Voice Recorder

Sony ICD-PX720 Digital Voice Recorder with PC Link
$59.95
Here is the email I received from Sony when I tried to connect:

"Thank you for contacting Sony Support.

"I'm sorry that the Sony Digital Voice Editor Software does not recognize the Voice Recorder in the Computer. The IC Recorder is not compatible with the Windows 7 Operating System. The Digital Voice Editor software 3.2.01 is compatible with Vista and XP operating System only. In order to transfer the recording please use the analog interface. Connect the Headphone out from the IC Recorder to the Audio IN jack in your computer if available.

"Thank you for your time.

"The Sony Email Response Team"

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 does not have a usb port for fast/easy transfers of files to a computer AND it's silver instead of black. Cost difference between the two is about $10-$20 so once you decide whether you need a usb port or not the decision is a no brainer. Both Recorders have SHQ + HQ mode which allow recordings in stereo BUT only if you're using an external stereo mic like Sony's ecm-ds70p 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-ds70p) that I mentioned and not only does it allow fairly great Stereo recordings for a budget price but quite noticeably improves sound sensitivity + overall SQ.
The external mic is certainly not a necessity though since these recorders do have sensitive + good quality built-in mics but it will allow stereo recordigs + improve SQ and take an already excellent recorder to another level.

In short decide whether you need a usb port or not and get the corresponding model ICD-bx700 or ICD-px720 because except for that they are the same exact thing and for the money can't be beat. Very good quality and very satisfied with both of them!

Olympus VN-5200PC Digital Voice Recorder
$59.99
I purchased this recorder to use in university classes. I cannot keep up with note-taking, so I use this to supplement. It picks up my professors well, whether I am in the front or back of the room, even when classmates nearby are shifting books and binders.

The battery life (AAA batteries) is very good. It's taken about two months to drop from three battery bars down to two, with 15-20 hours of recording a week. For classwork, I tend to save files back to my computer before playing, but I also use it for personal notes and reminders while I am driving or going to a store. Saving files back to the computer is quick and easy.

It's also fairly durable. I've dropped it a few times and it's rattled around my bag. This is my second semester using it. I strongly recommend this product.

Digital Voice Recorder
$0.00
THIS IS A GREAT LITTLE GADGET. IT DEPENDS ON YOUR NEEDS WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL SERVE THE PURPOSE. IT COULD NOT PICK UP THE SOUND THAT I NEEDED TO PICK UP. HOWEVER, IT DOES PICK UP VOICES- FAIRLY CLEARLY. THAT SAID, IF YOU'RE TRYING TO RECORD AND THERE IS ANY OTHER BACKGROUND CONVERSATIONS OR SOUND , IT IS POSSIBLE YOU WON'T RECORD WHAT YOU NEED. IT IS QUALITY MADE, SMALL, AND VERY EASY TO USE.