product Description:
The RP3538 micro cassette voice recorder by RCA is the perfect tool for taking notes.It can be used at lectures and seminars or it can be used to simply record important day-to-day notes.This micro cassette recorder offers a sleek ergonomic design that molds to the shape of your hand - providing comfort and ease while in use.Voice recorder has four control buttons including: pause - allowing you to record only the things you feel to be important and cue/review - so that you can quickly review your recorded segments for easy editing.You can choose between two options to record notes: by pushing the record button or with the Automatic Voice-Activated Record (AVA) mode.When using the Automatic Voice-Activated Record mode, the recorder will sense sound and start recording automatically once sound begins.Recorder will also sense when the sound ends and will stop automatically.Giving you the peace-of-mind that important notes will be recorded without having to remember to push the record button.Enjoy a constant recording level on each of your recordings with the Automatic Level Control (ACL) mode.The Automatic Level Control mode provides a consistent recording level regardless of the volume control setting.Voice recorder has external microphone jack that is conveniently located making it easy to attach microphone for recording.The 3-digit tape counter makes it easy to keep your place and keep a record of where the beginning or end of various recordings are located.Recorder includes tape, batteries and clip-on microphone.

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Olympus J300 Microcassette Recorder Review

I have owned three of these "machines" and each time, they stop working after lessthatn a week for no reason. I wish I could post no stars.
Don't But it.
Never buy it.
You're beter off throwing your money out the window.

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Product Description:
Upholding the Pearlcorder's reputation for a classy combination of style and recording capability, the new model J300 also delivers great price-performance. Enclosed within a smart metallic champagne gold colored body, these ultra-compact, lightweight devices offer intuitive handling. The new Pearlcorder J300 microcassette recorder is compact, stylish and loaded with features. And it's smaller and more ergonomic than any other Olympus microcassette product, meaning that it's virtually effortless to carry around. Voice actuator begins recording at the sound of a voice - and stops when the voice does. Fast play mode lets you listen 25% faster than normal speed. And the dual tape speed function can record three hours of voice on one 90-minute microcassette tape.

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Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Voice Recorder Review

The Olympus VN-4100PC is an excellent value.It's perfect for tasks such as recording a lecture or meeting, making verbal to-do lists, practicing a speech or presentation, and so on.Some reviewers criticize it because it's not very good at recording music, and the play-back is monaural, and they're right.It's not really designed for professional-style, stereo recording.As is the case with all machines, you have to live within its design limits.

The VN-4100PC has some very nice features that make it an excellent value.It is shirt-picket small and very light weight.The controls are simple and intuitive enough that you can operate it out of the package, without even reading the instructions.(However, the instructions tell you how to perform important setup functions, so you should read them.)In short, it's a nice, small, light personal audio recorder.

The built-in microphone is actually pretty good, but if you leave the recorder in your pocket while you're recording, you'll get quite a bit of ambient noise.The same can happen if you prop it on a book.There are two ways to work around this limitation, which is inherent to all similar recorders.Either put the machine on something soft on the desk, such as a coat, or buy an external microphone.The external microphone is probably the best way to go; you'll get far superior electronics, and it's easy to clip or place the mic so you can avoid the ambient noise.

This certainly isn't a high-end, professional-grade recorder.It wasn't designed to be one.Rather, it's a convenient, low-cost personal recorder that does exactly what it's supposed to do.It's an excellent value for the money.I'm very happy I bought it, and I'd do it again.

-----------------
Added June 9, 2009:

When I bought my recorder in December, 2007, it cost about $50.That's why I called it an excellent value; the feature set at that price was unmatched by any competitive recorder.However, now it's up to $175.Wow!There's no way on earth I'd pay that much for it!For $175, it should be gold plated!

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Product Description:
Record over 144 hours of uninterrupted audio on the Olympus VN-4100-PC 256MB PC Digital Voice Recorder and then transfer the audio files to your PC with speed and ease with the included USB PC Link. With one simple cable connection, files can be transferred to a computer for easy organization, playback, and emailing to friends and coworkers. The easy-to-use thumb pad allows for quick and convenient navigation of functions like file management, choosing recording modes, and more while the included timer recoding and voice activation modes provide added versatility. Depending on the quality of the desired recording, the VN-4100PC is able to record in four recording modes to meet your specific needs: XHQ for extra high quality, HQ for high-quality, and SP and LP modes for extended recording. Just above the easy-to-use thumb pad, users will find a large LCD screen for easy, quick viewing of file locations, recording status, and battery life. The thumb pad also allows you to control the slow and fast playback modes, allowing you to listen to audio playback at 25-percent slower or 50-percent faster than real time. The unit's storage capacity is divided into four folders, and each folder can store up to 100 files. Easy file management functions allow you to erase single files, multiple files, as well as transfer files between folders. An on-board voice activation feature extends recording time by recording only when the microphone senses sound while the easy-to-use index marks let you specify a particular point in a recording or playback for easy reference. Use the timer recording option to set a start and end time for a particular recording. Measuring 4.0 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches, the VN-4100PC weighs only 2.2 ounces.
What's in the Box
VN-4100PC digital voice recorder, Digital Wave Player software, USB cable, two AAA alkaline batteries, and instruction manual.

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Sony M-470 Microcassette Voice Recorder Review

This is a very handy device to keep with you. It is compact, and easy to work with. I recorded a television show, and when I played it, the sound was very clear! Even with all things in the back ground, didn't get any interference. I just carry it with me, in a pocket or purse. Only thing is, I need longer tape (90 minutes), for school lectures. But they can be found just about anywhere. You will like it especially if you are new to micro cassette tape recorders. Great price too!

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Product Description:
Ideal for recording lectures and presentations, Sony's M-470 Microcassette Recorder is an affordable personal recording device. It is small and compact with a built-in microphone and speaker for easy review and playback. Recording is easy with the one-touch button, and the cue and review slide control makes fast forwarding and rewinding a breeze. Your samples and audio notes will always sound great with Sony-Matic automatic recording level control. This function takes advantage of advanced circuitry to ensure correct recording levels, and the Clear Voice function improves recording quality by enhancing voice sounds during recording and playback.
This microcassette recorder also features an earphone output for private listening. The two-speed record/playback (1.2 or 2.4 centimeter per second) gives you the option of recording on a standard microcassette for twice its normal time. This is great for extended dictation or personal audio note taking. Powered by two AAA batteries or an AC adaptor, the M-470 is easy to use and perfect for students and professionals.
What's in the Box
M-470 micro cassette recorder, one microcassette, and two AAA batteries.

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Panasonic RR-830 Desktop Cassette Transcriber / Recorder Review

If you need to transcribe tapes for any reason at all you will save yourself hours of time and frustration by using a tape recorder/player intended for transcription - rather than your tape player alone. Panasonic has been making this good machine for more than a few years. To my knowledge it's the best value around.
The foot pedal is essential and easy to use, and allows you to stop, start, and back up your tape without taking your hands off your keyboard. The speaker is good, there is a tone adjustment, and in addition a headset (and this one is comfortable to wear)enables quiet transcribing - and improved intelligibility, because the sound of your keys going a mile a minute won't interfere with your hearing your taped material. Importantly, there is a control lever for tape speed - for "variable speech control," so that you can play your tape a bit slower, or faster (which you sometimes need, too).
There is a mic and a remote jack, andfast forward and fast reverse. A tape counter - your odometer - is helpful.Different little lights glow when you're taping, recording, when the machine is on. This is a straightforward, simple, and gimmickless machine that is very nicely put together. It measures a neat and tidy 8 by 10 inches, and packs up simply and with no fanfare. Indispensible - if you need to transcribe tapes.

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Product Description:
Transcribe audiotapes with this Panasonic transcriber. The Panasonic RR series is designed for the small office/home office market. The RR-830 uses standard cassette tapes and has V.S.C. pitch (0-+100%) and speed (-15-+100%) controls. It features 4 LED indicators for power, tape run, quick erase and REC 3-digit tape counter.Variable tape speed allows for playback control, with in/out switch and level control. Lightweight headset ensures comfort. 3-position backspace allows you to adjust how far it rewinds when you take your foot off of play: 0, 1 or 3 seconds. Foot controller is included for play, backspace, and rewind functions.

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Sony M-100MC Microcassette Recorder with Voice Operated Recording Review

I thought this would be the end-all, be-all solution to my microcassette needs, which include field recordings, music ideas, dictation and lecture.It's not...I tried three models, thinking each time it was just a bad model, but each one had an enourmous amount of flutter on playback, as if everything recorded was being twanged with a whammy bar.Too large and bulky for standard dictation needs as well, you can do better for dication with a smaller one.

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Product Description:
This unidirectional microphone minimizes the recording of peripheral sounds and is ideal for recording lectures and presentations. There are three microphone sensitivity modes (lecture, normal, and dictation) which let you select the best pickup sensitivity for recording a wide range of applications, from close-up personal dictation to large meetings.
The desktop microphone stand allows the recorder to be set down on a table or desk for hands-free operation. The voice-operated recording automatically activates the recorder only when audible sound is present, conserving tape and eliminating lengthy noiseless passages on recordings. The Clear Voice sound system enhances voice quality during recording and playback for greater clarity. The Cue Marker indexing feature lets you place an electronic "mark" at specific tape segments, and provides rapid access during cue and review. The fast playback feature plays tape 20 percent faster than normal speed and reduces the time needed to review recordings.
This unit will record up to 19 hours using just two AA batteries. The three-digit tape counter provides a digital display of tape elapsed for rapid access to a particular section of the tape during playback. The LED indicator visibly indicates recording level and condition of battery power in three segments.
The playback speaker is unobtrusive and lets you and others hear playback without an earphone. The automatic shut-off helps reduce mechanical wear and conserves battery power. The pause switch temporarily halts recording or playback without leaving that mode, and resumes at the flick of a button. The two-speed operation (1.2/2.4 centimeters per second) feature gives you the option of recording on a standard microcassette for twice its normal time, for extended dictation or recording sessions.
This unit also includes a cue/review function that provides sound during fast-forward and rewind modes to help find specific passages. The earphone jack provides individual listening to playback for privacy.
Another handy feature is the hinged battery lid, which helps prevent accidental loss or damage. The strap affords a very convenient one-hand use, similar to using a videocassette camera. A DC-in jack allows for two-way power operation, using replaceable batteries or an optional AC power adapter.

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