OK, I've finally decided to buy one of these small things that allow you to store data via USB or listen to MP3 files. The market is huge so I'd appreciate any advice from you. I need the following:
- capacity 512MB - 1GB
- very small size (max. 10x2x2 cm or so :-) so that I can hide it easily
- ability to store any kind of data, not just MP3 (I assume this is normal)
- microphone input (or is a line-in input sufficient? I don't want to use the inbuilt mic)
I'd like to use it for recording concerts in high quality (I have an external mic), I don't know if it means some special requirements? I suppose it records/encodes directly to MP3 so I don't know if the cheaper models can do it properly too...
So... what should I go for? The harddisk ones are too big so I'd have to use one with a memory card. I'm above all worried about the quality when recording a concert - the direct MP3 encoding scares me a bit :-)
For example the iRiver iFP799 looks good... ?
Thanks for the reply.
"I must say that cheaper mp3 players DOES record directly to mp3 but, you must think about the storage and the quality of those recordings."
So - as long as the rate is high enough (256-320 kpbs), the resulting recording is perfect? No need to worry about the recorder itself; I only need a good mic and at least 1 GB of space?
"About the dimensions this one has 64 x 51 x 19.1 mm so I think it's perfect to hide it :D"
Well, I don't know if I manage to hide THIS in my wallet? :-)
So isn't there anything I should worry about? I don't feel like paying 280 euros for it to be honest so I'd go for the cheapest possible option :) For example this one is about 20% cheaper than that iRiver: link
I also see plenty of "Chinese" models on ebay that have the same functions as iRiver and the're like 80% cheaper :-)
Not sure if it'll record, but look at the Rio Karma - small size and reasonable storage.
I do think that either the Zen or Ipod mini should be small enough to conceal, and will be trying to get my Iriver H140 in, as it records in WAV, has enough space, and has a microphone line in. And is about the size of a packet of cigarettes.
Thanks to all, I've studied many lists and reviews and the best MP3 recorders are apparently iRiver 340 and iAudio M3 (harddisk recorders) or iAudio G3 and IOPS F4 (flash memory recorders). The harddisk ones are big and expensive but the flash ones reach 1 GB maximum so I couldn't record more than 1-2 concerts on them.
I just wonder, if on such recorders I can manually limit the volume of the input signal (= microphone). I don't want to get a silent OR distorted MP3.