Olympus VN-960PC (128 MB, 16.5 Hours) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Pros: Light weight, small size, easy use, USB BaaAbbbbyyyy!
Cons: Sound quality on the built in speaker is a bit tinny...to be expected but true!

I am an old school kind of guy. Never had any use for these "new fangled" digital voice recorders. The old micro cassette that I carry in my briefcase has served me long and well. That is until I was convinced by a buddy of mine to give the Olympus ...

Pros: long battery life, transfer to computer, clear enough recording quality, price!
Cons: Can't think of anything bad enough about it -- no pause button

This is GREAT. I really am impressed with this device and happy I bought it over other models. It is really refreshing, after coming across so many crappy items out there, to find something of quality for a good price. Battery life is impressive. ...

Pros: Reliable, portable, maybe even loveable
Cons: Folder system could be complicated for the technically challenged

As a full-time journalist and admittedly sloppy and slowhand (not to be confused with shorthand) note taker, I have always been in need of a reliable recorder. Like the caveman that I am, I for years used mini-cassettes, but that technology failed me ...

Pros: Small, sleek, versatile, reliable, good reception, good playback, computer storage of conversations, excellent buy.
Cons: Difficult for the computer-software challenged, battery-operated only, lacks delete button, computer access needed.

This digital voice recorder is an excellent tool that I use when I want to ensure that my words versus another had to be confirmed/verified. I used it in a legal matter where it confirmed that the person had lied. He was unaware that he was being taped ...

Pros: Fantastic and clear quality playback, easy to use, fast,
Cons: Cannot record 16 hours continuously.

I was very happy when I bought this Digital recorder. Gone are the days when I would have to rewind cassettes, stop, listen, play. The VN-960's ability to transfer to your PC, create an audio/data file on CDR which can be played on your car/home stereo ...

Pros: Excellent sound quality with a recorder that is easy to use and operate.
Cons: Terrible and slow transfer software. It is difficult to install and operate.

This is an excellent high quality recorder. It has great sound quality and works with ease. The one problem is the software which makes transfer from the recorder to the computer a task. It was slow, very slow. The Olympus WS200S, on the other hand, downloaded in seconds.

Pros: Compact, intuitive controls, can erase unwanted files on device, USB transfer to PC
Cons: sampling rate is 22kHz

I just received my VN-960PC in the mail yesterday. I am planning to use the device to personal interviewing for a family history project. I was delighted by the compactness of this device. Initial setup is very easy to navigate.

Each new recording is uniquely indexed and you can parse the recordings in one of 4 folders.

The recorder also comes with software for easy transfer to your PC, using a USB cable that is included. Also, two AAA batteries are also included with the device.

The sampling rate is 22kHz. Compared to the old style of handheld voice tape recorder, with which I was previously familiar, I find that this device far surpasses those in sound quality and ease of use.

There is an earphone and mic jack located on the top. The built-in microphone is also located on the top of the device.

I am still learning all of the other features, but if you are looking to use this device for interviewing, or class lectures, it should suit your needs just fine.

Pros: Standard Features
Cons: Drivers/Software

The voice recorder itself is fine, but the software is rather useless. While I could get the software installed on my Windows XP Pro system, when I was reading the manual to learn how to use it, I ran across this little nugget:

Note
USB support is not available under the following environments, even for PCs equipped with a USB port: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Professional, Home Edition upgraded from Windows 95.

So, essentially it works with very few computers. You can run the software, but you can't transfer the files. I tried. It causes an error every time. I looked for drivers on their website and there is nothing available for download.

I feel like Olympus defrauded me by indicating they were selling me a product that had the PC link capabilities and giving every indication that it would work with my computer until their little "note" in the manual.

I bought this because of the PC link capability. I already had a voice recorder without the capability. Olympus is crap in my opinion and I will never trust them again. (And their voice recorders are the most expensive.)

Pros: Ease of use,good windows software, good quality nice design. Light, small and inexpensive.
Cons: Not supported under linux kernel. Company should understand linux compatibility = selling more = $$$.

Lost most of rating becausd there is (at the moment of writing) no support for the linux platform (as read at http://www.linux-usb.org/ ). It is a shame. I use the kernel 2.4.31 and I get the message kernel: usb.c: USB device 7 (vend/prod 0x7b4/0x20d) is not claimed by any active driver.

I love the unit. Better look and feel than most others I tried. My 6 years old daughter took around two (2) minutes to learn how to use the record, play, and stop. Very good quality of sound. Easy to install and use software on Windows XP Professionnal on a Dell Lattitude CPX500 PIII laptop.