Digital Recorder Suggestions

["Suzanne Williams" scw1217]

I need some suggestions for a good portable digital recorder.  We
have been using a Sony Mini Disc unit, but the time it takes to
convert the files from audio to digital is discouraging.  We'd like
to be able to have the file already in digital-audio format so that
all we have to do it move the file onto the computer and thus cut out
about an 1 1/2 hours of work.

I'm not sure what is even available.  The unit needs to be small, as
would fit in a coat pocket, and light.  Our recordings are not
nature, but speech (as in seminars or teaching) so the mic we have is
the kind that clips to a collar or tie.  Great mic, which we'd like
to reuse (sorry don't know the exact brand name).

I appreciate your help in advance.

----------------------
Suzanne
Suzanne Williams Photography
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/swilli41/www
Florida, USA