Speak up!

Digital voice recorders pack solid features in small form

Microcassette recorders may soon be going the way of the dinosaur. Their replacement? Digital voice recorders, or DVRs, which are fast becoming the standard device for professionals who need to record brief memos or extended business meetings. Although not brand new, the latest releases are smarter than their predecessors and provide greater functionality.

Unlike microcassette recorders, DVRs are lighter and leaner--and offer hours of digital data storage rime without the need to purchase and store numerous cassettes. Better yet, you needn't lose your data as you would with a microcassette recorder if, for example, the tape became tangled; nor will you have to worry about transcribing the information. Most DVRs are now bundled with software and cables that let you upload data to your PC so you can send audio e-mails; voice-recognition software lets you translate speech to text. We looked at two of the top offerings from Olympus and Panasonic to see how they compare.

OLYMPUS DS-150 Weighing just 2.9 ounces, the Olympus DS150 Digital Recorder ($199; www.olympususa.com; 631-844-5000) features 8MB of built-in flash memory and offers up to 160 minutes of recording rime (75 minutes in standard mode, 160 in long mode). The pocket-size DVR also has two folders that let you store up to 99 messages per folder, which is more than enough for even the busiest professional.

The DS-150 also has something called a Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA); simply put, the DVR has a voice-activated recording function that lets you record only when a voice is detected. To activate the VCVA, you simply press the Menu switch once; when the built-in microphone detects a voice, recording begins; it pauses when speaking stops. Although the VCVA is a valuable feature, there is a bit of volume loss, and you'll have to tweak the sound level to match the recording environment. It might not work as well in noisy areas.

Despite its numerous features (and the hefty operation manual),. the DS-150 is relatively easy to use. And a crisp LCD screen lets you see folders, message numbers, time, and date instantly.

PANASONIC BB-QB240

At just 1.7 ounces, the Panasonic RR-QR240 ($149.95; www.panasonic.com; 201-348-7000) packs in tons of activity features in a super-thin form. This DVR gives you four folders in which to store 99 files each--a whopping 396 individual files. This means you can divide files into categories such as Work Memos and To-Do List, for example. What's more, it features 256MB of flash memory and three recording speeds, so you can record up to 255 minutes of notes and meetings.

Fitting snugly in the palm of your hand, the Panasonic BB-QR240 also features its own voice-recognition system, which it calls a Voice Activation System, or VAS. This ensures convenient and quick recording without annoying delays. But perhaps the best feature is the Hold Switch, which preserves battery life by making sure the DVR isn't accidentally turned on while it's left in, say; a briefcase or bag.

While packing impressive features, the Panasonic's Play/Stop select dial was a bit difficult to use (you also use it for rewind and fast-forward functions). Like the Olympus-model DVR, the Panasonic device runs on two AAA batteries.

DVRs have come a long way in terms of design, added features, and storage capacity. Speech-recognition software, such as IBM's ViaVoice and Dragon's Naturally Speaking, are now routinely bundled with many DVRs, as are cables and software to transfer recorded messages and meetings to a PC. But questions remain about the quality of voice recognition software. The programs have a high learning curve, and the resultant inaccuracies still make them a chore to use. The technology, although greatly improved, still has a long way to go.