Pricelist of MP3 Player 2008

Fits my needs
I've had my Sony ICD-ST10 for several years and it hasn't failed me. I used it to document my trip out west and do a day by day diary. It's amazing how much you forget after the trip is over. The recordings we a great refresher to help me with my scrapbook of the trip.
I like using it to capture the grandkids when they don't know I'm recording. making memories to last a lifetime. I'm somewhat a geek when it comes to technology I love new products and I loved this the day I got it. I uploaded the software into my Sony Laptop PCG-FR130 and plugged in the USB cable and opened the program and there were the recordings nice and neat in folders. I copied them to my hard drive by pick and place then converted them to wav files so I can use them in other programs that don't recognize the Sony files. Seems easy to me but could be difficult for some casual user that doesn't want to figure this stuff out. the time is short for recording in ST mode but I don't need 5 hours anyway just some short memories and then transfer them.
I realize the recorder is no longer in production and Sony doesn't appear to support it but, if you find it available somewhere at a good price I would recommend it.

Pros: Small, batteries last a long time, fits my hand, adjustable mic for directional use, has 5 folders for different recordings, date and time display so you know when you recorded it.

Cons: Yeah some buttons are not too clear as to there function. but, you have a manual to refresh your memory. Most you won't use anyway. Would have been nice to have a removable memory. an external mic plug would be nice but think of it as the external mic.

Good voice recorder
Top shelf recorder. Pricey, but worth it if you have the use. The software included is very good also, with excellent quality compression formats. Mic is awesome. I have used this for two years, recording meetings from across crowded rooms, as well as direct narratives. Always provides good quality voice recordings.

Inexpensive and good quality at close range.
A graduate-level class of mine required that I type up notes and post them on a class web page for review. I had a problem. I'm a very poor note taker and tend to gain most of my knowledge from reading and one-on-one discussions with classmates and professors. So, I figured my only hope was to record the classes so I could listen to the things I missed during class.
I did some searching and this one seemed like the best recorder for the money. I am pleased with my decision. The quality is perfect for voice -- I wouldn't try to bootleg a concert on it. One thing of note generally on the quality of recordings: Although you pick up more distance sounds, you also get static when recording at the "high sensitivity microphone" setting.
The professor I have has a very deep, loud voice and the classroom is small -- about 600 square feet (approx. 56 square meters).
You cannot connect this unit digitally to a computer -- you can only use the analog earphone output to an analog "mic" input.
Here are my results from recording some classes... I recorded on the "high sensitivity" setting at all times because the "low sensitivity" setting just didn't seem to work unless you were speaking very close to the mic. I always recorded with the microphone facing up, with the unit laying on its back on a desk.
Here are the results I had while recording lectures:
* When the unit is about 15 to 20 feet from the professor, I can make out most of the lecture during playback. Sometimes, when the professor is speaking away from the class, the sound fades out.
* When the unit is about 10 to 15 feet from the professor, I can hear all of the lecture during playback. Occasionally I had to rewind to make out a few words.
* When the unit is about 5 to 10 feet from the professor, I can hear all of the lecture during playback. I had no problems at all listening to any of the lecture.In all of the above cases, I could not hear student questions unless the students were sitting right next to me.I hope this helps people make a decision in purchasing a digital recorder.

Terrible
Even with external mics, this recorder is so noisy that you can barely hear anything. I can't believe I wasted money on this! It doesn't work at all practically. If you are considering a recorder, look at anything but Sony. If you are looking for recorders for EVP, don't listen to sites that suggest this one. It makes it's own noises that have nothing to do with EVP. It's a scam. Go for a panasonic!

Dissapointed
Get some reading glasses prior to purchase. you will need them to see the poor quality photos generated by this device.Should have been an electric razor that takes notes.Very bulky. Sony makes some great IC recorders bot this is not one of them. I put it back in the box. Get the Sony ICD-sx46 with the Naturally Speaking software instead.I have had two so far and they work well.As an alternative,Cannon allows you to attach voice notes to photos on some cameras.Someone at Sony should revisit this design especially at the cost of this device.
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