Sony ICD-P17 (16 MB, 4.5 Hours) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

Pros: usb transfers Good quality(a lot better than tape) easy to use
Cons: Weak mic/speakers some static No mp3 support

Let me preface this by saying I bought this to record lectures in a very noisy, working environment.

This is a good recorder with decent sound quality. I'm sure it would be perfect for someone wanting to record normal class lectures, but I wanted something that could record over all the noise in a lab environment, and this was not the product.
Compared to the old, tape recorders, this is a lot clearer and was very easy to use. If you are expecting crystal clear recordings, you will be disappointed. Also, the microphone and speakers were weak. I had to import the files to my PC, and use SoundForge to get rid of the static and noise, then amplify the volume so I could hear everything.
I love the USB transfers to PC(the saving grace of this device). I'll be returning this one and trying the icd-st10. I've hear stereo(2 microphones) make a difference.

I don't agree with the previous reviewers. I think this is a really good voice recorder. It just didn't meet this particular need.

Pros: USB link to PC, Sound editing software.
Cons: Horrible sound quality.

After purchasing this recorder, I thought it would be great for everyday use. But after several tries, and even adding a really great external microphone, the sound quality is horrible. Unless someone is about 2 feet away, you cannot recognize anything. Sony should not have their name on this product.

Pros: long recording time, usb transfer
Cons: quality of sound

While using the Sony ICDP17 I was disappointed in its quality of recording. It lacks the quality needed for recording lectures. I have to say skip this model and choose the next model up so the quality of recording will be sufficient.