OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Voice Recorder DM-720 with 4GB, Micro SD Slot, USB Charging, Direction PC Connection, Transcription Mode, Silver

This is the fourth Olympus Digital Voice Recorder I’ve purchased, and they just keep getting better. I have and still use the older DM 520, but I wanted the DM 720 as a backup. After using the DM 720, the older one has become the backup. The new DM 720 is lighter than its DM 520 predecessor; it has a simpler and more efficient design, and it’s easier and more convenient to use, and it only takes one AAA battery instead of two. I’m guessing that only requiring a single battery instead of two is due to technological improvements in the device which require less power to operate. Indeed, this device is still like a miniature recording studio, and it has advanced with the times.The DM 720 comes with a built-in USB connector plug, which can be a little awkward to use because it’s hard to see the tiny screen when it’s plugged in to the PC. But when connected to your PC, it serves the dual purpose of charging the battery, and allows you to easily manipulate the files and to transfer them back and forth from the PC. Olympus should have provided a USB adapter cable AND an adapter for outlet charging, but we can forgive them these oversights since the unit really is a marvel of engineering and design.On the DM 720 there are only two major areas available for holding content, and these are the Recording section, and the Music section. The Recording section retains the usual 5 (A-E) areas for external audio recordings, with a maximum of 200 files for each letter. The unit has not just two, but three microphones built-in, with the usual high quality audio and an abundance of features. The Music section handles any and all audio content superbly, as to be expected.I have several audio books, and when I transferred them and other personal recordings to the unit, it quickly filled up the 4 GB internal memory capacity of the unit. I then bought a 32 GB micro SD Card (which fits in a slot in the battery section) to handle all the books, plus any future ones that I acquire, and all my music. The User Guide indicated that the micro SD card required formatting, but it accepted audio files and recordings immediately without such formatting.Apparently the DM 720 is not compatible with Audible Books (the one owned byAmazon), and that was disappointing. Aside from that shortcoming, this is still a sweet, versatile, and powerful little device very worthy of your consideration and purchase.

I purchased the Olympus DM-720 to replace my older Olympus WS-802 that is no longer available. I first purchased a WS-853 but returned it because it lacked a back-lit screen - an essential feature. I then purchased the more-expensive Olympus DM-720 that has 4 GB of internal memory and uses a single rechargeable AAA battery - just like my older WS-802 - and has the essential back-lit screen. The DM-720 is well worth its higher price since it has several very useful new features: two software-controlled function buttons, voice guidance that provides audible feedback for every feature and menu item, three record-stop timers, a center microphone (can be turned off), adjustable zoom mike for directive recording, a rear-mounted screw-in clip (included) that also serves as a stand, and a speaker mute function. The audible feedback and record-stop timers really enhance this recorder's usefulness. I can now use it for recording live radio interviews when I am not present.It records both MP3 and Linear PCM (WMA) file formats and has a new feature allowing PCM files to be edited to erase internal segments. Unfortunately, this editing feature is not available for MP3 files, a feature I would like to have but instead must use a file-editing program like Audacity. MP3 files can be divided, a feature also available on my older WS-802. The Basic Manual that comes with the voice recorder is very limited and does not cover most of the voice recorder's features. However, the 118 page User Manual is available in 12 languages on the internal memory and it can also be downloaded from the olympusamerica.com web site. I strongly recommend the DM-720 with its many new features.

Had an older model many years ago. What an amazing and powerful tool for those who earn a living with ideas and text. Boosted with an SD card, runs for days and holds all the brilliant ideas, that flow at a moments notice.

Have tried plenty but this is the best. Being so small, it’s pretty to lose thoough. Hang it around your neck. An auxiliary memory for old farts!