Digital voice recorders have come to be increasingly popular over the last few years, as they offer a relatively cheap and reliable alternative to older cassette voice recorders. Digital voice recorders use memory - much like the memory used in your personal pc - to article sound, rather than tape cassettes. Newer recorders tend to have very large memory capacities, despite their small size.
Though there are any brands of digital voice recorders to choose from, two stand out as the most popular at this time: Sony and Olympus. Here we attempt to assess two recording devices, one from each company. Hopefully this information will be helpful in deciding which recorder is more suitable for your needs.
Camera Usb Micro B 5-pin
Olympus Dm-20 Digital Voice Recorder
The Dm-20 is a popular new model by Olympus. It has received high marks in the past for it's large memory capacity (128Mb Built-in flash) that provides about 45 hours of voice recording time. In addition, the device is capable of retention 120 minutes of high capability mp3 music. The recorder can hook up to both a mac or pc, so there isn't much of a compatibility issue in uploading/ downloading songs or voice recordings. Physically, the device is positively quite sharp (picture below), and is relatively light - 3 oz. This is good news for anyone who travels; it can be positively located in a pocket or hand bag. The device also has some nice features that make it even more attractive, such as reminder alarms (work much like your alarm clock), separate play and play-back modes, files may be saved in Wma or Dss format, and an external microphone. The main draw back to the device is the lack of an on/ off switch - something that should positively be there. You are forced to hold down the hold button for some time before the device will shut down. Other than this, however, the device is well worth your attention. It currently sells for 0 - 0 dollars, so shop around.
Olympus Dm-20 Digital Voice Recorder
Sony's reply to the Dm-20 is the Icd-Ms515 memory stick digital voice recorder. This device uses detachable Memory Stick Media that is very similar to the smart flash cards used in digital cameras and other devices. The Icd-Ms515 comes with a relatively small 8mb memory stick that holds about 170 minutes of recording. This is much smaller than the capacity of the Dm-20, but it is potential to naturally upgrade to larger memory sticks. Some of the nice features of this device are the built-in microphone, the capability to work with Voice To Print Software (allows the conversion of voice recording to text), usb connectivity, and a voice e-mail theory (allowing you to send audible voice mail). The device is also very light, weighing slightly less than 3 oz. It's proportions are very similar to that of the Olympus Dm-20. Besides the low memory capacity (which can be upgraded at an added cost), this a very solid and competitive device. It currently sells for nearby 0.
Sony vs. Olympus: Digital Voice Recorders