Hi Robert, Nice one!! However, I don't think that that was quite the way the original question was phrased (Smile) In case it is of use to anyone on the list, on the basis that they all connect to a computer and the person might be using Jaws, I've copied my message that I sent to John below. I'm sure that I've missed out a few important details here and there but you'll get the main thrust at least. *****Text of message begins: Hi John, Although I have never used the Olympus range of voice recorders, I do believe that they are often very usable by blind people. Perhaps someone else will give you a more specific bit of feedback about the actual one you mentioned. However, I do have a fair bit of experience with a number of the other small recording products, each of which have their advantages and disadvantages. Below I have given a quick summary of the current products in this range. All players are fully accessible by a totally blind person. (All products available from RNIB - see onlineshop.rnib.org.uk for current prices or call 0303 123 9999). 1. Milestone 311 and 312. Size: very small, around the size of a box of matches. Internal memory of about 2 hours and removable SD card slot. Features: recording of voice notes, MP3 playback and DAISY playback. 312 version also has FM radio and some kind of RFID facility but I've not used this so have no comments. Overall the Milestone is a great voice note recorder and OK as an MP3 player and DAISY player. It cannot synthesize playback of other files like text, Word documents and HTML files. It is only average as a recorder of audio but does record into MP3 format directly. Can be linked by USB to a computer for file transfer using normal Windows cut, copy and paste. 2. Plextalk Pocket (PTP1). Size: around the size of a TV remote control. Has limited internal memory but takes SD cards up to 32GB and can connect to a USB thumb drive. Can also link to a computer for file transfer using USB. Features: Voice note recording, quality DAISY recorder, wireless file transfer (coming soon), DAISY playback, MP3 playback, playback of text, Word document and HTML files using built in synthetic voice. Overall, this is an excellent DAISY recorder with a range of sound quality options. It is only limited as a voice note taker. No need for a set file structure when storing your files - the unit automatically searches for files of the various types. This is a good MP3 player also. 3. BookSense and BookSense XT. Size: slightly smaller than the Plextalk Pocket. Standard BookSense and the BookSense XT are very similar but XT has addition of 4GB internal memory, BlueTooth connectivity and FM radio feature. Both have external SD card slot and can connect to PC or USB thumb drive using mini USB slot. Features: Voice note recording, wireless file transfer using BlueTooth, DAISY playback, MP3 playback, playback of text, Word document and HTML files using built in synthetic voice. Overall, this is an excellent player of DAISY, text, word documents and HTML files. The MP3 feature is implemented very well also. The FM radio is extremely easy to use and fully accessible. Voice recording is OK but not its main purpose. Personally, although perfectly accessible, I do not like the keypad on this unit. 4. Victor Reader Stream. Size: around the size of a largish box of cards - quite square and chunky with fairly wide rectangular keys. Features: voice note recorder, DAISY playback, audio playback, playback of text, Word documents, HTML files. External SD card slot and internal memory. Can link to a computer for file transfer but file structure is very specific. Software programme is supplied to try to make this more simple - not sure about this though. Overall, this is an excellent playback device for the various formats but, because it records in a prescriptive format, I don't particularly rate the recording feature - it's OK but not great for voice notes etc. Hope this helps. Jamie _____ From: jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of RMPortal Sent: 26 May 2010 10:32 To: jaws-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [jaws-uk] R: Re: digital voice recorders A digital recorder that is accessible to Jaws when plugged into the computer - is that off topic? I too, would be quite interested in reading responses. Robert _____ Da: jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] Per conto di John M Hull Inviato: venerdì 21 maggio 2010 11.01 A: jaws-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Oggetto: [jaws-uk] Re: digital voice recorders Thanks, Jamie, and apologies folks! John -----Original Message----- From: jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jamie Cuthbertson Sent: 26 May 2010 09:53 To: jaws-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [jaws-uk] Re: digital voice recorders Hi John, As this is not really a Jaws related query, I'll reply off list. Jamie _____ From: jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jaws-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of John M Hull Sent: 21 May 2010 09:04 To: jaws-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [jaws-uk] digital voice recorders Dear list, A sighted friend has shown me his Olympus WS-210 S digital voice recorder, a very small device which plugs directly into your pc to store the material. I wonder if anybody on the list uses this or a similar device? How accessible is it for use by totally blind people? Any recommendations? John __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5146 (20100526) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5146 (20100526) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5146 (20100526) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5146 (20100526) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5146 (20100526) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com