Small digital recorder - experiences?


Have any of you used a small digital recorder that you are happy with? I need something fits into pocket nicely, records hopefully MP3 or some other compact format that directly plays on a PC. Goal is to record voice initially, not necessarily music, although thats an interesting option. Mike input option would be nice.

Ever tried using iPod for this purpose? Or some MP3 player?

Key are play back quality and ergonomics and small and many hours per battery set.

Thanks,
Art
artmaltman
Seems like I read a Michael Fremmer column a month or two (or three) ago where he talked about just such a thing.... Maybe someone else will remember what it was, or you can find it in the Stereophile archives...... He really liked it.

Chris
Mike Fremer was using an iPod for interviews at CES, I did not ask him what company made the add on device.
I used one of these: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=ICDP110 to record therapy sessions for use in grad school presentations (I got written permission from my clients). It comes with software that allows you to download it to a PC (USB 2.0) in HQ .wav format or mp3, mono mp3, etc. I burned mine to a CD and presented in the TV/DVD-CD Player combo in the classroom. It sounded great!!! Best when I used the low sensitivity setting (Less background noise). Everyone else used portable cassette recorder/players that sounded pretty bad!!!! I looked like such a pro!!! =]

As far as playback on the unit itself, it would not work too well in a classroom setting as it would not be loud enough. It does have analog output (1/8 inch), so it could be plugged directly into something else for amplification.

I used disposable lithium AAA batteries and did not have to change them often.

Brad
Atlanta