Small portable mike record unit?

[Durk]

I really don't know how to call such kind of thing, but I'm searching for a small portable unit which is able to record the built-in microphone. And of course, with play-back functionality, so a headphones out would be necessary.

Purposes:
1. Record humming, whistling or singing of a tune which springs to my mind.
2. Record environment sounds.

I just need something to carry along most of the day. Quality is not a big issie, at least for purpose 1.

Directly recording in wave (or high quality mp3/ogg) format would be a nice to have, because it saves some time and hassle to get the recordings back into the computer.

Any advice or experiences? I would be glad to hear about it!

[Durk]

BUMP!

Guys, where are you?! Is it not an interesting subject?

[tk421]

I have an older Sony and Sharp mini disc for this purpose. Neither has a built in mic. I do not know if any are made with one. I have a tiny Sony stereo mic. The recording quality is superb, and both are very compact.

If you do not want to record everything again to your computer, check out the iPod's microphone adapter. It only records in mono, but it saves them as wav files. I ma sure there are other mp3 players that record.

Also, if I get a quick idea and want to record a few seconds of something, my cell phone has a voice memo feature. I just hit record and talk or hum my idea.

[jouni]

I suggest getting portable minidisc too. Atleast sony sells stereo mics you can plug into the md directly with no cables. It is compact, good recording quality and no so expensive either.

[tk421]

My only complaint about the stereo mic is that it picks up the motor noise of the recorder. It is much more noticable on the Sony than the Sharp model. My recorderes are a few years old, so new models may be quieter now.

[Durk]

Thanks guys! I will try to find some links!

[C00kie]

Maybe what you are looking for is called a "Dictaphone"