Sony Memory Stick Media Digital Voice Recorder with 128MB MS Duo and Adaptor (ICD-BM1B)

I read the reviews on Amazon and checked out the Olympus and other recorders...nothing touches this one for usability. Therein lies some of the problem. I'm a techie and still can't use it in the dark when driving. As a master's student, it has proved invaluable in lecture. On the (CONF-Hi) setting, it easily picks up even the whiniest professor's voice at a 15 foot range. The main reason I purchased the ICD-BM1 was it's 5 Dragon award from Dragon Natually Speaking(DNS). I use DNS v7.3 and have found it trained easily and has around 95% accuracy (down a few points from another reviewer) probably because I impatiently read the 1 hr training script in 40 minutes. It's very small and extremely light. The case has two velcro'd places for additional memory sticks. However, since it can use 128mb (not pro)I rarely swap sticks. I use the 128 for class related info and the others for personal life maybe that's why I rarely swap I have no personal life. One more thing, it's fabulous with DNS for dictating emails while driving. This allows emailing to family friends that would otherwise not hear from me as often. Great product!!!!

PART TWO 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE

When first setting up the unit I found the battery door was very difficult to get open but dismissed it figuring how often would I be replacing batteries? It turns out the door has now become unstable and sits in a slightly open position, popping open at will. When the batteries come out unnoticed, I have to reset the date/time etc.

After contacting Sony I learned that IF they determine it is a manufacturing defect versus user abuse, they will exchange the unit. The problem is... the unit received in exchange will not be new, rather it will be used (refurbished).

A warranty should repair or replace with a new unit especially manufacturing defects. I'm disappointed in Sony.

Rather than do without the unit only to receive a used unit, I've decided to tape the door shut.

I've had this unit for approximately 5 months, during which time it has been almost continuously strapped to my belt.

The unit is finished very well, with a brushed aluminum case and a belt case that allows quick removal of the recorder, and also for storage of spare Memory Sticks in 2 pouches on the side.

If you own other Sony devices, this one uses the same USB trransfer cable, and also of course takes the Memory Stick cards which are proprietary to the Sony brand.

The software was simple to install and operate, though I was a little disappointed that unlike the cheaper Sony ICD-MS515, this unitl is not shipped with the Dragon Naturally Speaking software. The Sony codec is not installed to the PC for encoding, only decoding. The internal mic has adjustable sensitivity, but I use it mainly on the conference microphone setting rather than the dictation, because I rarely use it for the latter. The intermal mic provides very adequate audio quality, picking up speech from 10-15 feet away without excessive noise, though I'm sure an external would be even better. The built in speaker is barely adequate!

However, when compares to that MS515, the operation of the unit itself is much simpler. Those of you that hate software menus and prefer solid switches and buttons will love this unit. Although there is a configuration menu, most operations are accomplished with the use of high quality switches. For example, the main toggle allows the user to switch between record, stop and play effortlessly, and inserting or adding to an existing recording is easily done. In fact, I would say that it's designed to operate like the earlier generation tape devices, but without the limitations of that medium easy.

The quality of sound from this equipment is far in excess of what will normally be required. the High quality setting operates at a sampling rate of 44kHz, similar to CD quality, and when played back on a PC with good qualityh speakers, it shows. The medium quality is more than adequate for most purposes, and will provide you up to approx 20 hours of recording on a 128MB memory stick more than adequate for me. I don't even bother using the lowest quality setting, although it's adequate for most purposes and substantially free from artefacts, as are the other modes.

I use NiMH batteries rather than disposable alkaline, my small contribution to the planet, and I do find that the batteries will last for about 4 hours of recording, whereas high performance alkalines would last much, muich longer. the main power switch can tend to be knocked on or off in the carry case, which can be annoying, but actually, it uses very little power unless in an active mode such as recording or playback, so I don't see that as a fatal flaw. Inserting and removing the Memory Stick is a snap, there being a solid click when the card is properly positioned, and the display confirms that the card is being read, and how much space (relatively) remains. The display is easy to read, and can be configured to tell you different information about such as time remaining on card, time spent on this track, volume levels (VU meters) etc. easily be pressing the display button.

All in all, although I have had the opportunity to trade this unit for another, I declined to do so. It's worth mentioning also that this recorder is sufficiently advanced to be used even for legal recording and transcription (IMO) with the optional paddle equipment.

As with all free information, your mileage may vary....

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I have been using Dragon Naturally Speaking with the Sony BM1, the Sony mx-20 and the olympus dm-20. (All rate well with Scansoft)

The BM1 is the most professional, easiest to use, most powerful and very accurate with DNS7/8. But why do they design a cheap plastic flap to cover the USB port which has to be opened and closed frequently? After using it for a few months the flap will not close. It doesn't affect the operation but for such an expensive machine it is sloppy and annoying. Sony wants 63 bucks to fix it, but a repair will not likely last long either. They might send me a refurbished one for slightly less, but the same problem obtains.

The docking station (from Olympus) would be the best solution.

Not worthy of Sony, but it's the best I have found.

LG at NAU

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Microcassette portable dictating machines all have a single slide switch for Record/Stop/Playback/Rewind. Long experience has shown that is the best control mechanism for actually doing dictation vs. recording something. Most of the Sony and other brand portable flash-based recorders have buttons scattered all over them, making dictation a real pain. This model is the rare exception. It's not built quite as much like a tank as traditional microcassette units but it's lots more rugged than most of Sony's and other brand's "consumer" recorders. My major complaint is that the "insert" function is not as easy to get to as it should be, considering that is one of the most important features of a flash-based dictating machine.

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I brought this for kids to record their violin lessons. It records in CD quality. As far as I know, this is the only brand voice recorder that so small and still record in CD quality (16bit/44Khz). We have it for about two years and still working fine.