4. The Top Of The Line - The Olympus DS-2200

The DS-2200 is at the higher end of the scale, and it is very much the type of recorder you would expect to see journalists running around with. It has more bells, whistles and options and can record longer than its leaner cousins. It weighs 3 ounces (85 grams) with batteries and measures 4.3" x 1.6" x 0.6" (10.29 cm x 4.06 cm x 1.52 cm).

Out of the box the DS-2200 smacks of being more upmarket, going so far as to have small zip case which allows you to store the entire package, with all the bits and pieces connected to one another. As well as the recorder itself, which has its own in-built microphone, there is a remote control with its own microphone and a separate stereo microphone.

Placing the mike with the remote control at the source of sound instead of the recorder itself might help prevent damage being done to the recorder (elbows tend to fly in some of the more frantic jostling that can go on when trying to get what someone is saying on tape.)

The stereo microphone connects directly to the recorder; there is no cable. Though all the microphones will suffice for the job, the stereo microphone works especially well when connected to the recorder and placed in the middle of a conference table. Indeed, the DS-2200 has been specifically designed with this in mind, with a clip on the back automatically changing microphone sensitivity between dictation and conferencing. The difference between the two settings is marked, and when mixed 'n matched with the different microphones the DS-2200 is a versatile tool for a multitude of jobs.

The DS-2200 is slightly larger and heavier than the VN-120, although it is still easy to handle. I would have preferred, given its smooth metallic finish, if the left hand side below the memory slot had a grip, but even when holding the microphone and separate control unit it's all perfectly manageable.

The DS-2200 also comes with USB, which you can use to connect the recorder to your computer with via a provided cradle. This may increase the number of items you have to lug around, though in all honesty it's not that bad, particularly when weighed against the advantages of the USB connection.

The files are recorded in either DSS (Digital Speech Standard) or standard WMA, and there is software bundled with the recorder to help with those DSS files. The recordings can be made in stereo (4 hours 20 minutes recording time), high quality (8 hours 45 minutes recording time), medium quality (20 hours 55 minutes recording time) or low quality (44 hours 45 minutes recording time).

Incidentally, the LCD screen is back lit with an orange twinge on this model, which makes it more suitable for night time use as well, though the controls themselves aren't back lit except for the Record light.

After testing the DS-2200, I think I'll buy one for myself.

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