Sony Versus Olympus

Jailhouse RN · Jul 9, 2004

Nursing topic?

Passin' Gas · Jul 9, 2004

Nursing topic?

CRNA school topic. Valid discussion topic for the CRNA board.

PG

heartICU · Jul 11, 2004

I am also looking for a quality digital recorder for class lectures...I really don't care what brand it is as long as I can transfer the recordings to a CD and they are audible. Anyone out there have any experience with one?

Toby's mum · Jul 11, 2004

trakstar: I use the new Sony digital voice recorder ICD P28 and would highly recommend it. It records up to 9 hours and offers 5 different folders, perfect to record Monday's lectures in Folder 'A', Tuesday's in Folder 'B' etc. I record on 'H' and 'SP'. It came with software and a USB link to the computer. It was very easy to load up to the computer. Directions are simple and straightforward. Once on the computer, it has an autosave feature that will allow you to automatically save new files. You then just select these files and transfer to your computer. If you make up a folder on your computer first and label five folders, then all you do is copy and drag to paste in the folders. It also allows you to name/label each file. It's also a bit smaller than the Olympus model. Just make sure you stock up on AAA batteries (and I always took an extra pair to class with me just in case).

I love it. It was worth every penny. HOpe this helps. Stephanie

QuilterLPN · Jul 11, 2004

We were just discussing digital voice recorders in the student nurse forum. After reading all I could about the many brands, it seems like the Olympus ds330 has all the things that I'm looking for. There was one poster on that thread who had used the ICD P28 by Sony, and was very happy with it. That was "Toby's mum" who posted that.

I am also wanting the DS330 to record lectures. My husband is trying to convince me to get one, so that when I'm done using it for school, he can use it at work!

TraumaNurse · Jul 11, 2004

I use the DS330. I like it a lot. It has clear recording and plenty of recording time. The USB connection and software makes it easy to download to your PC and to organize the lectures. No complaints so far.

The only problem with recording is that I don't have much time to go back and listen to the lectures (It's hard enough to keep up with my reading). For those with a longer commute it is nice because after you download to your PC, you can burn your lectures onto a CD and listen in the car.

trakstar · Jul 13, 2004

trakstar: I use the new Sony digital voice recorder ICD P28 and would highly recommend it. It records up to 9 hours and offers 5 different folders, perfect to record Monday's lectures in Folder 'A', Tuesday's in Folder 'B' etc. I record on 'H' and 'SP'. It came with software and a USB link to the computer. It was very easy to load up to the computer. Directions are simple and straightforward. Once on the computer, it has an autosave feature that will allow you to automatically save new files. You then just select these files and transfer to your computer. If you make up a folder on your computer first and label five folders, then all you do is copy and drag to paste in the folders. It also allows you to name/label each file. It's also a bit smaller than the Olympus model. Just make sure you stock up on AAA batteries (and I always took an extra pair to class with me just in case).
I love it. It was worth every penny. HOpe this helps. Stephanie

How does the voice quality differ between the two modes? Are you using the optional mic accessory? How close do you have to sit to get high quality recording? Any help would be appreciated for this purchase. Thanks

trakstar · Jul 13, 2004

I use the DS330. I like it a lot. It has clear recording and plenty of recording time. The USB connection and software makes it easy to download to your PC and to organize the lectures. No complaints so far.
The only problem with recording is that I don't have much time to go back and listen to the lectures (It's hard enough to keep up with my reading). For those with a longer commute it is nice because after you download to your PC, you can burn your lectures onto a CD and listen in the car.

Could you clarify which recording mode you use for "clear recording" And how close does the recorder need to be? Digital recorders are such a large investment I'm just trying to maximize my research before making a purchase. Thanks for your help.

TraumaNurse · Jul 14, 2004

The DS330 has a 'Conference' setting and 'dictation' setting. For classes I use the conference mode. Our classes are usually in smaller rooms but I have had decent pick-up from about 20 or more feet away and a speaker that is not always easy to hear. IF I sit close to the front, my recordings are well audible and clear. As long as the people around you don't make too much noise, you will be happy with the quality of the recording. The software on the PC has noise reduction to filter out some of the extraneous noises.

I'm sure some of the other recorders are equally as good. You just need to find the balance between what you need/want in a recorder and how much you are willing to spend. I found mine online via bizrate.com and saved a lot of money. Hope this helps. Good luck with the purchase.

zrmorgan · Jul 14, 2004

avoid the sony icd p17...mine must be set at the front of the class to pick anything up. people who have stuck to the olympus models seem to have better quality. do not underestimate the power of microcassette, especially when it comes to saving $$ which most of us need to do anyway...people in my class with microcassette seem to have good quality as well as the high end microcassettes seem to exceed the sound quality of the low to mid ranged digital.

I was all jazzed to transfer my digital lectures to mp3, then onto audio cd for listening in the car, but found it was too much messing around with the lectures, and not enough time studying them. save yourself the time and money.

just my two bits.

z