Here's an idea for anyone looking for a low-cost, decent quality
recorder: the Sony MZ-NH700 Hi-MD.
In September 2005, Sony announced that they would no longer distribute
minidisc products in Australia. This led Australian distributors and
retailers to dump their stock of Hi-MD machines at much reduced
prices. Enterprising resellers scooped up quantities of these
machines, and they are offering them now at reasonable prices.
The MZ-NH700 is one of these Sony Hi-MD recorders from Australia. eBay
auctions for new NH700s usually end in the $90 to $110 range.
Shipping is about $20, making the total cost $110 to $130.=20
The NH700 is similar to the highly regarded NH900. Both record to
ATRAC3 and WAV formats. Their control layouts are slightly different.
The NH700 has an all plastic case, while the NH900 is partly made of
aluminum. The NH700 has no Line Out function, but transferring files
via USB is faster, with higher quality.=20
The NH700's case is shaped to accept an AA battery internally, rather
than the "gumstick" rechargeable found in more expensive Hi-MD machines. =
In several ways, I prefer the internal AA battery. While traveling,
it's reassuring to know that you could find a replacement AA battery
almost anywhere. And for camping and expedition use, a handful of AA
batteries will be smaller and lighter than a large external battery or
a recharging system for the "gumstick" batteries. I'm not fond of
Sony's external "sidecar" AA battery holder.
Sony rates the NH700 as capable of 3 hours of Hi-MD recording using a
single 700mAh AA rechargeable battery. Today, you can purchase
rechargeable NiMH AA batteries with 2800 and 2900 mAh capacity. So
it's possible to record for a lot longer using one of those higher
capacity AAs.=20
Sony did not offer the NH700 for sale in USA, so it's questionable
that Sony USA will provide any warranty. This poses a risk, but, in
my experience, it's unlikely that any service will be necessary.
Maybe one of our members from Europe or Asia who owns an NH700 will
comment.
--oryoki
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