Tape Recorders...

Digital ones have the ability to upload to your PC. That's a big advantage if you want to go back to a taping. Some also have voice to text software to convert to a document.

 

Digi is better quality and has more goodies and better goodies like AVR Auto Voice Record so it records when sound activates it. They're more pricey but better.

Analog or whatever the others are are fine for dictating and small stuff but if you're planning on recording a room full of people or are going to place the recorder behind a plant and not next to the person talking it won't pick up very high quality sound. They're cheaper and they show it.

 

I'm a big fan of minidiscs for recording. I've got a portable one that I use to record live performances, it's fantastic for that. But they make home decks too. The best minidisc equipment is sold in Japan (where minidiscs got/are hugely popular, but not so much in the US--average joe wise), but there are places to buy in them in the US. PM me if you want some weblinks.

 

I went with minidisc too. Still have a Nakamichi ZX1, which was top flight at the time. I had it setup for years until I got the MD, then I packed it up and stored it.

 

Same here...sound quality is great and mine fits in the palm of my hand. There are a couple of websites to check out

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=0

http://www.planetminidisc.com/

If you don't need great microphones, you can go with some cheaper mics. If you need more info, let me know

 

Go to Staples or Office Depot or someplace like that...they sell hand held microcassette recorders for anywhere from $20 to $50, depending how many bells and whistles you want. I have an Olympus that I use for meetings or wherever I don't feel like taking notes at the time. Here is there websites with info on their models. Like I said, check out Staples, etc, as well

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_vr_microrecorder.asp

 

You know the answer is digital all the way

Look at this one. I haven't used it but it looks great.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=88489&catGroupId=25026&modelNo=RR-US380&surfModel=RR-US380&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

Stores 16 hours
You can download the files to your PC and store your interviews
You can use the software to auto dictate.

All for $100........

If you can find better, let me know.

 

That does look like a decent deal. As far as the microcassette recorders I mentioned earlier, the sound quality isn't as good as digital (as expected)...but you are paying less money. All depends on your budget and your needs...if you want something where you can store the recordings to a computer and you find that a necessity requirement, I would go for the digital
model...connecting with the USB cable is an easy way of saving your recording. If you don't care about hooking up to a computer, and you just want to get a recorder, go with the microcassette. I bought my microcassette recorder at least 2 or 3 years ago...the
digital recorders weren't as good then as they are today. If I had to do it all
over now, I would buy the Panasonic digital. In a year from now, they probably will make ones with flash memory, etc. Go to a store and get a demo...make sure you are comfortable knowing how to operate it...ask to record something...I remember testing out the digitals a couple of years ago and I didn't think the sound was that much better. Technology should be better now though.
Once you figure out your needs and how much you want to spend, it should be easy. In this case, since the digital is only $100 (maybe $50 more than a decent microcassette recorder), I would go the extra $50 but remember to try it out at the store first. Don't let the salesperson waste your time. I spent a lot on my minidisc and microphone but I have used it for years, so I am happy with my decision.

 

Looks good........Not messing with a cable is def. a plus. But, I liked the included dictation SW w/ the Panasonic. That is of course, assuming it actually works.

If you can purchase online you can get better pricing.

 

Well, I thought you were going to use the recorder for interviews. In that scenario, if you could have software convert the voice to text then you could have it already typed out without having to do it manually. I'm just not sure how well it works. But, if it works, I'd think that would be a great feature.

Think about magazines that have writers write interview stories. Think how much easier it would be to let the software write it out instead of having to type everything.

 

TAPE RECORDERS?!?!? The Japs will kill us on the labor costs!
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I think one of my favorite Dangerfield movies has to be Caddyshack


"Hey everybody, we're all going to get laid!"
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Carbee......This will take care of your 'Ups and Downs'!!!
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LOL !.!


Go digital, you can throw all of your recordings on your computer and be good to go!