SONY > PCM-D50 Linear PCM Recorder

Every songwriter needs a little recording machine that will record bits of song ideas, songs in progress, and songs in final form. Like many of you I am technologically challenged so I want something that not only sounds good but is ridiculously easy to use. This little machine works on all levels for me. Although it is endowed with some nice bells and whistles (limiter, low cut filter to eliminate unwelcome background sounds, digital pitch control, adjustable speed control, repeat play mode, memory stick, and on and on), it's the intuitive straight-ahead recording and playback process that really works for me. The machine is about 2.75 inches by 6 with two mics on top that swivel independently so you can point them directly at yourself and your co-writer as you sing your song. There's a display screen that shows a whole lot, including ten folders, each of which holds 99 tracks. Just pick a folder, press the record button to get a level (displayed beautifully), hit play, and start singing and playing. When you're done press the stop button. When you play it back, you will hear - at least I heard - pristine, hissless sound. The machine is rugged, with a metal cage to protect the mics, external mic and earphone jacks, and a connector to download your tracks into your computer. The folks who designed this little honey really did their homework.