Hi Mandy I use the Olympus DM550, for the types of tasks you mention. I tend to use the built-in microphones, but it can take an external microphone. When I turn it on it actually speaks out the message "Battery level high". It will also announce "medium or low" to inform me of the battery state. I'm not sure if the DM550 is still available - I got mine just after it was launched, two and a half years ago. However, they have certainly developed other recorders since mine was created. Please ask me any other questions. Andrew From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Mandy Sent: 28 March 2012 15:42 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Recording Equipment. Hi All. I am wondering what any of you would recommend as a good stereo recorder for recording events in ones life - grandchildren, just different happenings. I already have a reasonably decent stereo microphone which I used with my pocket plextalk until that went wrong and policy is the manufacturers do not repair after it is out of guarantee so now I need something to record with, I do have the Zoom H2but I cannot tell when the batteries are going and really I want something I can conceal in a handbag or pocket and just keep the microphone visible rather than having to walk around holding in my hand to get a decent recording. Ideally I want something totally accessible - the Olympus recorder has been mentioned to me are there different models I should look at before buying? Mandy. No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4898 - Release Date: 03/27/12