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Sony ICD-MX20

*Est. $200

Reviewed April 2009
Sony ICD-MX20

Digital voice recorder for dictating and transcription

pros
  • Best accuracy with speech-to-text software
  • Built-in recording editing
  • Expandable memory
cons
  • More expensive than basic recorders
  • Very little built-in memory
  • Records using proprietary file formats
 
 
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Average Customer Review

(1 customer review)

for $202.39

Search Reviews
Good item, completely incompatible with MAC, October 16, 2009

It is a nice solid unit, although relatively expensive for the features included. I was disappointed that it is completely incompatible with anything Apple. If you want to convert the sound files to a… format you can use on other devices, i.e. mp3 player or windows media player or, quicktime, you MUST have access to a pc to run Sony's conversion software, otherwise they are in a useless format from the recorder. The other problem is that the Sony conversion software takes forever to convert the Sony sound files to something useable.

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Our Sources

1. PC World

James A. Martin from PC World proclaims that the Sony ICD-MX20 is the best digital voice recorder, especially for speech-to-text transcriptions. Reviewing advantages and disadvantages of the recorder for an array of uses, he does presume that you are looking for a dictation device for use with transcription software like Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Review: The Best Digital Voice Recorder, James A. Martin, April 23, 2008

2. About.com

Susan Ward, About.com's guide to Canadian small business, lists seven voice recorders particularly suited for transcription and puts Sony's ICD-MX20 (reviewed here as part of a since-discontinued package that includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred voice-recognition software) at the top. The inclusion of the software (different bundles are now available) is one reason, but she also likes the numerous recording features and the expandable memory. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Top Seven Digital Voice Recorder Transcribers, Susan Ward

3. Amazon.com

Dozens of owners rate the Sony ICD-MX20 here, and the middling score (3.5 stars out of five) fairly represents the split opinions expressed. Those who like the recorder rate it highly for its quality and its ability to play well with speech-recognition software. Those who rate the Sony ICD-MX20 poorly complain that it is hard to use and that the file formats and required conversion software make life difficult, especially for Mac users.

Review: Sony ICD-MX20 Review, Contributors to Amazon.com

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