Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

I like the recorder a lot, but I will not restate what has already been said regarding functionality. However, just make sure you lock the DSS software in a safety deposit box. Olympus tech support is horrible. I lost the software (yes, my fault) and called tech support to see where I could download it. They had no idea, and blatantly stated that they did not have time for a "non-tech" issue. Called another support number, the service rep had no idea why I would need the software to record and suggested that I use the DSS lite software (which is just for playing the files, not interfacing).

Long story short, four weeks later, no software. If anyone knows where I can get a copy (I was told it is freely distributed), please let me know.

Other reviewers have done an excellent job of describing the benefits of this tool so I'll be brief. First, you will use it in new ways as long as you're not embarassed by the 'note to self' jokes. Phone numbers, addresses, to do's, random musings, and more. For months when I was very busy I'd keep it near my bed to clear my head before falling asleep. Eventually enough would be in the recorder (and I didn't have to turn on the light) that I could stop worrying about forgetting.

I bought the Sony version of this product and in the end it's probably a wash. They have the same functionality, linking capability, length, etc. The Sony is much more elegant and that is what won the day. Later, I regreted not buying this one because of the Via Voice software (if only just to play with it) but I have heard not one supportive comment about it. Either nobody is using it or it doesn't work.

RE: Linking or downloading. This is useful if you need to store things (remember, there is no tape to remove if you want to keep something) such as lectures, interviews. The problem is that the compression software is not yet standardized and files end up being huge.

If you're using this as a memo device and have no storage needs, I'd consider the model below this (I think it's about half the price).

Last note. If you already carry a cell phone and a PDA, you will find you're pockets too full with this addition. Like me, you will hope for some convergence soon. If this were in my Nokia, I'd be sending voice emails all the time.

Buy Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder Now

I purchased the DS-150 about 4 months ago and have not been satisfied with the product.

The recording and playback quality is poor and the voice recognition software accompanied with the product is extremely hard to set-up correctly and use.

Save your money and buy a standard tape driven recorder!

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There are some things that are worthwhile in the DS-150. It's small size and light weight is welcome, and it is quite easy to save sound files on my computer in WAV format (my primary criterion for purchase.)

However, it's user interface is simply one of the worst I have ever seen. Even after following the steps in the manual, I found myself unable to perform simple operations like setting the time without referring to the manual again. It makes the average VCR look good!

If you've seen an Olympus manual before, you know what to expect. Written in five languages, it's hard on the eyes, cryptic, badly organized, and full of tragic grammatical errors.

The sound quality isn't all that great either. Forget the ViaVoice software it's a complete joke, unless you need inspiration for your strange dadaist poetry. How can anyone claim to provide useful "voice recognition" when it doesn't even get half the words correct? IBM and Olympus should hang their heads in shame for perpetrating this kind of hoax on the public.

I really needed a small voice recorder that interfaces with my computer, so I grit my teeth and suffer the pain of this inadequately designed product. But I'm not going to suffer in silence. When you're banging your head against the wall, it doesn't hurt so much when you can ... and moan about it.

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This recorder has been great. I got it for two reasons: one for work -the dictation software is great (and fun) and has helped me rapidly do a project that used to take weeks! The other reason: to create story CDs for my toddler. I have had friends read her favorites into the recorder, download and convert them, and then burn them onto CDs. Great for bedtime, downtime or driving. She loves it (and it drives the cat nuts!). The UI is difficult on the recorder, but I ignore all that and use the UI on the computer.