( 20 reviews )
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( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 6 2009
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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Posted: May 1 2009
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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Posted: Apr 7 2009
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.
