[TriLUG] Semi-OT: Digital Voice Recorders

[Mike M]

On Mon, Jun 07, 2004 at 12:50:38PM -0400, Andrew Perrin wrote:
> Anybody have one of these gizmos or can offer advice? I'm looking for one
> that:
> 
> - Can record a minimum of 2 hours;
> - Has some facility for downloading to a linux box;
> - Has an external mic jack so I can record phone conversations as
> necessary; and
> - Doesn't cost too much.
> 
> Any advice?

I had a Sony Voice Balloon.  A veritable piece of crap that one was.
Used expensive button batteries and when through them quickly because
the unit was always being turned on accidentially when it was in my pocket.

The recording quality was poor.  I would record something and play it
back immediately and understand what I had said.  When I reviewed the
items a day or more later, very often I could not understand what I 
had said.  I would have to repeat the items and try to decipher my own
notes.

Things have probably gotten better since that experience a couple of
years ago.  Probably even have 'em with USB connectors so they look
like disk drives.

Try to find something that uses AAA or AA batteries so you can use
rechargeables.  This should not be too hard.  You probably have to 
look hard to find something using those button batteries.

How about asking some MDs? They are always yaking into those
things.  They probably have the best user opinions.

-- 
Mike

Moving forward in pushing back the envelope of the corporate paradigm.