gaelkm's Full Review: Olympus s713 Handheld Cassette Voice Recorder
The “Olympus Voice-Activated Pearlcorder S713” (MINI Tape Recorder)
I’m planning a trip to the Midwest very soon to visit some relatives I haven’t seen in 20 years and probably will not see again for another 20 years! There are a couple of aunts and uncles (who are getting up in years) in this group that I plan to see. My parents will be celebrating their 50th anniversary next year, which brings me (in a roundabout way!) to my topic! My sisters and brother and I thought it would be a nice idea to somehow try to collect “interviews” of friends of relatives of my parents and have them relate a story or anecdote of an experience they’ve had with my parents. Next year we plan to present the entire collection of stories to my parents.
I thought about my “task” and could imagine myself madly taking notes, scribbling on sheets of paper as they spoke about their memories of my Mom and Dad. This idea did not appeal to me at all. I could also see myself, weeks after the “interviews,” trying to decipher what I had written on the papers edges, sideways, in margins, etc., and trying to pretend I still remembered how to take shorthand (which I had learned way back in high school).
VOILA!
Therefore, the idea of getting a mini tape recorder appealed to me for that very reason! I thought it would be much neater, small enough and lightweight to carry around easily, and eliminate all those messy notes!
My (younger) son and I went to Circuit City a few days ago to look at their selection of mini tape recorders. We looked at several different brands. The prices were a wide range: from a low of $25.95 for an off brand to a high of $99.95 for Sony. Of course, I wanted the Sony, but I have to be practical, don’t I? After looking them over and considering the various features offered by several brands, my son and I decided on an OLYMPUS for $38.00 (including tax). This is the OLYMPUS, Voice Activated Pearlcorder S713, perfect for Conference Recording and Memo & Note Taking! That was just what I was looking for! (This is also a good unit for college students who have to take notes in class.)
Features include: a three-digit tape counter, which was important to me, because I felt that if my aunt, for example, started to talk and then stops for some reason, we continue later on. I could then, at least, jot down the number on the tape counter, and pick up later where I had left off. (Getting my aunt to speak to me with a tape recorder going is another matter entirely! That's where the James Bond idea comes into play!)
This mini OLYMPUS Voice-Activated Tape Recorder also has a dual tape speed, fast playback, a microphone jack and a power jack (the accessory items are sold separately, which I find to be a bit of a drawback). A pause button has been placed on the back of the unit.
This unit takes 2 AA batteries (included with purchase) and one 60 minute mini-tape. This microcassette recorder is so small, it will easily fit into the palm of your hand!
I’ve tested it out and the quality of the sound is good. It picks up voices quite easily and clearly. I’m very excited about this purchase and feel it was a smart idea which will help me achieve my interview goals!
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