Digital Voice Recorders

stpauligirl · Jun 7, 2007

So I started class and am so glad that I picked up a digital voice recorder. I picked up this Olympus WS-300M and am happy with it. However, I'm wondering if there are better ones out there that would better serve my purpose. Since its a classroom setting, there is sometimes where I can't hear what he is saying on the play back. Plus, since its not really a player (it does play back and play MP3s) but its really light. I'm wondering if that is the playback or the mic itself.
Anyone else use a digital voice recorder for class? If so, which ones work from you? Any recommendations on a better one?

It's my understanding not to put the recorder directly onto the tabletop but rather onto a notepad or book. I read this in the instructions and it may help with the quality of the recording. Also, try to sit up front closer to the instructor

Gurmo · Jun 7, 2007

It's my understanding not to put the recorder directly onto the tabletop but rather onto a notepad or book. I read this in the instructions and it may help with the quality of the recording. Also, try to sit up front closer to the instructor

Thanks I do have it on a book and that does help. Its a lab room setting the seating is difficult plus I can't sit too close (I like it more in the middle, fits my needs).

stpauligirl · Jun 7, 2007

Thanks I do have it on a book and that does help. Its a lab room setting the seating is difficult plus I can't sit too close (I like it more in the middle, fits my needs).

Maybe something is wrong with your recorder, I'd take it back. I hope things will work out for you.

Sis123 · Jun 8, 2007

Hmmm. Looks like a newer version of my Olympus DVR. If yours works like mine, mine worked well, but I always sit in the first or second row, close to the center of the class. If this is not possible, I have asked the instructor if it's okay to tape the lecture and have my recorder near the lectern. There were usually several DVRs sitting there.

I'd try this before anything else. Mine didn't record very well from back in the class.

Gurmo · Jun 8, 2007

After further examination, it works really well in recording. However, I still may take it back because of hte battery usage. I recorded one class session, listened to it once, then was able to record another ha;f a class before the battery died out. The good thing was that I had an extra battery with me so I was able to swap it but still that drained the battery. If I could get a lithium battery DVR for $50 more then it would save me more in the long run just from batteries!

I'm going to buy a different one this weekend and compare the two. The one I am thinking about is this one: SanDisk Sansa e250 (2GB). I'll post the differences after I've done some testing.

stpauligirl · Jun 8, 2007

After further examination, it works really well in recording. However, I still may take it back because of hte battery usage. I recorded one class session, listened to it once, then was able to record another ha;f a class before the battery died out. The good thing was that I had an extra battery with me so I was able to swap it but still that drained the battery. If I could get a lithium battery DVR for $50 more then it would save me more in the long run just from batteries!
I'm going to buy a different one this weekend and compare the two. The one I am thinking about is this one: SanDisk Sansa e250 (2GB). I'll post the differences after I've done some testing.

It sounds like something is very wrong with your device, I hope that you get your technical difficulties ironed out. Have a great weekend