[buster4]

I have read several posts about using pda, to record lectures, transfer them to laptop.. etc... How exactly does that work??? I am not too tech savvy, but if something is explained I can understand it..

Please someone help me understand how that works... I would appreciate it very much!!

[mcbismark]

Your pda will probably record the lecture as a mp3 file.
When you sync your pda any new files on it will be uploaded into the pda's directory on your PC. At the same 'sync' any files you have setup for download will be loaded onto your pda.

The uploaded files (mp3 lectures) will be able to be played back by whatever mp3 application you use.


HTH,
Mark

[buster4]

This may sound silly, but does the pda have a microphone and ability to record lectures, etc... (obviously I don't have one yet)... I just am trying to learn this tech stuff (techy to me

[mcbismark]

Many PDAs have a microphone and can record; but, each is different so you have to look at the specifications...

Mark

[fragino]

There's a couple of issues that may not make the PDA a good choice for lectures.

- The mike on the PDAs is not usually very good at picking up lecture voices. It may work if you are able to sit right in front of the teacher and then only if the teacher doesn't move around.

- Battery life on the PDAs may not last long enough for your lectures. This past semester our lecture day was from 1010 to 1500.

- Voice files can get pretty big, depending on the sampling rate that the PDA uses. You may need another memory card.

This is not a knock on the PDAs. I have one, use it, and wouldn't know how to work without it in clinicals. It's just that they weren't specifically made for it. It's probably an add-on to use as a personal memo taker. If I was to go ahead and use the PDA I would check it first and simulate standing in front of it and see how the mike works in picking up your voice in a lecture-type setting. If not see if they sell an add-on mike for it like they do for Ipods. I just went ahead and got a cheap tape recorder.

[mcbismark]

Good point.
PDAs are not designed to be used all day as a recording device... you'd have to plug it in and keep making sure it didn't go to sleep.

So... a digital recorder (I like mp3 files!) will be what I go with if I decide to record lectures.
And I'll carry extra batteries!

Mark

[buster4]

Thank you everyone who has replied.. I have learned something... I did not know that you could use your ipod to record things.. does it record into a mp3 file??

Again, thanks!!