Voice Recorder

Olympus ME-15 Microphone
$22.99
I'm very pleased with the audio quality and sensitivity of the lapel microphone. Great for recording lectures or making verbal notes while I'm in the lab working on a piece of equipment.

Sony ICD-BX700 Digital Voice Recorder with Stereo Microphone Jack
$39.95
The Sony ICD-bx700 is the same exact recorder as the ICD-px720 EXCEPT it has no usb port for easy/fast transfers of files to a computer AND it's silver instead of black. Cost difference between the two are about $12-$15 so once you decide whether you need a usb port or not the decision should be a no brainer. Both Recorders have SHQ mode which allow recordings in stereo BUT only if you're using an external stereo mic like Sony's ecm-ds20p which I do use with them and recomend. Sound quality on these recorders is excellent in SHQ or HQ modes and HQ mode on them compared to HQ mode on Sony's cheaper/older icd-b300/b400/b600 models is MUCH MUCH better with no unwanted hiss like on those lower models. The built-in mics are quite sensitive and do a much better job then the Olympus VN-5000 which isn't a bad recorder either. I do have Sony's external stereo mic (ecm-ds20p) that I mentioned above and not only does it allow fairly great stereo recordings for a budget price but quite noticeably improves the sensitivity and overall sound for recording in HQ mode too which btw sounds to be as good as SHQ mode except for not being in stereo.
The external mic is certainly not a necessity since these recorders do have sensitive + good quality built-in mics but it will improve SQ and take an already very good product to another level.

In short the only thing you need to decide is whether you'll need a usb port or not and based on that decision alone pick either the ICD-bx700 or ICD-px720 because they are the same exact recorders and for the money don't think they can be beat! Very high quality and very satisfied with both of them!!

Digital Voice Recorder
$0.00
I've done three interviews with this recorder, one with an external mic, and the results have been nothing but horrible. Unless I'm speaking with the recorder a few inches from my mouth, it's garbled. If you're recording yourself and are willing to have the recorder in your face, it's fine. Otherwise, don't waste your money.

Olympus DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder
$209.99
I own three of these recorders for use at home and at work; I bought my first one over three years ago. They are dependable, high-quality, handy to carry and they can record in a variety of less-than-ideal situations (e.g., inside my shirt pocket, hidden between books and other items).