705MIN Digital Voice Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It is a nice solid unit, although relatively expensive for the features included.
I was disappointed that it is completely incompatible with anything Apple.
If you want to convert the sound files to a format you can use on other devices, i.e. mp3 player or windows media player or, quicktime, you MUST have access to a pc to run Sony's conversion software, otherwise they are in a useless format from the recorder.
The other problem is that the Sony conversion software takes forever to convert the Sony sound files to something useable.

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Product Description:
705MIN Digital Voice RecorderREPLACEMENT FOR ICD-MS515- Sony digital voice recorder-Compatible with Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice-to-print software (NOT included)- Up to 705 minutes record time using the built-in 32MB flash memoryin LP mode (260 minutes SP mode)- Compatiblewith Memory Stick PRO Duo up to 128MB- Slim and compact design- Digital pitch control (playback speed control)- MP3/WAV compatible (files are saved and played in LPEC format on the recorder itself)- Built-in triple microphones (selectable for stereo and directional recordings)- Directional microphone on/off switch- Menu for recording mode, alarm, and other settings- Folder and file label- Up to 340 folders to organize messages- Digital "voice up" technology provides well-balanced audio playback- Easy to use control keys- Digital voice editor software included- Easy PC connection: memory stick or USB- Various player functions- Easy attachment of voice files to email- SilverPackage Contents:- Voice recorder- Digital voice editor software (CD-ROM)- USB cable- 2 AAA batteries- Stereo earphones- Carrying case- Manual

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Sony ICD-MS515 Memory Stick Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Compatibility Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Remember the days when recording sound required magnetic tapes that you could fast-forward through, rewind, and turn over? I can't say that I do; it's all such a fog now. Maybe it was just a bad dream. Either way, digital recorders are here, so there's no point bemoaning the past. I recently purchased a Sony MS515 digital voice recorder to use as a mini dictation machine on long commutes to work. I shopped around before buying the pricy Sony. Here are my observations several months after my purchase:
1) As with every Sony device I've ever owned, the MS515 is well-designed, easy to use, feature rich, and 100% reliable; in other words, it's worth the money.
2) If you carry a tiny voice recorder in your pocket, I guarantee you will find more uses for it than you could ever anticipate.
3) Being able to easily download your recordings to your computer and save them as WAV files (among other formats) will change the way you use such recordings--for the better.
4) I will never touch another cassette recorder so long as I live.
With regard to novel applications, consider this: Have you ever gotten lost because you didn't bother to jot down all those seemingly unimportant details in the directions? Do you try to remember phone numbers for want of a pencil? Do you ignore flashes of insight while driving or walking your dog? Have you ever tried to describe the sound your car makes to your mechanic? Do you remember what your kid's first words sounded like? Need I say more?
But here is my absolute favorite (and unexpected) application of my digital voice recorder. When I am snapping pictures (with my digital camera, or course) of a sporting event, a ceremony, or even kids at play, I switch on my MS515 and capture all the sounds (and narration) to go along with the photos. It's infinitely richer to have sounds, voices, and narration to accompany the photos. (Don't think of this combination as a cheap form of video, but as a way to augment your still photos.) Try it. You won't believe what a difference it makes. In some ways I actually prefer it to video.
Here are a few specific comments about the Sony MS515. It's not much bigger than a cigarette lighter, so it's easy to pop it in your pocket. Its buttons are well placed (at least for righties), so it's easy to turn off and on, append, delete, switch folders, etc. It runs on two AAA batteries, which last for maybe 10 hours. Keep plenty of extra batteries on hand if you plan to use it a lot. As for memory, I use a 32 MB memory stick, which can hold about 4 hours of recording at the highest quality. I find this to be more than adequate for most everything I do. (But 8 MB is not enough.) Finally, the internal mic is very good, so there is no need for an expensive external mic. (I bought an external directional mic and found that the quality was indistinguishable from the built-in mic.)
One last piece of advice: Before you decide to save a little money by getting a cheap voice recorder, ask yourself two questions. How many times have you regretted buying the top-of-the-line? How many times have you regretted NOT buying the top-of-the-line? For me, the latter far outnumbers the former. Since we're talkin' voice recorders here, not sports cars, here's your chance to go for the top-of-the-line. The MS515 is a great little device; I don't think you'll be disappointed. With the MS515 in your pocket, you are far more likely to capture the really important stuff, like your kid's first attempt at the word "spaghetti".
By the way, it's an outstanding mini dictation device too.

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Product Description:
Sony's slim ICD-MS515 Memory Stick portable digital voice recorder uses removable Memory Stick media cards to store all dictation on small, compact, high-capacity media. The unit gives you up to 171 minutes of recording time on the supplied 8 MB Memory Stick. Other key features include USB connectivity for easy hookup with your PC, compatibility with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice-to-Print Software to convert your voice files into text (version 6.0, sold separately), digital pitch/playback speed control (which lets you play recordings at slower or faster than normal speeds to facilitate transcribing or editing), and a voice e-mail function to share your thoughts audibly.
The recorder's LPEC Codec uses a 16 kHz sampling rate for extended frequency response (with audio up to 8 kHz) to deliver excellent recorded sound. For storage, the ICD-MS515 offers up to 340 personally named message files and 965 messages on each Memory Stick media card so you can organize folders by type, such as sales letters, customer service replies, memos, action items, personal, etc.
Incremental rewind (easy search) is the equivalent of tape fast rewind but without returning all the way to the beginning of each recording, to help you locate specific passages within files. Advanced digital VOR (voice-operated recording) stops the recording during silent pauses--saving recording time--then begins recording again without missing a single syllable.
Other features include a full-function LCD, one-button play from record, a built-in microphone (with high/low mic sensitivity), a built-in playback speaker, an add-recording function (resumes recording from the end of a given message), a battery-strength LED, a battery-saving hold switch, and jacks for an external earphone and an external microphone.
What's in the Box
Voice recorder, 8 MB Memory Stick media card, PC Download software, two AAA batteries, a carrying case, an earphone, a USB cable, and a user's manual.

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Olympus WS-560M Digital Voice Recorder with MP3 Playback Review

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(More customer reviews)I use this recorder to record messages preached at a local church. I hook a lapel microphone to it and drop the recorder into my pocket. It works wonderfully. The recorder comes with a rechargeable AAA battery; however, one can use a standard AAA as well. It recharges when plugged into the computer, but only when you place it in recharge mode.

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Product Description:
A picture is worth a thousand words. The intonations of voice offer infinite possibilities. The Olympus WS-560M Digital Voice Recorder is ready to store 4 billion vocal parts and lets you file and organize them as you want. A digital voice recorder can be used to record lectures, ideas, memos, and brainstorms. Using MP3 technology, it also can record music. This pocket device may just be one the best accessories to have with you at all times.

The stylish and lightweight WS-560M comes with a whopping 4GB of memory and offers unbeatable flexibility, with a choice of six recording qualities featuring Stereo XQ for highest quality and LP mode for more than 1000 hours of digital recording. For even more flexibility, its unique retractable high speed USB connector is the smartest available way to connect to a PC. While transferring your data, the battery is recharged - together with long battery life this recording device is the ideal solution for people on the move. As a dual function voice recorder, the WS-560M combines digital stereo recording with enhanced music playback functionality. Advanced noise cancellation technologies filter out any unwanted audio for crisp and clear sound in WMA format. Voice and low cut filters guarantee top-notch audio quality in any situation and environment. Boasting WMA, MP3 and WAV playback, the WS-560M is not only the perfect solution for note takers, but also for music lovers everywhere. For your favorite tunes, SRSWOW XT' audio enhancement ensures a rich, panoramic three-dimensional music experience. Whether recording personal notes, lectures, tunes, or prose, the Olympus WS-560M is packed with features you'll really enjoy having.

The Olympus WS-560M is perfect for dynamic modern lifestyles, so you can travel light while switching between business and pleasure at your absolute convenience. It's a pocket of your ideas!

Features:

Simple menu-dr

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Olympus Premium Case - Case for digital voice recorder - black Review

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(More customer reviews)This case is really great for the "Sony ICD-UX71 Digital Voice Recorder" (essentially a perfect fit). Almost all of the recorder's functions are easily accessible while in the case. The case provides a good level of protection, is of high quality, and looks nice. The case snaps/buttons shut at the bottom to cover the front of the recorder. The recorder is held in place by an elastic band at the case's top which approx rests in between the recorder's microphones and screen. The case has a good loop/belt clip on its back that buttons on its lower edge to the back of the case, but also has a second strip of material to keep the recorder on the belt even if the button comes undone. I added a smallish lanyard ("Olympus 202315 Adjustable Wrist Strap (Black)") to the voice recorder that hangs out while the recorder is in the case. Voice recorder is approx: 3-7/8"L x 1-1/4"W x 1/2"H. The case is approx: 4-1/4"L x 1-3/4"W x 1"H. Very satisfied. Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
Keep your Olympus VN, WS and DS recorder safe from scratches and nicks with this handy case. It fits many models in those series and includes a handy belt loop and carrying strap.

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Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start by saying that I was originally overwhelmed by the number of digital voice recorders and the different features.As I began to study the market I soon realized that selecting the right recorder would not be easy.I eventually developed a list of the top features that I wanted in a recorder.

The most important feature was that the recorder must be compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking.Fortunately, many of the Olympus recorders are not only compatible but excel in that area.The WS-331 has not yet been certified by Nuance (the maker of Dragon), but the lower models have been.Recognizing that the 331 is both a new model and a much improved version I knew that success of the lower models would be a good indicator.As an example, the WS-320 as well as the 300 offer excellent service for voice recognition.

Building on compatibility I also knew that I would need a recorder that was easy to use.While other recorders provide feature rich controls the attraction to the Olympus was part simplicity and convenience.The main function buttons are located on the right side of the recorder.This is the traditional location for the record, stop, and play buttons.For some something as simple as location of main buttons would seem trivial; however, for me it was a question of function over form.

The Olympus also provides a clear, though small, LED screen.Of course, given the overall size of this recorder a larger screen would be both out of proportion and make the recorder harder to use.I have found so far that I actually do not look at the screen that often, so screen size is less material than I originally thought.Even with a relatively small screen the information given to the user is clear and concise.

The size of this recorder is simply amazing.Even with a battery the recorder weighs just a few ounces.While the recorder can be easily carried in a shirt pocket I have found that it is especially convenient when carried in one of the smallest cell phone belt pouches.The Olympus is about half the size of a Blackberry or small PDA.It is thinner than most small cell phones, and will fit easily on a belt or in a purse.

One of the top attractions to this recorder is the size of the memory.At 2GB there is plenty of room to store just about anything I can dictate.As an author of several books and dozens of articles I find that using the recorder is a valuable tool which has increased my productivity.I am no longer anchored to a computer keyboard when I write; now I can write anywhere I can take my recorder.

In fact, this review was recorded using the Olympus and then transcribed by Dragon.I actually found the error rate to be lower using the recorded file than when I use Dragon live.This has less to do with the voice recognition software than it does with the quality of the recording.I find that by recording I actually write better, and that my speech is clearer which means that my error rate drops.

Another significant feature of this recorder is the direct USB connection.The recorder comes with a short USB cable which can be easily used when access to the USB port is restricted.Fortunately my computer has several USB ports on the front, so I can connect the Olympus directly to the computer.

About the only negative to this is that the recorder now sticks out on front of the computer, and if the computer were positioned in a high traffic area it might create a hazard from being run into (hazard for the recorder, that is).

The recorder appears to be made mostly of plastic.Some might find this to be a negative but for me it helps explain the lack of weight.The light weight of the recorder is certainly an advantage, and I don't believe the plastic is a true issue.The overall quality of workmanship is very high.

Files are easily transferred from the Olympus to the computer just as they would be from a flash drive.The first time I plugged the Olympus into the USB port the computer immediately recognized the recorder.This is a real advantage, especially when transferring files to a new computer.As an example, I can easily use the recorder on both my home computer and laptop without installing special software.Likewise, I can take the recorder to my office where it is compatible with any computer using as USB port.Other recorders have a proprietary system that requires the use of special software, and that is simply too inconvenient given today's market and needs.

Files on the Olympus are stored in the WMA format.The recorder also plays music files in both the WMA and MP3 format.Having such large storage capacity also means that I can download music files to the recorder and still have plenty of room to make new recordings.

There are many other features which make this a great recorder, that space simply won't allow me to detail each of them.If you are looking for a great recorder to use with voice recognition software then I highly recommend this recorder.This is also a great tool for recording lectures, or conversations, and many other matters.

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Product Description:
Stay organized and on the move with the Olympus WAS-331M Digital Voice Recorder and WMA Music Player, a high-quality digital voice recorder and powerful music player. Record meetings or notes and even store large documents to bring from one computer to another. For added convenience, the device features a speedy USB connection for easy file transfers with a PC. The its speedy USB 2.0 connection, just plug the WAS-331M into an open USB port and start transferring files. Up to 500 songs can be stored and played in impressive stereo sound with track and artist name clearly displayed on the WAS-331M's easy to read LCD screen.
The WAS-331M has the ability to play recordings in fast and slow playback modes, up to 50-percent faster or 50-percent slower than real time. The unit records files in the WMA (Windows Media Audio) format, and its 2 GB of flash memory is able to capture audio recordings in the following modes: stereo XQ mode (35 hours 30 minutes), stereo HQ mode (71 hours), stereo SP mode (142 hours 5 minutes), HQ mode (142 hours 5 minutes), SP mode (279 hours 35 minutes), and LP mode (555 hours 45 minutes). Other great features include voice activated recording, and a built-in 18 mm round dynamic speaker. The device runs on one AAA battery and offers up to 21 hours of continuous battery life. Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 and later operating systems (including Vista), the WAS-331M measures 3.73 x 1.52 x 0.43 inches and weighs just 1.66 ounces.
What's in the Box
WS-331M digital voice recorder, USB cable, stereo earphones, one AAA alkaline battery, and instruction manual.

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Olympus WS-510M 4GB Digital Voice Recorder and WMA/MP3 Music Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I own another Olympus recorder which I bought years ago and I paid a ton of money for it.It was money well spent.I was intimidated by the "digital" part of it for a long, long time, but once you get the hang of it, these are so fabulous.

There's a button on the front that lets you move between folders A-E.That letter will appear on the screen and you can work on 5 different projects easily---just press the little button and it will take you to the folder you want where you can store all your notes for that project.

Within each folder are 199 files---I know this sounds confusing if you are new to the digital world, but the recorder does it all for you.You just go to the folder (tap the far right top button several times and it will go from A to E on the screen.You stop at the letter you want).Then press record and Talk!Easy!

When you are done, you'll see on the screeen 1/1---which means two things:you have just created a file and there are a total of 1 files in your folder, 1/1.The next time you record, it will say 2/2---which means you are in the second file and there are 2 files in your folder and on and on it goes until you get 199 files.

Now let's say you want to go back and listen to file 1 of your 199 files.You click back through them manually with the (<---) arrow which is on the front wheel until you get to it.The screen will say 1/199 and you will be at the first file and know you have 199 files total.I think that is just so easy and so cool!

To record, you press the top button in the middle which you can see in the picture (it's just below the screen) and talk---that's it.You don't press two buttons at the same time like in the olden days.

If you want to pause, click it again.If you want to stop recording, the top button on the left is stop and you click it.NOTHING could be easier.

At first, I was afraid to buy a recorder with the buttons on the front because my old one had them on the side, so I went to a store and looked at the product.THE FRONT IS BETTER.You have to remember that this little guy is the size of a heath bar.It's small!And holding it in your hand makes it super easy to click all the buttons with your thumb.Another reviewer said they were too small---I think they are PERFECT...go and look at Office Depot and you'll see the size.If you can't read them, the red one is record and the black one is stop.I can see them just fine, and if you can't remember this few buttons, then you probably are not reading this review.

Now, this gadget has all sorts of hidden menus to do all sorts of detailed things---I flip through the menus now and then and check them out, but basically, I just want to record and download.

It comes with a foam pouch which is really nice.My old one didn't have that.

It comes with a rechargeable battery and it's supposed to recharge anytime you have it hooked up to your computer. I haven't taken the time to charge it.

The second reason I bought another olympus is because my first one had 1/4 of a gig and this one has 4 Gigs!I filled the old one up in a week, so I'm thinking this one should last two months!!!Unbelievable for the price I paid which was $109---my old one cost over $300, I think.

Olympus makes a ton of these little recorders and I went to their website to try to figure out what was what.They could do a lot better job of telling you.

I narrowed the choices by the USB port.The old one I have snaps apart (too cool) and one side is a usb insert (like a flash drive).This one has a little USB thing that slides out of the bottom and then retracts.This was a deal breaker for me with the other models---I will lose a cord and I wanted the USB thing to be built in.The whole point of having a digital recorder is to hook it to your computer.

I like the voice activated feature(unlike another reviewer).

The other reviewer is right that you do have to go through several buttons to erase, but if you think about it, better to be asked to confirm, then to erase by mistake.I *think* (but I'm not sure if I remember this correctly) there might be an erase for the whole folder on one of the menus.

At this price and this size, there's no reason not to have one with you all the time.It will work with Dragon and actually type up your files, but I am here to tell you that the Dragon people are as unfriendly as they come.After I spent DAYS trying to figure out why my Dragon software would not work when I was trying to train Dragon with their mic, I paid the $20 to talk to someone who

He/she finally said it was an issue they knew about and that I could not use their headphone/mic that came with the software.They refunded my $20 and I bought a new mic---but what about all MY TIME!?The DAYS I lost!?

I think they owe me for that.And Dragon ruined one of my audio drivers on my computer causing it to crash over and over---GRRR and I had to pay to get that fixed by the Geeks, like I will ever see that money back from Dragon.

If anyone knows of any voice recognition software that actually works and is made by a company that's nice, responsible, and friendly, please comment to this post.I paid Dragon to figure out how to convert the wma files this recorder produces to wav files (I know it can be done because I've done it), but he said it couldn't AND took my money.Yes, I love them.If anyone knows how to do it, please also comment.Using voice recognition with this recorder is a very important reason for getting it.

UPDATE:If Olympus reads these (and they should)---could you please make one with more files---5 is not enough.I work on a lot of projects at once.Give me 10!And could someone please explain what the index thing does?

ANOTHER UPDATE--May 22, 2010:Amazon just sent me a product update on Dragon, since they now make software that converts WMA files to print.In other words, I won't have to convert the voice files I make on this recorder to WAV files before they will print---at least that's what the box says.We'll see.I'll be back with an update after I use it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus WS-510M 4GB Digital Voice Recorder and WMA/MP3 Music Player

Product Description:
Record meetings or notes and even store documents on this high-class storage device and remarkable music player. Easily transfer files with the USB input that lets you plug the WS-510M right into the computer for fast results. Up to 1,000 songs can be stored and played in impressive stereo sound, with track and artist name clearly displayed on the LCD.

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Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this as a backup to my other Olympus recorder (which I frequently lend out).My other recorder is an Olympus WS-100 which I bought 4 years ago.It was one of the first digital voice recorders ever made.It has served me well.

This unit contains a number of improvements over the WS-100 and the WS-400.

When I bought this, I was afraid I would have to carry around a USB cable with me.However, this unit has a little slide button on the side which extends a built-in USB connector.Plugging this into a USB port is a snap.

This unit is a little more compact than the WS-100.It also seems to solve the record delay which was a time vampire on the WS-400.This unit starts to record immediately on pressing the record button.

I would give this unit five stars except except the menu is almost indecipherable without spending an entire day memorizing and studying it.This means that you pretty much have to have the manual available for the first months you use this, or memorize the manual, or, you will not be able to use most of the features. (Unfortunately, this seems normal for most digital personal devices nowadays (except for some Apple products)).

The arcane menu arrangement does not lend itself to quick and easy use of the unit if there are constant changes to your recording requirements. For example, as far as I can figure out from the arcane manual you must press two separate buttons, a total of five times in order to something really simple like erase a recording.I erase more recordings than I keep and this is a real time vampire.

Other than that the plusses are that it supports Vista 64 bit, and, contains all of the features of the WS-400.The unit is easy to snap record conversations and other items.One feature I really like is that it comes with its own, easily replaceable, NiMH battery.If you keep this unit plugged into your USB port, it will repeatedly charge the battery.(It is a REAL advantage that it doesn't need its own docking station to charge, or, new batteries every few hours of use).

It is a good buy at the price and easier to use, with all of the features, even with its drawbacks, than any of the other small personal recorders I've looked at over the years by other manufacturers.

Specifications:

Recording Format:WMA
Input level: -70dBv

Maximum working output: 60mW (8 ohm speaker)

NAND FLASH memory 2GB - this unit works excellently as a flash drive with VISTA 64 or 32.

MIC Jack:3.5mm mini-jack; impedance 2k ohms

EAR jack:3.5mm mini-jack; impedance 8 ohms or more

RECORDING TIMES:

STXQ mode 34 h 30 min.
STHQ mode 69 h 40 min.
STSP mode 139 h 25 min.
HQ mode 139 h 25 min.
SP mode 247 h 10 min.
LP mode 544 h. 55 min.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver)

Product Description:
Stay organized on the move with this high-class storage device and powerful music player. Transfer meetings or notes and even large documents to your PC with the easy-to-use USB input. The WS-500M is designed to be plugged directly into your computer for fast file transfer. With 2GB of internal memory, store up to 500 songs and listen to them in impressive stereo sound with track and artist name clearly displayed on the LCD.

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