Olympus DS-40 (512 MB) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Pros: Great sensitivity with choices between lecture, conference and dictation

Cons: Some Olympus recorders plug straight into USB, this needed a cable - (but so what!!)

Review: Bought to pick up lecture material from a large hall... found it has good sensitivity although will pick up your fidgeting neighbours too! Excellent memory and easy to use with voice assistance for getting started immediately - which you can switch off ...

Pros: No dependencies on 3rd party software to transfer files, easy to use.

Cons: Not as sleek as other models in its class.

The Bottom Line: If you are student who needs help reviewing class material, then I strongly suggest buying this recorder. Forget Sony products, Olympus is taking over in the classroom.

Review: Electronics Review by Mr. Peter P. Kim Software Control Manager, Graduate Student and terrible note taker... Now that I have your attention, I am not being sexist; this is just an allegory for two electronic digital voice recorders! I am in ...

Pros: Battery life, headphone and microphone jack, variable recording sensitivity

Cons: Power button on the side can accidentally be shifted off/on

The Bottom Line: This recorder works great for publishing podcasts or for interviews and lectures.

Review: Depending on your space needs, you can pick the Olympus DS 30, 40 or 50. They are all the same recorder except for the memory size. I bought this recorder because I needed an upgrade from the Olympus WS 100. I am a working journalist and frequently ...