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The quality is actually very good and the 512MB memory is really plenty even if you record in HD. The battery life isn't great (maybe a couple hours), it doesn't even last to fill up the memory stick that is incorporated. I've used it many times and I think it always worked fine. As I said before, I'm not a tech-expert so I don't know if this product is any better than others technically speaking. That said, I think this is a great gadget to have if you are a teacher like me who wants a voice recording of classes and presentations. It's easy to use and it's super-easy to download the audio files onto your computer from the memory stick.The best part is that it's MAC-compatible.
The 331-M is less expensive and has more memory. Look at your other options. It is a newer version.
It does all the things I wanted it to & more. I use it for recording choral rehearsals, then downloading to my computer, & sending off files to other members of the chorus through email, or burning CDs. This little gizmo is absolutely great. GREAT TOOL.
It worked great for what I have used it for:College classesKidnapping a friend and taking him to his birthday partyA political conversation among friends.Self-dictationBand concert (tweeked in audio program and came out nicely)It has two microphone sensitivities ( Dictation [low] and Conference[high]). So I just went with this. I have normally use it on the HQ stereo setting and I have been quite pleased with the stereo recording. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Y1834DH3WAZM I was a first a little hesitant about buying thus recorder since it recorded in WMA format. But I couldn't find anything else that would record a long period of time that wasn't VERY expensive. For the more technological people - I have imported the files into a audio editing program and the wave images do appear in stereo. I personally don't like that format since I work with audio a lot (I like wav or mp3). It also has a microphone jack that I have yet to try, but I know that Olympus sells a lapel microphone for it, but I am also going to try on of mine as well.Durability: 4/5 - held up well unless I dropped it, then the USB cover came offEase of Use: 4/5 - Menu screens are fairly easy to navigate and the USM is "plug & play" it acts as an external hard drive.Battery Life: 4/5Sound Quality: 4/5 Portability: 5/5 Very lite.Overall: 4/5Also I didn't use the music player side of it.that's what my iPod is for.
I suppose if I was using it for music I would want more space. with one exception, the bulge in the back from the battery. I especially like its USB connection. I just hate it. I came to find out that the cover does not stay on very well, in fact so not very well that it popped off, I cannot find it and now I am stuck with an exposed battery that enjoys popping out as much as the cover did.
I seem to have loads of space. With all the battery types available today, why would Olympus choose the AAA size. Regarding the size, I find it more than adequate for voice recording. Now I am fed-up with that battery design solution. But for my needs, I am quite satisfied with this product.Update 19 Apr 08.
There are many good qualities about this product. I think everything about this recorder is great. I guess I'm being too picky about something so insignificant, but it just bothers me. I tried giving it two stars, but I cannot edit the stars. The recorder is, well could be, remarkably thin, but that battery makes it me crazy.
Arg.
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