Buying Guide to Digital Voice Recorders
July 31, 2006 by
The days of trying to find tiny cassette tapes for your voice recorder are long gone. Digital voice recorders have made it easier than ever to record important meetings, personal notes and even podcasts. Here’s what you need to know before you buy your own digital voice recorder.
Storage
Even though you won’t have to scavenge for tiny tapes, there is still a limit to how much audio you can record on a digital voice recorder. Most now come with a flash memory card that offers at least 50 megs of storage. Remember, sound files are large, particularly if you want good quality. If you plan on recording meetings or long conversations, you will need at least 512 megs of memory. Try to find a digital voice recorder that offers at least 1 gig of memory. They are more expensive, but in the long run, you’ll get more use of your digital voice recorder.
Connection
A newer digital voice recorder will typically offer a USB connection so that you can easily download your recorded files to your computer. An older or inexpensive digital voice recorder may come with a removable flash card. This will require you to use either a flash card reader that is already in your computer, or you may need a special device to transfer the file. In order to cut down on compatibility problems, first make sure what kind of flash cards your computer can read if any.
When selecting a digital voice recorder, make sure it comes with a bridge device if it does not offer a USB connection. It is also a good idea to make sure that your digital voice recorder comes with the necessary cables and drivers to cut down on having to purchase or find these later. Mac users may also experience difficulties with their digital voice recorder if it is not specifically meant for use with this platform. Always read the fine print on a package before purchasing your digital voice recorder to save time and expense. If you are in doubt on its capabilities, check with a sales person or do some research online.
Size and Capabilities
Even though you won’t have to scavenge for tiny tapes, there is still a limit to how much audio you can record on a digital voice recorder. Most now come with a flash memory card that offers at least 50 megs of storage. Remember, sound files are large, particularly if you want good quality. If you plan on recording meetings or long conversations, you will need at least 512 megs of memory. Try to find a digital voice recorder that offers at least 1 gig of memory. They are more expensive, but in the long run, you’ll get more use of your digital voice recorder.
Connection
A newer digital voice recorder will typically offer a USB connection so that you can easily download your recorded files to your computer. An older or inexpensive digital voice recorder may come with a removable flash card. This will require you to use either a flash card reader that is already in your computer, or you may need a special device to transfer the file. In order to cut down on compatibility problems, first make sure what kind of flash cards your computer can read if any.
When selecting a digital voice recorder, make sure it comes with a bridge device if it does not offer a USB connection. It is also a good idea to make sure that your digital voice recorder comes with the necessary cables and drivers to cut down on having to purchase or find these later. Mac users may also experience difficulties with their digital voice recorder if it is not specifically meant for use with this platform. Always read the fine print on a package before purchasing your digital voice recorder to save time and expense. If you are in doubt on its capabilities, check with a sales person or do some research online.
Size and Capabilities
Looking for a reliable and inexpensive voice recorder and want to move into the digital age. The Olympus VN-240 is a digital voice recorder with a lot of good features and at a great price.
By Jeff Gedgaud | Published 4/18/2006 | Read more »
Whether dictating ideas on the fly or capturing that exclusive interview...the RCA 64 MB Digital Voice Recorder will not disappoint!
By Summer Banks | Published 8/15/2007 | Read more »
Digital voice recorders are handy tools for remembering long lists of items and taking notes without writing a lot down.
By Matt Busse | Published 7/24/2007 | Read more »
I take my Sony Digital Voice Recorder (the Sony ICD-P210 Digital Voice Recorder, to be exact) everywhere, literally. It is constantly in my left cargo pant pocket- except for the times when I am using it, which is quite often.
By Jetlag Democracy | Published 6/29/2006 | Read more »
The Sony ICD-MX20 is a digital voice recorder. It comes packaged with digital voice software so that you can easily edit your files. You can find the Sony ICD-MX20 for an average price of $190.
By D Swain | Published 2/19/2008 | Read more »
The Olympus WS-311M is a digital voice recorder. It is useful for reporters, students, or anyone who frequently needs to take notes. The unit also provides support for .mp3 and .wma files. You can find the Olympus WS-311M for an average price of $100.
By D Swain | Published 2/28/2008 | Read more »
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- Use your digital voice recorder to capture important meetings and conversations
- Look for a digital voice recorder that has a USB connection to simplify file transfers
- Digital voice recorders are small, easy to carry and fun to use.
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