Olympus WS-500M (2048 MB, 544.5 Hours) Handheld Digital Voice Recorder

This is the most expansive DVR I have and the best one yet. It is smallest one in size (Single AAA battery). For the record, I have 3 other basic Sony DVRs, none of them have MP3 player feature. MP3 player- the one feature I was looking for. LED lights up the display (like a cell phone). It can record voice in WMA and music in MP3 (using earphone, not speaker) with very good result. It even has an EQ for MP3 music. Since I am use to Sony, I have yet find an easy way to delete files with Olympus WS-500M. Maybe it is there somewhere, but it is not obvious to me. Yes, I already knew how to delete the whole folder. I use NIMH battery for several hours and no issue with the power. Very please with it.

Take it from one who spent 40+ years in radio, this is an excellent, versatile, sophisticated piece of equipment. It even has a VU meter to monitor the audio being recorded, a definite plus for old broadcasters.
The built-in stereo mikes are more than adequate for voice, especially with the recorder's noise canceling settings. The built-in speaker is marginal, but the audio is very good when using the USB connection to my PC.
I use the recorder for voice only, so I'm unable to speak to its music recording capabilities. Downloading music, however, would provide many hours of earphone (provided) stereo listening on a small, very portable player.
If you need only to record voice, a more basic recorder would sufice. The operations manual -- which ccmes as a PDF file stored on the recorder -- could be better written and could contain better graphics. As a result, those not comfortable with recorders and/or software may find the directions confusing.
A major feature, in my opinion, is the rechargeable ni-cad battery. A fully charged battery records hours of audio. Recharging is as simple as connecting the USB to a PC or laptop
I went with the the WS-500M because of its many features. It also may be used as a thumb drive which enables me to grab files from my PC and transfer the files quickly to my laptop.
A comparable, digital professional recorder such as a Marantz costs several hundred dollars. For my purposes, I couldn't be happier with the WS-500M.

High quality recording with 6 levels from mono to stereo.
Large storage capacity - 2 gig
Ease of use. Plug directly into computer USB port
Use as mass storage or record via stereo mics
Records in WMA but stores and plays mp3 also
Long battery life - single AAA
Best quality for the price!!

excellent stereo recorder with MP3 player function. Lightweight, compact, easy to operate, excellent recording quality, very sensitive microphone. Good to use at meetings and even for hidden audio

Overall I like this device. Easy to use. Very Useful. Amall enough to carry with me at all times.
My use for this device is very simple and limited to recording reminders and notes to myself while driving or when writing is not an option. This device is so simple to operate I'm able to feel the location of the buttons I want to use for recording operation. I was relieved to learn the quality of the recording was good enough to easilly understand clearly what I'm saying even with lots of background noise.
It has other functions I have to use for such as playing music, but since I've not used this feature I don't have an opinion of it.