Editorial Review

The Olympus VN-180 digital voice recorder can be taken anywhere, weighing only 2.3 ounces, and records up to 180 minutes with built-in flash memory. Voice-activated recording mode automatically starts recording when the microphone senses sound. It's ideal for business meetings, school lectures, or personal notes. With its LCD panel, you can store, move, and save your messages in folders, or create recordings to remind you of important events. The LCD also displays recording time, voice activation mode, date and time, play mode, and battery status. ... Read more

Features

• Records up to 180 minutes in LP mode
• Built-in flash memory
• Operates on 2 AA batteries
• Voice-activated recording mode
• Weighs only 2.3 ounces

Reviews (20)

cute device missing on the Titanic
The VN90 is a cute device that looks like a cell phone but feels like a light plastic toy Peice Of Crep
I Bought this peace of crip to record different things that I hear. It only records fuzz. I hate this piece of plastic. It cost me a few dollars to buy, and when I record sounds that I hear, it distorts them and makes them sound like flatulance. I can not believe that this peace of crud works so badly. Don't buy it. It should burn!

A 67 minutes recorder
I bought this recorder because it can record 180 minutes.There are three recording modes.For 180 minutes, you have to put up with very poor sound quality.The sound of standard play mode is excellent, but only record 67 minutes. ... Read more

Features

• PC LinkDownload your recordings to your PC. to edit, e-mail,or archive.
• Four-Hour Recording Record up to 4 uninterrupted hours in LP mode.
• 3 Recording Modes Use HQ mode for superior sound, LP and SP modes for extended recording.
• 4 Folders Three file folders plus a convenient schedule folder provide unparalleled organization.
• Long Battery Life Two AAA batteries are good for up to 33 hours of continuous operation.

Reviews (12)

Nice device for a nice price!
This is my first digital voice recorder. I use it for recording speeches and conferences. Sometimes I use it in my own office's meetings to record my mate's opinions. The software is very useful. You may change the format of your recordings using Windows Media or any similar application. My DVR is refurbished, and even so it does the job and saves my day in the sense of keeping sound records. I recommend it.

Doesn't work with windows XP
1. Can't get the driver to work under Windows XP.
It does the Job well and easy
I use this product at the office for interviews, meetings and for taking notes, for me it is better than a tape recorder because it gives you the option to save recordings in a PC.It is easy to use and so is the software that comes with it. Consulting the manual is only required for the special options that it has. The best use you can give this unit is to record conversations. Other user that need stereo sound will need to searh for something else. I got this product new on a local retailer for 45 USD back in 2004. I would advice to buy the VN-960 PC because it has 4 times the record time for only 60 USD. The only Cons. i find in this product are: Uses AAA batteries, sometimes Rechargable Batteries dont work and file transfer to PC is too slow. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This flash memory recorder records up to three hours of input. With four separate folders, you can organize your messages into distinct sections. Each folder saves up to one hundred messages, and you can transfer these files from folder to folder, or delete them as necessary, using the file management system. The LCD screen displays a variety of information including: date, time, recording time, battery status, folder indicator, recording mode indicator, alarm indicator and battery indicator. The three recording modes allows you to adjust recording time. Choose between high quality, standard or long record. Twenty custom alarms keeps you up-to-date on important dates and times. The highly sensitive microphone will detect silence and stop recording saving valuable memory space. The recorder comes with earphone and mic jacks for added versatility. Read more

Features

• Three recording modes allow up to three hours of recording time
• Pauses recording during silence to save memory
• Four folders, each holding up to 100 recorded messages
• Jogdial layout
• Two AAA batteries last up to 33 hours

Reviews (6)

Perfect for keeping a journal
I selected the VN-1800 after looking at many dictating devices on the Internet.I use mine for recording my thoughts and diary entries on the go.It's small enough to fit nicely into my pocket, and the Hold switch never accidentally slides open.It's large enough to rest comfortably and securely on four fingers of one hand, leaving the thumb free to operate the buttons.
A quality device
I originally purchased this recorder to take minutes in meetings. In both HQ and SP modes, the quality of recording is very good for this purpose, assuming use of headphones when transcribing. In an outdoor setting, with people seated around a standard size folding table and holding the recorder so that it can be pointed toward the person speaking, the VCVA (voice activation) function was an excellent performer, even with a few people who mumble, and saved having to deal with blocks of silence. In LP mode, the quality of recordings is awful, but still salvageable (laborious task of playing file into computer as a wave file, then performing noise reduction on file) allows use of such files. If the time provided by SP is adequate for your purposes, this is an excellent and cost effective choice.

OKfor personal messages, but don't try to dictate
Although this digital voice recorder's (DVR) customer- and editorial reviews are accurate, they fail to identify one important flaw!Read more

Editorial Review

The handy Olympus Voice-Trek VN-900 features a compact, lightweight design with three scalable recording modes. You'll get high-value storage with a maximum of 90 minutes recording time from 8 MB of built-in flash memory. The recorder weighs just 2.3 ounces and is designed to sit snugly in the palm of your hand. Read more

Features

• 4 folders for organizing and storing notes, with up to 100 messages able to be stored per folder
• Up to 20 customizable alarms
• LCD display shows remaining record time, date, time, voice-activation mode, play mode, mic sensitivity, and battery status
• Voice activation lets the VN-900 begin recording when the microphone senses sound (hands-free recording)

Reviews (8)

Handy and dependable
I've been using this recorder for 6 months now, and I've had no problems with it. I changed batteries only once, and that was at the end of a semester's worth of voice lessons. It fits right in the palm of my hand and the design of the back makes it easy to grip with one hand (either left or right). It slips easily into a shirt or pants pocket. It's also relatively easy to use. Recording quality is good. Recording time at high quality (HQ) is around 20 mins., which fit my needs quite well. I would not have survived my voice lessons without this handy little helper!

Perfect little number
This is a supa little recording device.Very compact and easy to use.I agree that the LP mode is rather crap, but it does work for emergency long recordings (if you were say kidnapped and held in a small box and needed to record what the criminals were saying).The HQ mode is cool tho, offering 22mins of hi-quality recording time. Great size, good price. LP quality not usable
I recommend this voice recorder. The size is excellent. I carry it everywhere in my pocket and use it everyday at least once. Haven't had to change the batteries yet after 3 months of use. It's easy to use, easy to organize your recordings and will keep track of when you recorded them (date and time). It doubles as a pocket clock for those without a wristwatch.Read more

Editorial Review

The advantages of digital voice recorders are numerous: superior sound, long recording times, and the convenience of built-in Flash memory (much handier than hauling around several microcassettes). Enter the affordable Olympus VN-480, which makes professional dictation as easy as pressing a button. With up to 8 hours and 13 minutes of total recording time in Long Play mode, the device is great for archiving long interviews or lectures. As an alternative, users can set the device to Standard Play (4 hours, 27 minutes) or High-Quality (2 hours, 57 minutes) modes, which provide crisper playback more suitable to recording soft voices or jotting down song ideas. The data stores on the recorder's 64 MB of Flash memory in ADPCM format. Read more

Features

• Remanufactured to like-new condition; includes 90-day warranty
• Compact digital voice recorder with 64 MB built-in Flash memory
• Voice activation for hands-free recording; automatic timer recording and alarm functions
• Up to 8 hours recording time in LP mode, 4 hours in SP mode, and 2 hours in HQ mode
• 25 hours of operation on 2 AAA batteries (included); 1.54 by 3.9 by 0.85 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (2)

Great recorder
Bought this recorder over a year ago and use it for an average of 15 hours per week to record school lectures. I love the fact that I can down load it to my computer nightly and have it ready to record again the next day. I can put each of myclasses into a separate folder and each lecture is stamped with the date and time. The only problem I have had is in a classroom where the air conditioner has been on and I have been closer to it then the instructor - this makes the recording very unclear. I would suggest to sit as close to the speaker as possible or at least not sitting where there is a lot of background noise.

I Use OLYMPUS To Record My Keynote Presentations...

Read more

Editorial Review

The tiny new V-90 digital voice recorder is ergonomically designed to fit snugly inside the palm of the hand. Weighing only 1.6 ounces, it stores 90 minutes of voice recordings--longer than any other digital voice recorder in its price range.Read more

Features

• 90-minute recording time
• 3 folders for organizing messages
• Record your own alarm
• LCD display
• Lightweight, ergonomic design

Reviews (24)

Exceptional!
I've had mine for over a year and I absolutely love it! It's easy to use and the play back is crisp and clear. Very well made and thought out ... the unit sits neatly in the palm of your hand allowing finger tip control. A great value and high quality product!

Died after about 9 months daily use
A great item but it quit playing back after about 9 months of use.You could get bits of the messages by holding the mode button down momentarily.The gold paint wears off carrying it in your pocket.

I really like it but it keeps breaking!
I like for form and features of this voice recorder but I have now had 2 of them break! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Voice Recorders    2. V90   

Features

• Adjustable Tape Speed.Adjust the speed control from
• ¿15% to +30% for all levels of transcribing skills."
• Quick erase feature automatically eliminates old messages to free up space.
• Auto Backspace adjusts for trouble-free transcription.
• Tape Counter allows you to locate important notes quickly so you can transcribe them more efficiently.

Reviews (1)

Works well, but dies quickly
I have used the Olympus Pearlcorder T1000 for the past five years in my current position.It is easy to use with no problems or inconveniences (except perhaps the earpiece being uncomfortable and losing the little padded covers easily). The very unfortunate and serious problem with this transcriber is that is simply does not last.I would estimate that I use it for approximately five hours per week, and yet I have already gone through two of them.I am now looking to replace this one again since the fastest speed is barely understandable because it is dragging so badly.I would not be able to recommend this machine, and am now trying to find reviews on other possible replacements. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Olympus DS-320 digital voice recorder, with its 16 MB of built-in memory, will grant you up to 320 minutes of recording time. Its voice-activated recording mode automatically starts recording when the microphone sensessound, making it ideal for business meetings, school lectures, or personal notes. The VN-90 lets you move and save your messages in two different folders (99 messages per folder), and partial erase lets you erase one message at a time or an entire folder at once. The LCD displays recording time, voice-activation mode, date and time, play mode, and battery status. The DS-320 even includes IBM ViaVoice 8.0 speech recognition software for simple PC speech-to-text conversion (USB cable not included). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THE WORST
I don't know where to begin with this product. I spent WEEKS trying to get this to work with voice recognition and the only result was my computer crashing - several times. The customer service at Olympus was USELESS as they kept telling me it was the software and the software company kept telling me it was Olympus. I finally returned it and settled on desktop version of Dragon Naturally Speaking. I don't have the mobility that I wanted, but I sure do have FEWER HEADACHES.

Handy recorder, excellent quality
Excellent voice quality on this digital recorder. Saving files onto your PC is a snap with the serial or USB cables. Use the software that comes with it to edit the recordings and then save them to WAV files that can be played on any system. The data compression is excellent -- the sound files are small and can be emailed or put onto floppy disk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Voice Recorders    2. DS320,viavoice    3. DS150   

Editorial Review

Record your memos and meetings with the Olympus L400 Ultra-Compact Microcassette Recorder. It fits easily in a shirt pocket and weighs only 3.2 ounces, so you can travel with it anywhere. The easy-to-read LCD displays tape direction, operation mode, and a tape counter. Voice activation enables hands-free recording with adjustable sensitivity. With dual tape speeds, you can record up to three hours on a 90-minute tape. An auto-reverse function provides uninterrupted recording or playback from one side of the tape to the other. ... Read more

Features

• Compact design, weighs only 3.2 ounces
• Voice activation for hands-free operation
• Dual tape speeds for longer recordings
• Auto reverse for uninterrupted operation
• Fits easily in a shirt pocket

Reviews (3)

Disapointing sound quality
I bought the L400 and 500 recorders, and am disapointed in the sound quality with both.The 500 had a real "tinny" sound, and unsuitable for dictation.The 400 has a loud motor whine on playback (which doesn't happen if I play the same tape back on a Sony recorder), and a similar tinny sound.Olympus recorders seem to be well constructed, compact, and great gadgets.But, the sound quality is inferior, and causes me not to recommend them until Olympus makes this better.My various Sony recorders are so far superior in sound quality that Olympus should be ashamed.Is my experience unique?

Tiny yet loud
I bought this as a replacement for a previous Olympus pearlcorder for my father-in-law and he loves it.The Olympus microcassette recorders blow all those cheap recorders in the retail stores.Olympus can pick up your voice easily and play back loudly.The bonus is that the L400 is so small, it's cool.If my father-in-law can use it easily, then anyone can!

Actually needs to be a little bigger
I ordered this from Amazon, who had the best price on the internet or otherwise. When I received it, I spent several days thinking I might send it back. It has its problems and is a little "too" small for me. However, I've worked through the problems and gotten used to the device and it is pretty good.Read more

Features

• Transcribe from both minicassettes and microcassettes.
• 20% to 40% for all levels of transcribing skills.
• Auto Backspace, adjusts for trouble-free transcription.
• Tape Counter allows you to locate important notes quickly so you can transcribe them more efficiently.

Editorial Review

The Olympus S713 Pearlcorder Microcassette Recorder comes with voice activation so you can utilize it "hands-free" recording if desired. It also features fast play mode for playback that is 25-percent faster, and external jacks for headphones, earphones, and AC power.Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact microcassette recorder
• Voice activation for "hands-free" recording
• Easy message monitoring with cue/review function
• Two selectable recording speeds
• Measures 2.3 x 4.8 x 1.0 inches (W x D x H)

Reviews (1)

Disappointing for sure
The tape recorder did a poor job with picking up sound.The sound on the microcassette recorder was muffled and didn't do a good job picking sounds in a classroom, especially if the speaker is using a microphone.If you are looking for a top of the line recorder, I strongly recommend going with Sony ... Read more

Features

• SP and LP recording modes
• LCD panel display to check recording mode, remaining recording time, date and time
• Voice-activation for hands-free recording
• Supports removable SmartMedia cards for up to 22 hours of recording time
• Includes USB cable

Reviews (5)

I liked this recorder.
I used this recorder to record class lectures.In the small room that I used it in, the microphone worked very well.However, I was going to buy a nice external microphone if my recorder hadn't gotten fried (more below).I got the DS-2000 not only because it was from Olympus, but because one can use smart media to get more memory--Olympus says it gets 22 hours or so on 64 mb of memory but not really--- you have to use the bad quality recording mode to get that much.I couldn't work with the bad quality recording mode-- it was just too bad for me. Does what it claims to do
and is very good at it. I really like the VCVA feature. You can control the sensivity as well. Also the switch for dictation vs conference is very useful as well. Awesome/fast tech support. Had few questions about the software, and got them all answered in 5 mins. Good technology - durablity could be better
I've bought analog recorders for years and constantly been disappointed in the microphone quality, not to mention the annoyance of dealing with tapes. If you want quality you have to pay for it, and you pretty much get it with this product. In my case I was able to set it on a table and pick up presentation style audio more than 15 feet away (assumes the individuals were projecting, but not shouting). The playback was quite clear. The size, weight and functionality are good. The MP3 playback was nice, but dedicated MP3 players will always have better features. Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Voice Recorders    2. DS150   

Features

• 3-pedal foot switch assures efficient transcription.
• Tape-end alarm signals when to change or turn over Microcassette.
• Quick erase feature automatically eliminates old messages to free up space.
• LCD display keeps track of tape data and other important information.

Editorial Review

Record important memos or meetings on the Olympus S723 Microcassette Recorder Kit. It automatically reverses your tape when it reaches the end of a side during either recording or playback, so you don't have to worry about missing a discussion or flipping the cassette yourself. You can also save tape space by using dual tape speeds, giving you up to three hours of recording time on a 90-minute tape. The microphone is built in, and dynamic speakers deliver clear sound. The Olympus S723 is powered by either two rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter (not included). ... Read more

Features

• Uses standard microcassette tapes
• Auto reverse provides uninterrupted recording
• Dual tape speeds for longer recording time
• Cue/review for fast, easy message monitoring
• Auto shut-off feature conserves battery power

Reviews (2)

Nice product
I found this recorder very good. I'm very much satisfied with itsmic sensitivity and play back. Most importantly the auto reverse feature it has, came good during my lecture hours. It also makes very less noise. No hangups of any sort. Even though it doesn't have an AC adapter slot, it doesn't matter as I don't use it anyway (who does for portable recorder). Anyways, it's an exellent product and em very much satisfied with it.

OK but not great
The price is a bit steep but I think overall it is a good product i gueuss it's as good as any. But i usually go for cheaper things! ... Read more

Features

• Adjustable Tape Speed.Adjust the speed control from
• ¿15% to +30% for all levels of transcribing skills."
• Dual-speaker headset for comfort and excellent sound quality.
• Tape-end alarm signals when to change or turn over Microcassette.
• Quick erase feature automatically eliminates old messages to free up space.

Editorial Review

The Olympus DS-660 Digital Voice Recorder is a professional recording device loaded with features. It has 11 hours of DSS recording capacity, versatile file management tools for editing and appending recordings, a USB docking station for fast uploading and downloading of files, and DSS Player Pro software for increased freedom when recording and sharing your audio files.Read more

Features

• Has 11 hours of recording capacity
• Records Digital Speech Standard (DSS) files
• Features 32 MB of built-in memory
• Included software helps convert DSS files to waveform (.wav) and other formats
• Measures 108 x 41.5 x 21 millimeters (W x D x H)

Features

• Tapeless way to record oral memos
• Organize memos in up to 5 folders--up to 199 files each
• Transfer audio files to PC or Mac via USB
• 16 MB total memory
• 2 Speeds of Recording: 155 Minutes or 330 Minutes

Reviews (28)

very good recorder
This recorder is easy to operate and also it is easy to download data to computer. It does a good recording job. I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars, because we moved and could not find software to download to new computer. Olympus wanted 25 dollars for download. That's a little steep price to pay.

Works Great on my Mac!
I wanted to write this review to clarify something, someone else had written; that this doesn't work for a Mac. Maybe the drivers changed since the last review by a Mac user (I hope they have seeing that the last review was 10/03). I haven't had any problems getting this to work on my computer, witht he drivers provided on the install disc. I am running on a Dual 2 GhZ G5, with Mac OS 10.4.3
Does it's job well
I'm an internal affairs investigator.The quality of sound on this is really quite incredible.I love that you can plug it into my computer and use it that way, without using any of the batteries, either.The only bad part is that it sounds like everyone has a slight lisp, but it is a minor annoyance.This is the only approved recorder for the state agency that I work for.I would recommend it. ... Read more