Editorial Review:

Item Description:
The included 16MB xD-Picture Card provides abundant memory and the durability & reliability you need in a removable media card, while superb sound, a large backlit LCD, file management options and other features supply the professional performance you seek in an easy to use, sleek and stylish package. A full dot, backlit LCD provides for easy viewing, even in bright conditions, for clear and quick viewing of recording times, battery life status and more Recording Format - DSS (Digital Speech Standard) Save files in high-compression DSS format using the included DSS Player software Manage audio files in up to 5 customizable folders Use the easily accessible Erase button to quickly erase single files or entire folders Switch between Conference and Dictation settings Compatible with voice recognition software 2 AAA batteries or 2 Ni-MH rechargeable batteries Enjoy efficient battery power with up to 20 hours provided Compact and lightweight design for easy portability Input Level - -70 dBv PC Interface USB Folders Messages - 5 folders, 199 messages per folder Practical Maximum Output - 220 mW or more Speaker Built-in - 28mm round dynamic speaker Microphone & Earphone Jack - 3.5mm mini-jack System Requirements - Microsoft Windows Me, 2000 Professional, XP Professional, Home Edition, Mac OS 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, Intel Pentium II class 333 MHz processor or faster (Processor 500 MHz or faster is recommended), 128MB RAM or more (256MB or more is recommended), Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible card, 800 x 600 pixels, 256 colors or more, 2x or faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive, One or more free USB ports, Microphone input and earphone output or speaker, Earphone output or speaker Dimensions - 4.3 x 1.9 x 0.7 inch Weight - 101 grams

---

---

Rating: - * functional but durability remains in question ...
This DS 2300 recorder has all the functionality needed for frequent voice file creation. Importantly one can rewind and record over the file without creating a new file, a feature not available with some other models.
My concern is what happens with the flimsy power and hold switches that need to be slid back and forth before or after use. My last Olympus recorder, a different model, continued to work fine but the hold switch broke. Frequent replacement of batteries was required to continue to use it. The future destiny of this DS2300 is likely, I fear to be the same; perhaps this guarantees the need for a replacement in a year or two.

---

Rating: - * Not up to par ...
Based on the high specs and the high price, I assumed that this was a professional machine. However, other digital recorders I have had, which cost a quarter of the price, put out a much better sound straight out of its small speaker. Despite the advanced technology of being able to download these recordings into the computer, no amount of adjustment would improve the sound so that it replicated the original recording. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone wanting quality sound.

---

Rating: - * Great for attorneys ...
This voice recorder is great for attorneys. Our firm used to use the DS-30, but since it has been discontinued, we have moved to the DS-2300. You can learn to use the basics in a matter on minutes. The controls are easier to use since the voice recorder is slightly larger than the DS-30. A great buy! Caveat: you have to buy a new transcription kit so the foot pedal will work from your old DS-30.

---

Rating: - * Do Not Buy This Recorder! ...
I am a professional musician- and this recorder has provided the absolute worst recording sound I have ever heard! I get better quality with the little small cassette tapes in a cheap handheld.
The sound is fuzzy and garbled, even with the external microphone I bought, and even talking is hard to hear. Don't waste your money on this.

---

Rating: - * Fine product. ...
This is a beautifully conceived product -- works perfectly with a group in conference. One caviot however is that it took two previous replacements to get one where the earphone jack would work -- even the last one needs some jiggling to make contact with both channels. It's not about stereo, it's about hearing properly for editing. Editing by transferring the files to the computer is an easy alternative since the computer's speakers or earphone jack can provide clear sound on both channels. Result of a week's worth of intense meetings -- Our clients will be purchasing their own recorders -- as the price for value received is indisputably a bargain.