Suzanne,
The flash recorders are better integrated with PCs and Macs. There's
no need for Sony's SonicStage software to transfer files, just "drag
and drop." The cost of flash memory per gigabyte is now cheaper than
the cost of minidiscs. You can erase and re-use flash memory, or use
it as a short-term archive. Recordings will last up to 10 years on
the flash memory.
The model I like for most recording tasks is the Olympus LS-10. It is
pocket-size, has a durable metal case, 2 GB of memory is built in, it
gets about 10 hours of recording from two AA cells, the mic input has
low self-noise (fide Raimund Specht), the screen is legible outdoors,
two small built-in speakers let you quickly review a recording, and
it's easy to operate with one hand. The LS-10 costs less than $300
from several online sources.
If you want better recording quality, but still want a pocket-size
recorder, my recommendation is the Sony PCM-D50. It costs $450, but
it has a quieter pre-amp than the LS-10. To hear this improvement in
recording quality, you will need to use high quality microphones, too.
Both the LS-10 and PCM-D50 sound best with mic sensitivity set to low
and record volume set high.
If you need quality beyond that available with the recorders mentioned
above, then you should consider a Fostex FR-2LE ($450) and one or more
professional grade mics ($200 and up). This setup is no longer
pocket-size, but it's portable without too much trouble.
A reputable audio merchant will let you try out the recorders to
decide which works best for you. Unfortunately, external microphones
cannot be returned, so you'll need to test mics in the store.
--oryoki
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