Olympus 1GB Digital Voice Recorder - White (WS-321M)
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009This is one of the coolest gadgets I've bought in a while. I use it all the time to record conference calls at work so I can go back and make notes rather than trying to keep up during the call. It also works well to record notes or instructions when on the go. Transfer of files to the PC is easy as you just plug it to the USB port on the PC.
While the unit has a decent internal microphone, I also purchases the TP-7 which allows one to easily record telephone conversations, and a lapel microphone for recording rehearsals of speeches or activities on the amateur radio bands.
The unit also has a music mode and separate file system for your MP3 music files. Transfer of music files from PC to the devices via USB port is quick and easy.

Model: WS-321M
Olympus WS-321M is a digital Recorder with Music Player. It's not just for work. An integrated Music Player lets you enjoy listening to all your favorite songs, on vacation, after a strenuous day or between meetings. Capture It All in high-performance audio. Stay organized and on the move with this high-class storage device and powerful music player. Record meetings or notes and even store large documents to transfer from one computer to another. The easy-to-use USB input lets you plug the WS-321M right into the computer for fast results. And up to 250 songs can be stored and played in impressive stereo sound with track and artist name clearly displayed on the LCD. Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) records only when sound is sensed One long-life battery (supplied) provides 21 hours of continuous operation The Low Cut Filter minimizes air conditioner noise and other similar noise Five file folders, each holding up to 200 files, provide unparalleled organization Up to 16 index marks can be set in a file As a USB storage device the WS-321M can save a variety of files in addition to audio files Lock files to avoid files being accidentally erased Voice Filter enhances the human voice by cutting low and high frequency noises during playback Slow and fast playback speed variations Repeat and Random playback WOW XT technology provides rich bass and three-dimensional stereo sound Customize the sound with a built-in equalizer Battery Life Approx. 21 hours (using AAA alkaline dry cell battery) Unit Size 3.7L x 1.5W x 0.4D (94.7 mm x 38.6 mm x 10.9 mm), excluding protrusions; Weight 1.7 oz. (47 g), including battery OS Supported Microsoft Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista
- Built-in stereo microphone
- 1GB internal flash memory
- WMA recording format
- Up to 277 hours of recording time in LP mode
- Six recording modes - Use STXQ, STHQ and STSP for stereo recording or HQ, LP and SP for extended recording
List Price: USD 89.99
Lowest New Price: USD 129.69
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 79.95

Great for recording lectures
Have only used this for recording class lectures which is great! Have yet to record or store any music, but expect the results to be just as good

Short battery life
I bought this recorder for dictation purposes, basically record my own notes and stuff.
Two issues:
1. I had found that the battery last quite a short time in this little recorder, I tried to play back and new batteries runs out very soon, and as that happens, playback will stop abruptly, and it will keep reseting it'self during the playback.
2. The battery indicator on mine does not show accurately the remaining life, when this first happened I thought my unit was defected, because the battery indicator shows full, only drop one click when I playback, and jumps back up to full when a playback come to a stop.
It kept doing that until I decided to try and put in a new battery then it went back to function mornally.
I then realized the the battery was low to a point where I can not playback, but the indicator never showed a low battery, ever.
I don't know if any other people experienced the same thing I did.
I have other recorders which uses two aaa batteries, I find those much more suitable for the field than the ones that uses only one battery.

Great product
This is simply great. Very easy to use, very light to carry it with you, clear sound and a usb port to connect it directly to your computer. I just love it!

good product
I've used many Olympus Voice Recorders in the past, so I trusted the company and bought this recorder too. It's way better than any other old model I owned. Better recording quality, very sensitive microphone, easier transfer of files to the computer via its usb plug and it can also be an mp3 player :)
Olympus claims 21 hours of continuous operation. That's not true since its battery could never last for more than 12 hours but this is an adequate operation time for my needs. I wish it could last longer and that's the reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. I would probably buy it again if I needed a second one, so my final verdict for this product is: Totally recommended.











