Sony Cassette recorder

Advantages: Takes regular sized audio cassettes, double-time recording, inexpensive model
Disadvantages: Needs to be used close to sound-source, a bit bulky for some tastes

...I always wanted a dictaphone as a child. Largely, I admit, for slightly dubious reasons (i.e. I wanted to plant it in my big sister's bedroom and find out if she was talking about me.) Many years on, as a student, I finally received one as a birthday gift so that I could record important lectures. This certainly did come in handy during those classes that, however hard I tried to stay alert, had me head down and drooling on the desk within minutes. The Sony TCM-200DV Cassette-Corder (or 'dictaphone' to you and me) is a fairly basic model compared to some products on the market - but it does what it says on the tin and it does it to a perfectly acceptable standard. The machine is silver (with a charcoal grey back panel and battery compartment) and weighs in at 171g - it's roughly the same size as a cassette-playing personal stereo... Read review

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Advantages: Variable recording time, mains compatible
Disadvantages: No tape counter

...and briefcase. The unit takes two AA type batteries. The big plus for me, however, is that it can be mains powered. A word of caution though, the jack to fit this isn't the standard one, but one of Sony's own. It's a lot smaller than you would expect but you can buy adapters with multiple fittings, which is what I did. Overall, a good product. If it's just personal dictation you need, I'd look elsewhere for a micro-cassette machine. Those wishing to combine recording with some audio book listening (in a quiet room!) may need look no further.... Read review

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Advantages: Small, Compact, Looks great and its a Sony
Disadvantages: Low earphone volume

..., MiniDisc users are no longer stuck with real-time recordings, but can use a computer to transfer an hour's worth of music in just a few minutes. After a long search I finally decided for a stationary Sony MiniDisc deck to add to my Sony QS home stereo system and a matching Sony MZ-N710 MiniDisc Walkman to take along when leaving the house. First impressions The MZ-N710 is Sony's middle range NetMD MiniDisc recorder/player, mainly aimed towards the European market. Here in London, the price is still pretty steep and I suppose many presumptive buyers with limited budget will shy away from spending that amount of money for such a small device. Blank discs are also a bit pricey when compared to blank CD's, but nowhere near as horrendously expensive as memory cards. The player comes in two different flavors - blue and silver. I... Read review

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