Olympus J300 Microcassette Recorder

Small slim stylish designVariable control voice actuator for hands-free operationAutomatic recording levelFast play quick review and dual tape speedsCombined external mic and earphone jackBuilt-in mic and speakerIncludes 60 minute micro cassette and 2 AAA batteriesShipping package dimensions: 9.5x3.5x1.5 (len x wid x dep)

1 Don't bother
I have owned three of these "machines" and each time, they stop working after lessthatn a week for no reason. I wish I could post no stars.

Don't But it.

Never buy it.

You're beter off throwing your money out the window.

2 Fairly Suitible as an Analog Recorder
I don't understand the three one-star reviews on this product. I remember purchasing this recorder in probably Sep, Oct, or Nov, 2001 and have been pretty happy with it. I've played around with it a few times here and there, and overall it's not too bad. The microcassette tapes are pretty inexpensive; like $4.99 I believe for 3 microcassettes. The speaker is loud enough to hear the playback most of the time, and the microphone is at a convenient spot on the top of the recorder.

THe VCVA Voice Activated recording works almost every time. You just set it to that setting, And it'll record when it starts to hear voice. As for the options you get on this thing, you get 1.2x speed and 2.4x. The 1.2x is the regular speed in which you get a fair amount of time on the tape, and 2.4x is just twice as fast which takes up twice as much tape. The three modes are: F. Play (Fast Play; makes the play probably 1.25x faster), OFF, and VCVA. Right next to that is the 3V DC port. I've never had to use it because I think after nearly three years I've never replaced the battery but once.

You also get a red LED light when recording which is somewhat bright. There's also a pause button, which may come in handy for playback. The only drawbacks I have is that the MIC/EAR (microphone/headphone) jack is for some reason too small for the 1/8" jacks. So I've never been able to use that feature, which doesn't really put a downer on my spirits because the internal microphone is perfectly fine. The other drawback is that about a year ago the cover for the microcassette tape fell off--but I put it back in place and it stays on all right, however it falls off at certain angles.

I haven't had any experience with customer support, because I never needed it. This recorder is fine as a toy, but for a serious business person they would want something like the Olympus VN-3600 Digital Voice Recorder. It's one of the more fancy voice recorders, having 6 hours available to record, but in my opinion looks worth its price tag. The best part about digital is that it isn't analog, so you can put it onto the computer via USB.

Price Paid:
39.99 $USD

Recommended:
As a play-around toy, but not as a serious business recording tool.

3 Poor Performer
I own this unit. I attempted to purchase earphones from Olympus but after phoning them 5 times, and getting put on hold each time, I gave up. I was never able to speak to a live person.
The unit itself does not have enough audible power with batteriess or by AC connection. I do not recommend this unit.

4 Piece of Junk
I have had this recorder for a couple years and have sent it back 5 times because it just decides to not work. Customer service is horrible and the new recorders they send me are just as bad and stop working (without explanation) again. A waste of time and money.

5 Olympus J300 Microcassette Recorder
I have bought this recorder 2 days ago. I have used it only twice and for some unknown reasons it does not work any more.
I have paid [quite a lot]. Thus, if you do not want to have trouble do not buy it ! Add few euros and buy yourself something better.