GE 35027 AC/DC Cassette Recorder

• Portable cassette recorder with digital tape counter and built-in condenser microphone
• Automatic level control records at consistent volume; automatic end-of-tape shutoff
• Features convenient pushbutton cassette operation; sliding carrying handle
• Earphone jack for private listening; works with standard audiocassettes
• Measures 4.7 by 1.5 by 7.38 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

My brother has one of these, which I'm using now. It gets the job done with no frills. I can't speak about the internal mic, as he bought an external one from Radio Shack also. It is true that this is smaller than other shoebox recorders. It runs from DC power only, which explains the plug-in transformer which must be used. Personally, I'd rather have a regular AC cord in with the power supply built into the recorder. That design doesn't hog so much room on power strips. If you're buying the shoebox style, you're probably not all that concerned with the size. What you want in the shoebox style is a desktop-friendly design, right? Well to me this isn't it. For one thing, when pressing the buttons, you have to hold the rear end of the recorder down since the buttons are so stiff. Anyway, the thing doesn't reek of quality, but for $..., it's not bad at all.

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I bought this tape recorder for use as a study aid, and it has performed very well for this purpose. I like the fact that it uses full size cassette tapes, as they are readily available, and can be played back on any standard player. I have made several tapes, and have played them back in different decks with good results. The only thing I would recommend is the addition of an external microphone, as the internal mic seems to be too sensitive. It actually picks up noise from the tape drive mechanism. If this unit cost a lot of money, this would be a serious flaw, but for just over twenty bucks it didn't seem like a big deal to me. I picked up a decent mic at Radio Shack for around ten dollars, and recording quality is now flawless.

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I have to say, based on the above review I purchased two of these for my family. I use them to hear lectures and for homeschooling too. It is a much slimmer and smaller model compared to old ones. I am happy with this purchase!

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I never learn...pay more for better quality...

I bought the GE recorder and as others have said, the sound is horrible, muffled and hissing. So I paid $10 more for an external mic, with very little improvement.

So I bought the Sony recorder, for only $5 more than the GE!, and the sound is immensely better. And the built-in mic on the Sony is even better than with an external mic.

Avoid the GE...pay only $5 more and get the Sony, which has automatic shutoff and a carrying handle, both which the GE doesn't.

I bought this unit because the Sony unit was not in stock, other reviews indicated that it was slightly smaler than a standard shoebox recorder which for me is good. I always use batteries so the wall-wart style AC adaptor was not an issue for me.

Unfortunatly the unit has issues.

First the unit uses AA batteries instead of C cells. This makes it smaller, but C cells last a LOT longer than AA's. Also the internal mic is awfull, lots of tape noise. All recorders will have some tape noise but this is really bad. I never had that problem with my trusty old Radio Shack Model.

In order to get any utility out of this I will have to pick up an external mic, which brings the total up past $30. If I had wanted to spend that much I could have just gone to Radio Shack.