Handheld Recorder Comparison
These audio recordings were made using a variety of relatively-inexpensive, standalone mobile recording devices. The recording environment was a typical room with two people sitting about 2-3 feet from the devices, which were sitting on a table. No post-recording processing was done, other than to convert the files to an MP3 format.
Overall, the Zoom recorder is by far the best. We'd recommend it if it's in your budget range. We also liked the Olympus recorder, but the WMA recording format requires an additional conversion step.
If you have a favorite mobile recording device that you'd like to add to this list or share information about, let us know.
| Device | Palm TX + mic module | Philips GoGear | Olympus WS 100 | Olympus WS 100 w/external mic | Samson Zoom H4 | Sansa c250 MP3 Player |
| Recording specs | Mono 24000Hz wav | Mono 8000Hz wav can record to SD | Mono 44100Hz WMA | Mono 44100Hz WMA | Stereo/Mono 44100Hz wav, MP3 can record to SD | Mono 16000Hz wav |
| Internal mic | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| External mic | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Test file | Listen | Listen | Listen | Listen | Listen | Listen |
| Approx cost | $299(TX) + $14.95(rec. mod) | $99 | $80 | $80+$10(mic) | $300 | $99 |
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