Zoom H2 Handy Recorder

I bought this product to use in my work as a peripatetic guitar teacher in schools. I was looking for something with which to record pupils where the quality and flexibility were high and the faff factor low. I'd say the Zoom H2 fits the bill for many reasons:

(1) as soon as a recording is finished, simply plug into speakers and press play - no need to rake around looking for it - far less, return home and reformat as in the case of, say, a mini-disc recorder. Pupils like to hear their work as soon as possible and this couldn't be easier
(2) the recording quality is very high
(3) there are many choices to allow one to offset quality of recording (sampling, bit-rate etc.) against practical factors (file size, upload time etc.)
(4) you can record straight to mp3 to save converting later
(5) where you've recorded to wav and then realise that you're going to need more space on the 512 Mb SD card (provided) before you are going to have access to a computer, you can convert from wav to mp3 on the H2
(6) the H2 can be powered by mains (adaptor included) or battery - more suitable when restricted access to power points prevents the ideal placement of the H2 - a low battery warning appears to save you losing a great performance - I pushed this to the limit recently and was able to make many more recordings after the initial warning had appeared - although this would probably not be the behaviour of a professional journalist
(7) you can store recordings in one of eight folders - which helps to avoid confusion when pupils in different schools are recording the same item
(8) once connected to a computer, you can turn off and save battery power as the H2 is then power through the USB connection
(9) the H2, once connected to a computer, functions like any other external drive - this allows you, for example, to change the file names from STE 000; STE 001 etc. to something more meaningful like Mhairi - Wedding Song. These names, once applied, will then appear on the H2
when connected by USB the H2, where preferred, can act as an external mic and directly to a laptop - this may be an easier way to keep an eye on levels
(10) recording level is initially set by choosing one of 3 mic gain settings - and thereafter by adjusting the level numerically, while keeping an eye on the level indicators
(11) where it turns out that the performance was not as loud as testing suggested, you can amplify after recording - on the H2 or later
long performances/discussions/interviews can be split into sections (which them become separate files) on the H2
(12) there are 3 recording modes (90 degrees for a solo player/speaker; 180 degrees for a linear ensemble/panel of speakers; surround - ideal for small, circular ensemble/class discussion etc.
(13) additional features include: guitar tuner function; metronome; tripod (to allow the H2 to stand on a stool, desk etc); mic stand attachment; headphones; foam protector (to reduce wind noise when recording out of doors); small canvas carrying bag (to prevent scratches on the display)
(14) software updates can be downloaded to the SD card and will be "taken on board" the next time it is inserted

There are many more features I've yet to explore and there are also many rival products which come in a good deal cheaper than the H2 but you get what you pay for and, if I didn't know better, I'd say this had been designed with the educational user in mind.

Bought this to for use while making a video recording of a couple of local am-dram productions (to record the output from the sound desk while the camcorder microphones pick up the audience noise/ambience).

Having downloaded and read the owner's manual prior to purchase - it does exactly what I was expecting. I found it very easy to set up and use.

Microphone is quite sensitive to handling noise at high gain so do as is suggested in the owner's manual (attach to the mic stand adapter and hold that in a gloved hand).

Display is pretty small, though all except the bottom line shown in reverse white on black (battery status and recording time remaining) is adequately readable.

Only two gripes:
i. Unit supplied was a USA import so had 110V power supply. Planetgizmo included a 240V to 110V step-down transformer - works fine but quite hefty and hums a little.
ii. It's a pity that Zoom didn't include the facility to charge NiMH batteries inside the unit.

This is a great product and I bought it from here which means it was supplied by Photo Land.
The item arrived with the mains adaptor and the memory card missing. Photoland say they are unable to check items before posting and are unable to supply missing accessories!!!!! What ever happened to customer service?
I compromised and agreed that if they sent me a 2GB memory card by 1st Class post and posted it the next day I would consider the matter closed. They did not. I notice on the Photoland site that they only have 95% positive feedback. Hmmmmmmmmm!
Draw your own conclusions - I will not buy any further electronics from Amazon.

And now - April 2008 Photoland keep badgering me to remove these comments as they are 'harming their business'! They even offered me a £10 refund if I removed them. However my experience is that they say one thing and do another so the chances of my getting £10 would seem to be very slim. I twice offered them the chance to make the refund first and then I would modify these comments but so far they they have not responded. Yes I could have made Amazon take it back but I ordered it because I needed it urgently to record something. So I bought a memory card myself from Staples - a very reliable firm when their staff are not hiding in the stockroom!

It is a great product - I run a recording studio so might be thought to be qualified to comment.