Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver)

Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver) Review

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I won't repeat what other reviews have stated. The WS-500M does its job very well and is a good value, compared to other models, and the competition. Here I'll contrast it with the DS-40 and the WS-500M, which I own, and with the DS-61 (a 2gb version of the DS-40).

Nevertheless, there are some things to add about this unit, and DVRs in general. For best sound quality, it is essential that you pick the correct microphone sensitivity. The WS-500 offers two levels, the DS40 three. (More is better.) Moreover, the WS-500M requires you to go two levels down in a menu to change sensitivity. The DS-40 has a handy switch on the side. Curiously, the next lower model, WS-400S, has a two-position switch on the side. (You will not learn this detail from website descriptions, but only from the common manual or by experience.)

Every line of Olympus DVRs has a different setup of buttons. Those on the DS-40 are on the side, and it is easy to tell by touch that you have successfully started or stopped recording. The tiny buttons on the face of the WS-500M are much less positive. Compounding the problem is the absence of a green playback light on the WS-500M. The DS-40 has not only a red recording light but also a green playback pilot light, and these lights are brighter than the one on the WS-500M.

So far, it appears that I prefer the DS-40, but the WS-500M has some good points, as well. Its built-in USB plug means you can always connect to your computer, even if a USB cable is not at hand. The WS-500M is slightly but significantly smaller, which I find valuable. Considering that the WS-500M has four times the memory of the DS-40, it is a much better value, even though it lacks the latter's excellent removable stereo microphone. (The DS-61 has 2gb, same as the WS-500M.)

Bottom line: both the WS-500M and the DS-40 are excellent units, but the former is a better value. If pride of ownership derived from build quality is added to the equation, then the DS-40 is the one for you.

Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver) Feature

• 545 Hrs of Recording
• Store and listen to up to 500 songs
• Internal battery charged by computer or charger

Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder (Silver) Overview

Stay organized on the move with this high-class storage device and powerful music player. Transfer meetings or notes and even large documents to your PC with the easy-to-use USB input. The WS-500M is designed to be plugged directly into your computer for fast file transfer. With 2GB of internal memory, store up to 500 songs and listen to them in impressive stereo sound with track and artist name clearly displayed on the LCD.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 08, 2010 09:58:07

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