OM Digital Solutions DP-201 Digital Voice Recorder

I use voice recorders mostly to record notes to myself while driving, or action items during conference calls to make sure my notes are comprehensive. Until now I was using my cell phone for that purpose, but was looking for something dedicated for the purpose of recording notes, preferably a device easy and reliable to operate. This recorder is perfect for my needs. The size is not too small (fits the palm of your hand), allowing for clear menus and decent speaker, but not too bulky either. It will capture very clearly your own notes or conference calls on speaker phone. It is easy to play back and navigate through the recording. I only use the recorder to transcribe my notes then immediately discard the files, so the lack of USB interface doesn't bother me, but if you want to archive your notes a recorder such as the WS-801 also by Olympus will be a better choice.PROS- Simple, clear design that not only allows for easy use but also looks good- All the controls you need for basic needs (pause, fast forward and playback, playing speed adjustment, noise canceling and microphone sensitivity); pretty good for a basic device- Well-designed to-the-point instructions manual- Built-in microphone works well, and the integrated speaker gives you all the volume you need, delivering a better performance than any device I have used in the past- Battery indicator in the top right corner is very useful and a welcome inclusion at this price point- Auto shut-off after 10 min. when not in use to save battery lifeCONS- Finish is somewhat cheap and the feel plasticky - even though built itself is quite decent. Since this particular product is pretty much stand-alone (doesn't depend on evolving computer technology), it is likely to be used by the user for more than a year or two. I would not mind paying a little more for simple, reliable device that will take some abuse during travel and that is built to last for years- On/off button could be more identifiable by its appearance itself, just as the erase button is (it is orange when the other buttons are all the same grey), it would help when you grab the recorder for an immediate need. I colored my on /off button in green and red with a permanent marker which helps- A recording level bar would be nice so you can be sure the microphone is capturing the audio with enough strength5 stars for its all-around value as well as functional and attractive design.

Probably the best $29.95 I've spent in recent memory, this thing is truly a gem! If you want something to record thoughts, tasks or grocery lists, your doctor's instructions during the current "in and out in 10 minutes" appointments, or anything else we can't remember due to our modern hectic lifestyle, you'll never go wrong with the DP-201. An uninterrupted 20 or 30 minutes practice with the unit using the clear and straightforward instructions will make you a real pro. It has plenty of sensitivity - with the unit in my office it records music and voice with perfect clarity from a radio playing at normal listening volume two rooms away. I should add that at my age, normal volume does NOT mean rock musicThe size and shape and the location of the controls make it extremely easy to handle and operate and you can start a recording and put it in a shirt pocket and it will record a conversation perfectly or you can put it on a conference table and it will record everyone in a meeting. For recording school lectures I can't imagine anything that would do as good a job at anywhere near the price of this unit. I have an Olympus WS-802 at more than twice the price and it isn't a bit more sensitive nor is the playback any clearer than the DP-201 when the microphone sensitivity is set to "high" and I would recommend using this mode for everything other than person to person conversations.I could fill another page with praise but suffice it to say I don't think one can go wrong by purchasing this unit. I've read many reviews commenting that the DP-201 lacks the ability to output the recordings into a computer but that isn't completely true. The DP-201 doesn't have a USB connection and can't output a signal in any of the compressed audio formats which can be easily transferred to a computer as a file, however since most modern computers come equipped with sound recording capability it's possible to simply buy a monaural patch cord to connect the earphone output of the DP-201 to the computer microphone input and use the computer sound recorder (in Windows) software to record from the DP-201. In most cases the raw audio recording can then be converted in the computer to a compressed mp3 or similar audio file to save memory space in the computer. Not quite as quick and easy as having a USB connection but it can be done if necessary.I might also add that I spent most of my spare time for the better part of a week trying to figure out how to use all the bells and whistles in the WS-802 which I bought through a well known web auction service. IMHO the instruction manual for that unit was an absolute nightmare to digest and I finally gave up and bought the DP-201. Not only did I pay too much for something that turned out to be essentially unusable but I had to spend an inordinate amount of time going back and checking my bid status and setting up a paypal account to finally buy the thing. After enduring that for a week I went to Amazon, looked up the DP-201 and ordered it, all of which took about 5 minutes and I received the unit one day before the earliest estimated delivery.It's probably quite evident that I'm a real fan of Amazon and this DP-201, it's the best buy of the lot IMO!

This recorder worked well for what I wanted -- taking notes about pictures that I took as I was traveling recently. BUT, the search and delete functions seem a bit complicated. However, I would recommend the recorder for it is very compact, records clearly, and picks up voices from a good distance. I think it would be good for recording lectures if you are not too far away from the lecturer.However, when I ordered it, the Amazon site listed a carrying case that, it said, customers ordered with it. This was the Olympus CS-131 carrying case. I assumed, wrongly, that this meant that the case would fit this recorder. It did not fit at all, so beware of that little trap if you order this recorder.

Well, it was a bit difficult to understand in the beginning but, I managed.Cons:-The recorder has to be placed very near to "whatever is to be recorded". Since I didn't have any space on my desk (I sat on a seat latter to the first) .I had to place it on a seat in the front (since everybody is back-benched :D) and mind it, the classroom was very compact yet the recording still came out a little below satisfactory. I had to keep on rewinding to understand "the mumbling".Pros:-Its buttons are pretty functional. I love the fast forwarding and the noise accessory a lot.All in all, it's a good item to have if you can't afford anything better,you won't regret it because it does the job well,once you understand how to use it by judging the perfect distance required form the source.it'll be easier to conduct.But, if you can invest in more than go for another item.