Sony ICD-BX112 - Digital voice recorder - flash 2 GB - MP3

At this price point I wasn't expecting a great deal but being SONY I went for it anyway as my requirement is quite basic. I wanted something that was quite lightweight and easy to use to take with me to a night class.

The unit comes in quite large blister packaging, upon opening I found that the main reason for the size of packaging was to house the multiple language instruction manuals (not the most responsible use of paper or packaging). The actual dictation unit is very small and lightweight (W 3.5cm, L 11cm, D 2cm). Although the unit is small the buttons are quite large and ergonomically positioned. I was also pleased to find that 2 x AAA batteries are included in the package so you can get up and running straight away.

After inserting the batteries you a promoted to input the date and time, after that you are free to start recording. The first recording I made was in a busy office with lots of noise and people speaking both close and far. The playback was very clear and you could easily pick out peoples voices without any sound distortion or crackling that you sometimes get with dictation units. I figured out the basics of recording, playback and erasing without use of the instructions that is probably all I will ever need. I did have a glance over the instructions to find that there are other features that may appeal to people with more of technical requirement than my own.

For example some of the other features are :
You can plug in an external microphone (a tie clip microphone is referred to so you could keep it in your pocket while recording)
Tracks can be divided
Tracks can be foldered away (5 folders to choose from)
There is a headphone jack so you don't have to share your playback

The onscreen display is very clear and easy to navigate through recordings and folders. The 2gb memory offering a maximum recording time of 534 hrs is good, even using the highest quality recording offers 22hrs 15min it would take me a while to fill the memory. If I had a criticism of this product it would be that it could do with an expandable memory, with the addition of a micro SD slot I would probably never need to erase anything to free up space again.

Overall a lot of features, surprisingly good recording and playback for not a lot of money.

I bought this device so that I could record and listen back to myself playing the guitar. It is very good for this purpose. Of course if I wanted to make a more permenant recording of myself I would need a more appropriate device and software.

The Sony IC Recorder on the other hand, is a good size and has easy controls just like a proper tape recorder ( I own a Hewlet Packard MPIII player and it's small and filldy to use and has an incomprehensible display). With the IC recorder I only have to worry about two easy to see, easy to press buttons and the sound quality is surprisingly good for what it is.

I only have one criticism. If you want to transfer tracks to another device it has to be via audio patch. So if you want them on your PC, apart from the fact that it's slow to record in real time, you would also have to re digitise the the tracks as well. To my mind that's like going from Liverpool to Edinburgh and having to go via London each time. Why didn't Sony think to provide a USB? Surely it couldn't be that difficult. Could it?

This Sony digital voice recorder is, simply put, an excellent purchase, representing value for money, high level of efficiency, and can be used for a myriad of different tasks, both in terms of business and in the home.

The dictation unit is small, portable and easy to use, measuring (W 3.5cm, L 11cm, D 2cm.) The buttons to activate the device are well positioned and accessible. Included in the price are two batteries, which are enclosed in the package, so there is nothing to prevent immediate use.

In terms of business, it will easily and clearly record meetings and of course notes and memoranda for subsequent typing up. The playback demonstrated a clarity of tone and diction.

Outlined in the instructions are many other features, and it is also ideal for recording lists or 'to do' items.

In terms of writing and developing themes , it may be used to quickly record thoughts and ideas without the need to go searching for a pencil and pad!

Sony have helpfully included space for a headphone jack, so playback may be private as well as an aperture for an external microphone. There are five folders so you may easily divide and organise your recordings into the various headings, thereby giving easy access for recall.

Navigation through the folders and recordings may be made through the clear on screen display and offers a whopping capacity of maximum time of 534 hours! That should be sufficient for most modest business and private uses.

I have used the unit and found it to be reliable, user friendly, without issues and excellent value for money. Recommended.