Olympus DM-1
US$250
Although it's more than twice as expensive as the W-10, this Olympus model won't let you take photos. Instead, once your work is over, you can load up to one hour of music in MP3 format onto the device and head out to play. Other than that nifty feature, where the W-10 holds only 3 hours of conversation, the DM-1 can record for up to 22 hours -- something that long-winded LBJ would have fancied. Unfortunately, that's twice as long as its two AAA batteries can be expected to last. Also, where the W-10 can record at three different quality levels, the DM-1 has only two, although it does allow you to store your files in an additional folder.
Another reason the DM-1 costs as much as it does is because it showcases Olympus' new WOW audio technology, which is supposed to produce "rich bass and clear three-dimensional sound with a user-selectable five-setting equalizer." But it produces it through a speaker the size of a postage stamp -- better invest in an upgrade pair of earbuds or headphones.
Mac-heads take note: most of the models available on the market ship with software that is only compatible with PCs. The DM-1 is an exception in that it stores information on SmartMedia cards -- the same cards used in many digital cameras and some cell phones. If you have any other devices that use these cards, you'll certainly want to look for a digital voice recorder that uses the same standard.
Denpa HR-980 & USB-12
US$150 and US$200
Denpa, manufactured both in Taiwan and Korea, is by far the most easily available model in local stores. As such, it's also one of Taiwan's best-selling brands and you're more likely to find a good deal on one than on either of the Olympus models. Bargains aside, it's not the best of the brands available. With both models about the size of a fat pen, the screen on each is too pinched to allow for easy viewing, especially considering it has four folders through which you must navigate your files. The interface isn't as intuitive as with other brands, either.
The main difference between the two is in their recording time. Both models allow you to record at one of three quality levels, but the USB-12 can record for twice as long: 24 hours at an ear-straining low quality compared with 12 hours.
Of course, digital voice recorders aren't for everyone. The only US president since FDR believed to have forgone recording their every conversation was last year's Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Jimmy Carter. His solution? His wife Rosalynn sat by the door in most every Cabinet meeting, pen and paper in hand, taking notes. At least there was no chance of running out of batteries.
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