If you're looking for the ultimate in features, compact size and quality in a voice recorder, then the Olympus WS-100 Digital Voice Recorder is exactly what you need. Slim, attractive and highly functional, this unit offers a number of worthy features packed into a small size -- a petite 1.9 ounces measuring just 1.57X3.7 inches, to be exact. Equipped with a 64-megabyte (MB) internal flash memory, you can record up to 27 hours of uninterrupted sound in "LP" mode to maximize recording time, or record 4 hours and 20 minutes in "HQ" mode for great sound quality and clarity.

Some of the features found in this multi-functional recorder include fast or slow playback, three recording modes, voice activation for hands-free recording and a file management system featuring five separate folders that can hold up to 199 files each. You can organize each file by subject, theme or other categories. You can also adjust your microphone sensitivity to meet your recording needs, erase single files or entire folders or use the "file lock" feature to keep certain files from being erased by accident.

We find this paperless personal notebook to be a great time-management tool and a convenient way to dictate a message while traveling, or record notes, doctor's visits, meetings, lectures, spur-of-the-moment memorable events (such as your baby's first words) or interviews. As an added bonus, the recorder also functions as a USB mass storage device, so you can store documents and transfer images from your digital camera (up to several dozen, depending on their size). Downloading and saving your audio files to any computer is also easy, and since this recorder is equipped with a built-in USB connector, you can leave the cable behind.

The push-button design makes the Olympus WS-100 Digital Voice Recorder easy to use, though memorizing each button's function will take new users a bit of time. For example, the pause feature is great, but in order to pause a recording, you need to press the record button rather than the stop button. This unit comes with stereo earphones, a neck strap, a USB cable, one AAA battery and a user's manual.

The Olympus WS-100 Digital Voice Recorder is a high-quality tool that you can take anywhere. So take it from us -- this is one recording tool you don't want to be without.


Pros: Compact design, high quality sound, 64MB internal flash memory, long recording time, file management system, USB mass storage device with built-in USB connector, long battery life
Cons: Picks up table vibrations if placed directly on a table when recording, protective cover when recorder is not is use would be nice due to small size

Warranty
1 year, limited