This is wonderful
The last recorder I had was a cassette tape type. The LS-10 is very impressive in technical capability. Fidelity is great even with live music in poor acoustic environments. Best of all it is easy to use for non technophiles like me. It is rugged and solid feeling with a logical layout and truly can be operated one-handed. It fits in a shirt pocket! The compact size does not allow boom-box speakers (duh!)but they are loud enough for a field playback check or just use headphones for more sound. The battery life IS great and it's nice not needing exotic batteries. It comes with all the goodies: case, jack cable and USB cable plus wind guards and editing software and batteries. I checked out Tascam and Edirol recorders. I like the Olympus the best.

Pleased with LS-10 Recorder
Looked into many different Digital Recorders before selecting the Olympus LS-10. I am not disappointed. Using the LS-10 for Oral History Interviews for a Historical Association. The recordings are exceptionally clear, plenty loud and the voice reproduction of the originally speaker is very good. Actually wish the unit had less bells and whistles as some of our volunteers are a bit intimidated by the display and controls. I would have given it 5 stars except for the complaints from elder users. I would recommend this Recorder for Interview type work.

Gary Gadwa
Executive Director
Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association
Stanley, Idaho

Best damn money I ever spent.
This is probably the best investment I have ever made. The sound quality from the two mics is incredible. I used to use a full sized sony stereo mic and a dat deck. now I take this. the quality is on par, at least to my ears. Dont listen to the people who bad mouth this unit. It is well built, has EXCELLENT sound quality, and the user interface is perfect. Don't buy any other unit.

Olympus LS-10
This is a great tool. The sensetivity is excellent as is the quality of the recorded material. I find the mic socks necessay in any windy condition. Playback volume, without ear pieces, could be louder for us older guys.

Amazing sound
I have been recording concerts and bands at local establishments for 5 months now. The sound quality is amazing, CD quality recordings are easily obtainable. I highly recommend this product.

olympus player pretty good
Overall it is nice piece of gear, but I have two gripes. It is only monaural, meaning you can only plug in your headphones and listen via one ear. I mean, c'mon, we can split the atom, but we can't have sound in both ears? Second issue is that if you download sound files to your computer, it is a .wav file and there is nothing easily accessible to convert it to .mp3 format, which most portable audio systems need. The file will not convert like most do when you try to import it into iTunes. Says I need some sort of codec. The whole point of downloading to your computer would be so you can listen to it with the portable media device of your choice.

Highly Dissatisfied
Unlike other folks with an unfavorable view, I didn't have any real problems installing the Olympus software and connecting the recorder to my laptop -- and this despite running an XP variant that produced a fail for some other reviewers. If this device will work at all for you, I suspect, the main trick is firstly to plug into the USB port and then run the software. Thereafter, if the software runs properly and you yourself are the least computer savvy, you'll work out the rest within a minute.

No, my problem is that the actual physical device interface and the instructions accompanying it are lacking. As others note, you don't get much in the way of a manual/instruction, and what you do get only covers running the recorder in conjunction with your PC -- as above -- and starts with the heading 'The feature of the Digital Wave Player.' In other words, it's rushed, ill-thought-through copy by somebody in China with imperfect English skills.

No big deal, maybe, because I could work that part out. What I couldn't get easily was the actual physical device. I work as a tech/science journalist and 18 months ago I picked up one of these things on the way to the airport and a trip to interview somebody. Once I'd got my boarding pass, I had fifteen minutes to play around with the recorder. The physical interface of a consumer device like this should be intuitive, especially when Olympus supplies no instructions on that side of things. Nevertheless, I struggled all that time just to set the time on the device. Then, I arrived at no explanation and/or got no results with the index function. Finally, although I could record sound and then stop the recording in tests, when I did my actual interview, I found afterwards that the device had simply turned off/failed to save after about thirty seconds into what would be a two-hour interview.

Fortunately, I also ran two tape cassette machines. But I've no explanation of why the device failed, how its index function works (or doesn't), and what exactly I did to set the time. Even if I'm an idiot -- and if I am, how come I got the USB connection, software and file downloading working immediately? -- a consumer device like this should be idiot-proof, especially when no instructions are supplied. Or maybe it wasn't just a matter of me and the interface design, but rather the unit I had was a lemon. Either way, Olympus gets a failing grade from me for this recorder.

Olympus Digital Recorder
I needed a small recorder for a specific job, and it lived up to my expectations. It's small, light weight and very easy to carry. I'm able to carry it with my camera in a small camera case. All that's needed are earphones! I'm pleased with my purchase.

Software Stinks!
The voice recorder works fine. It's the software that stinks! I have Windows XP and most of the time my system will not recognize this device. If I disconnect the voice recorder and then plug it back in my PC reboots itself. I've reinstalled the software and it makes no difference. I called Olympus and they were of no help! If so many users have this problem why can't they update their software??? I will never buy anything Olympus again!

Excellent Digital Recorder
The Olympus VN-960PC is a great digital recorder with excellent clarity, battery usage, memory size, and ease of use. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a recorder. An additional great feature is the voice activated recording. You can leave the recorder anywhere and it will only record when noise or voices are present. You won't go wrong with this one. The software is also good if you don't have any audio editing software already.

Sony ICD-SX57
I like this recorder a lot and use it constantly.

I think it could be improved if it were just a bit bigger in size so that the buttons could be spaced further apart, but you do get used to it as it is and it is fine.

The soft travel case is not so good. After a few weeks of use it falls off and becomes inconvenient. Also, there is a place for a hand strap on the recorder, but it does not come with one.

Interfacing with Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred software is another story. The recorder is OK, interfacing with the software is a bit challenging.

ICDSX57 DVR
This Sony DVR is just what I needed TO record MY guitar lesson live.I just clicked on the record button, placed it on my teachers music stand in front of us and shut it off 35 minutes later. When I got home I hooked it up to my computer speakers and was awed by how great the recording was.I also made a CD copy to practice with. I want to take it to a play or consert and see if its as good. For now I am very happy with this product.

Soney ICD-SX57 Digital Voice Recorder MINUS Dragon Software
The recorder works well although noise is a little bit of a problem.

The main draw back is that it came without the Dragon software!
This was misleading in the advertizement and product discription.
On the product package itself it claims compatability with the Dragon software but says its not included and doesn't indicate which version of software it is compatible with.

When serveying to buy this product I was mislead trying to compare products and prices. Some included the Dragon S/W and the other ones that did not include the S/W generally did NOT indicate it, so I was mis-led for price comparisons.

OK, but just OK
I am a journalist and use the device for recording interviews. The weakness of this device is the Sony proprietary file format.If they would only record in MP3 format you could download, file and play from your computer. Instead I back up on the computer, erase and if later I want to refer back I have to reinstall onto the device to play. It sucks, what were they thinking.

Five star recorder
I want to recommend the Sony ICD-SX57 to anyone who needs a small high quality voice recorder. The recording ability is excellent, size and shape are perfect and High Quality Stereo recording time is four hours. There is one issue to be aware of. The unit comes with non-rechargable batteries but is set to "CHARGE" batteries when connected to USB, as a default setting. This will probably cause the batteries to melt and ruin the unit as another reviewer discovered. Navigate the menu and change the USB to "NOT CHARGE" if you are using non-rechargable batteries, before connecting to a USB port. As a voice recorder the Sony ICD-SX57 far exceeded my expatations.

Excellent, great sound, easy to use
We bought this to record our practice sessions but then we ended up taking it to a friend's show. The sound is very high quality and the interface with the computer easy to use - we think he'll be happy with his new "live CD." Also, the mic options (e.g. you can set to record only the 90' in front of the mic) allowed us to get the background clapping in between songs without much noise during the actual singing. WIth a 4GB SD we seem to have plenty of room. If you want to record and you don't absolutely need to separate each instrument track, this is a great way to go.

Handy Recorder
It was very easy to record and download to my computer. The accessories are extremely useful for a wide range of uses.

HR Stereo Recorder - Husband loves it!
I purchased this recorder for my husband. He is a trumpet player and loves to use it when he practices. Not only is it compact, but it's recording quality is superior. It came with an additional piece that slides right down into a microphone stand... so he takes it on gigs. Not too long after he got it, we found that many of his musician buddies had it too. They all use them to listen to their gigs and rehearsals and rave about it. I think it is a must have for any musician or singer! Takes any size SD card and can record in mp3 format.

My husband is a drummer and loves it!
I got this for my husband, a drummer, to record his practice sessions and his band rehearsals. It's microphone capability is amazing for such a small unit. Navigating the menu takes a little getting used to, but the overall ease of recording and downloading to the computer makes up for it. G4 TVs "Attack of the Show" Gadget Pron segment reviewed it, with high marks. It's also recommended by pro musicians such as Peter Erskine. We also use it to record our kids playing around on the piano and drums! A great, handy unit to have on hand for on the spot recording. Made a great Father's Day gift.

Great Product...Very Flexible.
Be careful when wearing the headphones. This recorder can pickup everything that can be heard by the human ear and many things that cannot. If you have the volume turned up and you are using the headphones to monitor...even the slightest movement will sound deafening!

If I could add one function to this product it would be the ability to mix the internal mics with the line in or external mics...That is it.

Why so many fake reviews?
The reviews of this product smacked of the manufacturer's marketing department hiring interns to post bogus positive reviews. Sure enough, over and over again so many of the 4 and 5 star reviews are by accounts that exist only to have posted the bogus reviews here.

Please, someone who is familiar with similar models by other companies, name other recommendations here. I hate to give business to a manufacturer that engages in such smarmy and deceptive business practices. Much less the red flag that those posting the bogus reviews clearly don't have confidence in their product based on its own merits.

Especially welcome would be reviews of a competing product with a USB connection that enables it to appear as a another storage device in Windows file management without requiring the install of kludgy software. If my digital camera can transparently display its contents for file copy or move to the PC within Windows File Manager as soon as the USB connects, I'm sure that someone else is manufacturing a voice recorder capable of doing the same.

Cheap, excellent qaulity
Spoken words record and sound excellent. Little backgournd noise. Recording spir of the moment music sessions, like with my guitar, not so great. Still a handy and easy to use recorder with USB. Worth the price!

great!!! but not perfect
This is so far the best (cheap) sound recorder I have had. It does what it is suppose to. The menus are easy to navigate and if you read the manual you can find the perfect settings for recording in any situation. the only thing I have to say would that would be negative would be that when I plug in the headphones to listen to my recordings, only the left earbud works. This also happened when I plugged them into my home speakers. With that said, its a pretty decent machine. Software is a bit slow for my taste.

Awesome recorder
What an awesome digital recorder! I've used it for several different things, including recording a workshop I attended. With the different folders and indexes available its easy to download recordings to my computer and share them with others. I would definitely recommend this recorder to others.

Simply awesome!
This voice recorder is awesome! It has a powerful enough microphone to record when a professor is lecturing half-way across the room, and you can still clearly hear them on play-back. It is easy to use, transfer data to your PC and organize. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a simple recorder, and wants to be able to share files with their computer.

Handy Little Radio
This radio is great. We own 3! We use it in the bathroom because it's battery operated and doesn't have to use one of our precious plugs AND it has great reception. Highly recommended!

Sony shower radio
This is a replacement of an identical item, which got broken. We were so happy with the original product, there was no consideration except a direct replacement.

Great for the bathroom!
I bought this for my kids bathroom to use while we bathe them. It has worked out great- we love it!

Great Product
I love this shower radio. I have two of them in house and I'm always using them. Really a great product.

Great, But Warranty Sub-par
Great radio, but I had to get warranty service due to radio flooding.

Terms: You pay for shipping to refurbished product center; you get a refurbished radio back.

not as good as I expected
I bought it as a gift for my dad in China. I researched several days on internet before the purchase, and bought the best one I could find as a shortwave radio.

I tried it as I traveled to China. The product is as good as I expected. (1) It is not so easy to learn how to use it. It come only with English manual without multi language user instruction. It took me several days to find oversea broadcast in China. (2) The voice quality seems to be okay and the frequencies are locked. But, afterall it is shortwave radio quality. I haven't listened shortwave radio for years, and cannot make too much judgement on that. (3) It doesn't come with power adaptor.

But, if one want to buy a GOOD shorterwave radio, there are not too many options.

Good as allways
I buyed this product to replace a ~25 years old Sony ICF7600D. A good product does not need too much changes, as this 7600 series did.

Great little radio
Pros:
Solid Construction
Good Selectivity
Good Sensitivity
Easy to use controls

Cons:
Slightly wobbly whip antenna mount
No memory labeling
Scan is only in band, not continuous

GREAT BUT HAS SOME FLAWS
This Sony portable has excellent sensitivity and selectivity. With about a 7 foot long wire at ground level, sitting on a patio, it picks up a lot of hams. The other basic specs are probably just as good. Well built, with good controls layout and feel. It's nice listenig to AM in the SSB mode, probably better then the sync detector. BUT----IT HAS FLAWS. 100 memories are provided, but you can only scan 10 at a time!! (it has ten banks), and after it scans the 10 channels, IT STOPS SCANNING! (I may be wrong, but when I hit scan it cycles once only.) They designed it so you can enter the frequencies of ten world broadcast stations, each in its own memory bank, and then scan it to see what channel is stronger. But then you can only enter 10 stations, right? If you listen to utility, you can do the same, as well as maybe hams on different bands. Being able to scan ALL 100 channels is best! However, moving the frequencies around, like from VFO to memory, scanning up and down from each memory, or entering a memory, or VFO setting, into the two very clever holding channels, is very good. Another flaw is that the SSB pitch control is on the side of the radio, like most radios. (I have an old Sangean that has the pitch control on the front.) Also, you can't plug in an external antenna in the jack because it supplies a DC current. It was designed for some Sony products. You are forced to clip the supplied roll up wire to the radio's whip. The audio quality on SSB is outstanding, almost as good as the old high fidelity McKay Dymek receivers. But the audio warbles-a little unstable. I hear that the older model 7600G was more stable. Of course you should get this set, especially if you like single sideband like me. A budget model would be the Kaito 1102, a little smaller, with decent sideband. The Eton 1 is the best, but it's very large and expensive.

Not quite everything - but good!
Plusses:
Great little receiver - not heavy, but light, thin and easy to pack.

The AA batteries do last a long time.

The timers work fine.

WAY more memories than you will ever need. Same with controls (see below.) Can put ANY station (once you find it) in any memory in 10 banks (see scanning.)

Picks up stations without needing the included extended antenna.

The LOCK slider prevents changes (and shuts off the wake-up timers.)

Minuses:
Display could be lots bigger. Night light should stay on all the time if plugged in.

Speaker/sound quality - not so hot - use headphones for short wave.

Be sure to get the 6vDC adapter for day-to-day desktop use.

Digital tuner is ultra-fine - means lots of button pushing to move through the bands.

Scanning function ONLY works in one bank (of 10 banks of 10 memories) saved memories - NOT just looking for stations in any band.

Actually, it only has two bands:

AM - tunes continuously from 150KHz to 30MHz (including SSB.)
FM - 88-108MHz only.

Could use NOAA weather (162-165MHz,) and Air (108-135MHz) might be nice.

EASY (too easy) to switch between AM & FM.

On/Off button right where you grab it to pick it up.

More tuning functions on both edges of unit.

Unfortunately, volume is jus another black dial along there somewhere.

Just wonder if the engineers tried to actually use this thing, or added controls where they would fit.

KEEP THE MANUAL HANDY! Build your own index when you find what you actually want in there - think 1970's Datsun manuals - NOT actually written in Engish - mostly translated, I think. Make a short cut checklist in how to save stations to memory.

Speaking of which, the included SW guide is pretty much totally useless. Get a White's radio log, if they still make them.

Bill in Milton-Freewater