Whether you use Panasonic RN 3053 for making notes and lists or are a busy executive using it for ideas, this new slim "palm-fit" design has many great features, yet is still quick and easy to use. The Voice Activated System (VAS) allows hands-free recording as well as eliminating wasted tape. Fast playback speeds offer a 20% speed increase over normal playback, useful for finding a crucial section of tape without resorting to fast forwarding endlessly. Other features include cue and review with quick-review pause control and a two-speed tape selector (2.4/1.2). The one-touch and follow-up recording combined with the built-in condenser microphone make for great sound quality.This product comes with 1 microcassette tape and two AA batteries.
1 Total unsatisfied
This model RN-305 is a complete disappointment. I purchased it to replace a model RN-108 which unfortunately was dropped and broken. The replacement doesn't even come close to the original. I have tried all settings...speed, voice activated, etc to no avail. The replay of recorded voice is not natural and there is always a continuous whiring or hissing in the background. The similar microcassete it relaced had no such annoyance. Recordings from the old recorder sound ok on the new recorder so obviously the recording properties of this new recorder lacks any quality. Can't even return it due to a 3rd party that hides behind Amazon.com in the wood-work.
2 Inexpensive & handy
I ordered this & received it within 24 hours, WITHOUT asking for expedited shipping! I didn't even realize it had Voice Activated recording until I read the manual. The other reviewer was right - it comes with 3 cassettes & a pair of batteries - awesome! Sound quality is fine, and the mic picks up everything - it even picked up the sounds of me moving up a flight of stairs while it was tucked into a back pocket. I highly recommend both the item and whoever shipped the thing.
3 Great for a journalist
I'm a college newspaper reporter and found this to be a great value. It was pretty cheap compared to other recording devices, like digital recorders. It also came with 3 tapes, which was enough to get me started & batteries! I've tested it out with recording my voice and the distance I can have it away from my mouth to pick up sounds and still having what I've said come out pretty clear. I'm impressed, it was easy to hear what I was saying with the recorder at arm's length.
If you can afford it, go with a digital recorder, but if you can't or aren't going to use a recorder that much, this one will definitely fit your needs.
