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Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

About.com Rating 4

From Catherine Roseberry, for About.com

Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus

The Bottom Line

Taking notes on the road can be tricky and time consuming. Digital voice recorders can decrease the hassle and make life much easier for mobile workers. The Olympus DM-20 provides mobile workers with an easy method to record notes, reminders, meetings and using the USB dock, a quick means of transferring the files to either a PC or Mac computer. When you must have the ability to collect information on the fly - a digital voice recorder is your best bet.

Pros

  • Compatible with Mac and PC
  • 45 Hours of Voice Recording
  • Remote Control/External Mic

Cons

  • No On/Off Switch

Description

  • Dimensions: 4.31"H x 1.56"W x 0.6"D and weighs 3 oz.
  • 128MB Built-in flash memory.
  • Comes with USB docking station.
  • Voice files saved as WMA or DSS format.
  • Adjustable microphone sensitivity for different conditions.
  • Easy-to-read backlit Liquid Crystal Display.
  • Five folders with 199 files for each folder.
  • Reminder alarms can be set like an alarm clock.
  • Can playback user-selected sections of audio recording.
  • Standard Play and Long Play modes

Guide Review - Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

Overall the Olympus DM-20 is a really good digital voice recorder. The only drawback which was frustrating is there is no On/Off switch. You have to press Hold and then it shutdowns after a period of time.

The amount of voice recording time is a great benefit and it means you don't have to always have access to your computer to keep downloading files to ensure you don't run out of memory. You can go from one meeting to another and know that the DM-20 will be ready.

If you want to have music files, the DM-20 can handle two hours of CD-quality music. Having the option to play music can provide a nice diversion when traveling and you want to relax.

With this digital voice recorder, it's important to read the User Guide and make sure you understand how to record and set up files. Being able to locate a specific file when you need it is important. Having the ability to set up files based on type of file or need such as Personal or by the job will certainly make life easier for mobile workers.

Another added benefit that the DM-20 digital voice recorder provides is that you can use it with voice recognition software in your laptop to transcribe your information. Keep in mind that there may be some errors and you will have to proof your information. It can be a timesaver and provide a quick means for mobile workers to share work.

It's small size and remote control enable mobile workers to keep the DM-20 in their pocket and talk or record on the go.

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