Mini GUIDE DIGITAL VOICE RECORDERS - News Briefs

Home Office Computing, Nov, 2000 by Eileen Bien Calabro

Recording meeting notes and to-do lists used to mean carrying a bulky tape recorder. Now you can dictate to digital recorders that offer all the talk time of microcassette models, but are more versatile, easier to use, and in some cases let you download notes to a PC.

We tried a quartet of midpriced recorders and found that while their sound quality and features vary, they all live up to their basic goal: It's never been easier to take quick voice memos.

Olympus VN-180

The VN-180 ($130; Olympus America Inc., 631-844-5000, www.olympusamerica.com) is a middle-of-the-road recorder with a good balance of value and features. Learning to use the device was easy--despite an unnecessarily mammoth user's guide--and we were able to record up to 180 minutes of notes and ideas in two folders. Playback was somewhat muddy-sounding, but we enjoyed moving recordings between folders and the microphone's adjustable volume control.

Panasonic RR-QR240

Panasonic's RR-QR240 ($150; 800-211-PANA, www.panasonic.com) boasts sturdy aluminum construction, a jog-dial button, and a thin shape that made it easy to carry and use. It can record a whopping 266 minutes of notes in four folders, and has multiple menu options to keep them organized (even if some of the features are difficult to access). Other goodies include playback-speed adjustment and a voice sensor for button-free recording.

Sony ICD-67

Sony Electronics' contender ($130; 800-2227669, www.sel.sony.com) records up to 180 minutes of talk and plays it back in crystal-clear Sony style. Likewise, the LCD is bright and easy to read. Using the recorder, alas, is not so easy. Too many buttons slowed us down, but we were able to organize our remarks into three folders and add information to files already stored.

Voice It Executive VX-3400

At $100, the VX-3400 (Voice It, 800-478-6423, www.voiceit.com) is a no-frills value. You won't find any ear or phone jacks, volume controls, or perfect sound quality. Then again, there's no fumbling with buttons: We recorded only 34 minutes of notes, but played them back with ease. Plus, the recorder's ergonomic shape and velvety feel made it comfortable to use.