 "Won't Sync with Naturally Speaking if You Have Vista" | 2009-08-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: A15B5DQEZLW6I3 |
The recorder itself is excellent. Just be aware, though, that a compatibility problem with Vista will prevent you from training a user profile for the recorder in Naturally Speaking 10:
[...]
There is a work-around for now. Hopefully, the problem will be resolved fully before long -- maybe just in time for a new round of problems under Windows 7. :) |
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 "Worthless!" | 2009-08-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3RTG4GQ16QMVV |
All I wanted was a recorder that I could use for dictation/transcription with my copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking + MP3 player functionality as a secondary use. What a waste of time! With the hoops I have to jump through to fiddle with the folders, start the dreadful Sony Digital Voice Editor software manually (it doesn't even auto-start), copy the proprietary MSV file, convert it to a nasty WAV (that's the only option), and manually transfer it to NaturallySpeaking because the voice recognition initiation functions are not available (because I didn't buy it as bundle perhaps?).
Here's a list of my issues after wasting a few hours with it:
1. the giant pieces of printed paper that Sony passes off as "manuals" are unintelligible.
2. folders can only be created one level deep and the names you give them are replaced with "FOLDER" when you view the memory stick from Windoze Explorer making them far too cryptic to find anything.
3. It's an unnecessarily time-consuming process to copy a voice file for transcription (as I described above).
4. Sony's on-line "eSupport" is worse than the "manual": it responds to even the simplest questions with "There are no results; try re-wording your search. " - WORTHLESS!
5. I was led to believe it would play MP3 files - IT DOESN'T! When you copy an MP3 file using Windoze Explorer (into a folder with a meaningless name) the device doesn't recognize it and simply says "no voice files". So guess what, you have to convert your hi-fidelity MP3 into a sucky proprietary VOICE file using the agonizingly slow Digital Voice Editor - POINTLESS!
As for making document preparation easier through off-line recording and transcription I think Moses had a more efficient method with stone tablets and a chisel. (Don't get me wrong, the Dragon NaturallySpeaking transcription software works like a charm when you are tethered to the PC i.e. without the useless recorder)
I picked this device because other reviewers liked it, it seemed to be the right balance of voice recorder (falsely claiming compatibility with NaturallySpeaking) and music player (that's a joke), and because it is one of the few recorders with a removable memory card. I can't yet comment on the sound quality, but the removable card is pointless if the only thing I put on it is MSV files.
So far like NOTHING about this device, but I'll give it another try tomorrow and report back if I find any redeeming features (don't hold your breath).
If I still hate it tomorrow I'll be faced with a simple choice - send it back now or struggle along with it until the Olympus DM-520 comes out in a couple of months (at which time I'll donate the Sony to the museum of bygone gadgets).
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 "Great product. Software works under Linux/Wine" | 2009-05-01 |
| - Reviewed By User: A7OS7U4KPYN54 |
I've used this for a couple weeks now, and I love it. The unit has a robust feature set and is very versatile. I'll give bullet points.
- The removable storage was a big draw for me. At ten bucks for a 1Gb card, I can use the cards themselves for archiving.
- The ability to create folders was important to me.
- It has a robust feature set.
- It has fantastic sound quality.
- Great voice pickup (I have a soft voice and I normally have problems with pickup, but this unit has no problem with it).
- The included software will convert the proprietary format to WAV files, and then you can convert to mp3 or whatever you want with third-party software (e.g., Audacity).
- I didn't get the Dragon Naturally Speaking software, so I cannot comment on that. I'll try that later.
- Some people commented on the incredibly smooth finish being almost slippery. I can see that, but I don't have a problem with it.
- The unit is small, so if you have large fingers it might take a little getting used to, but the buttons and the "joystick" quickly became comfortable to use.
- Some criticized the "pouch" that comes with the unit. It's a little pouch (no flap or buttons or anything) made from "polarfleece" type cloth. Good for keeping it from being scratched, but I'm already looking for something to replace the pouch.
- The included software will work on Linux if you install it using WINE.
- A lot of people have complained about short battery life. I turn it off between each use and I haven't had a negative experience with battery life. I'm still on the cheapo batteries that came with it.
Some drawbacks:
- I'd like to be able to change the names of the folders. It's either impossible or I just don't know how to do it.
- It's relatively expensive (like many Sony items).
- The instructions are not that great, but I'm not an "instructions" kind of guy anyway.
- The included software is behind the hardware because to tell the software what hardware is connecting to, there's a drop-down menu, but the model number of this unit is not listed.
The biggest question, though, is, "Would I buy it again?" Yes, without hesitation. But again, this assessment doesn't take into account durability or any type of long-term use because I've only had it a few weeks.
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 "Sony Digital Recorder" | 2009-04-07 |
| - Reviewed By User: ATQQA4VFSCXAG |
| This is a great product, it takes some work to figure out all the features, it's pretty pricey, we are testing it with Dragon Naturally Speaking-Medical. |
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| "The Best Digital Recorder I have ever used" | 2009-02-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: A343IH8P2NS2Q7 |
| I have used a lot of different styles of digital recorders and this is with out a doubt the best for the money I have used. The recording quality is excellent for a recorder in this price range, its slim design allows for it to be easy to care and have with you as needed. A good product. |
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| "Excellent Recorder for size and price" | 2009-02-06 |
| - Reviewed By bildrake |
ICD MX20 Review
Overall this is a very good little recorder. I purchased it to use its omni-directional feature in small group settings (small group dialogues with a Zen teacher). I like having a memory stick, which holds a lot of recording time and allows for easy transference to my PC and its digital editing program. The sound quality is quite good, given its size and price, and its recordings are suitable for a non-professional CD that can be shared with others.
When I purchased it I did a lot of testing to see how well it worked and which settings best met my needs. With my recorder, the stereo STLP setting with mono mic gives a little better volume than the mono SP/SPLP settings for an omni-directional recording.
The recorder is very easy to use for basic recording. It is easy to start recording and easy to stop; then it is easy to resume without any fear of recording over the previous recording. It is a good idea to use the lock mechanism on the back so the recorder is not turned on accidentally between uses.
I also make a point of being sure it is set to record onto the memory stick rather than the built in memory before each use (since I want to use the memory stick). (Sometimes if I take out the memory stick in order to transfer files to my computer, then put the memory stick back in the recorder, later I will find that the recorder is set to record onto the built in memory instead of the memory stick - that is why I always check before recording.)
This is not a recorder that will record off of a mixer or external source (CD player, etc.). It does record well using an external lapel mic (Sony T145). When I tested it with three different, small, external boundary mics, (Sony ECM-R100, Sony ECM-FO1 flat mic, and Audio Technica ATR97) I found that I got the best omni-directional recording just using the recorder by itself.
I did have repair problems. Initially my recorder had a problem erasing files, so I returned it to Sony and received a replacement (refurbished) unit. That also had problems with the erasing feature so I returned it for repair, sending a detailed letter describing the problem with the unit. For some reason the repair person was not given my letter, so he did not notice the problem and returned the unit. I sent it back and after some efforts to communicate with the repair person, was able to finally get it repaired and returned. This was a frustrating experience. In the end, Sony followed through, and I was fortunate that the repair issues happened under warranty.
I am giving this unit 4 stars because for its size and price it is really excellent...but there were the repair problems. |
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