Olympus PearlCorder S701 (141350) Microcassette Recorder

I purchased this recorder for my 87 year old father and needed something simple to use that is high enough quality for the price. I tested it myself and then showed him how to use it. (Older people have difficulties with technology). It has large enough buttons for his fingers and he seemed to pick up on how it works quite easily. He enjoys it for bible studies so he can play it back later when he gets home since he sometimes misses hearing things due to his age. This also keeps him busy with something to do and he really enjoys his new toy and talking out loud now. (Maybe I shouldh't have bought it). Anyway, my brother sent him a digital one but I knew that wouldn't work out....too complicated. This is a great little recorder for using at studies, or reading out loud essays or memoirs and I would place the recorded sound quality at average to good.

If you need something to record conversations - you know, when the sneaky plumber or the sly utility man comes around - look no further; the Olympus Pearlcorder S701 is the item for you. I've had this for a couple years now and it still works fine. You can fit it into your pocket, and record from there. It does a good job picking up a conversation; you can hear what people are saying fairly clearly; I'm impressed that a recorder wedged into my pant pocket is able to do that.All of the basic functions work fine - fast forward, rewind, etc -. Everything about this recorder is above satisfactory, and it is easy to use. I was going to rate this 5 stars and say that the price was reasonable, but I see that the price has been raised by 10 dollars since I purchased it 2 years ago, so I'm lowering my rating. I no longer consider this a 'GREAT' buy - 5 star - at $35, but it is a good buy - 4 star - .

Sure, there are digital recorders out there, and I own a few. But I also have legacy analog tapes and it's good to have a recorder to play them if needed. I've converted them to digital files but sometimes you just want to listen to the original, just like you might want to listen to a favorite record of your mom's.Also, with digital devices the buttons an sometimes be confusing. Here it's nice and simple. Forward. Reverse. Stop. You're always exactly sure of what is going on.The quality is good, and it runs on batteries, so you can always have spares with you and switch them out instantly. You can take it anywhere. On a hike, on a car ride, you name it.Well recommended for those who don't want the digital option for some reason, or for those who have analog tapes to listen to.

Used micro cassette player does not work. I guess it was a shot in the dark buying used and it's just to much of a hassle to return it since it through a third party seller...

Works very well, and I received this in a timely manner. I have no complaints, this brand works just as well, as sony, or other well name brands, the source I purchased from, gave me a good price, and looking for a device like this now, well, they are overpriced, for new, (in my opinion), this is an old mediiam, this is analog device, and lots of us, are still on analog time, not digital. If you find this brand used at an affordable price, and from a good seller, I would snag it up! you can record conferenes, or if you have any of these little tapes from your past, they will play just fine...and walk down memory lane....(sometimes this can be a bit strange, if it has been some years later...)