Surprisingly rugged (and pocket-sized), it has a pair of built-in 90-degree X/Y stereo microphones designed to meet the lofty needs of the modern-day creator. The sleek, small Zoom H1n Handy Recorder is perfect to take on the go, whether you’re recording class lectures or even starting your own podcast. Storage: 4GB internal | Battery: 159 hours | Microphone: Stereo

Transferring files off the Sony is a snap, thanks to a built-in USB port that plugs right into both Windows and Mac computers. The backlit displays add quick access to the date, time, and current recording mode, while a built-in earphone mini-jack offers private playback.

The already eye-popping recording time is expandable via microSD up to 32GB of total storage for nearly eight times the recording space. Our reviewer found file management to be a breeze with an easy onboard system for moving, erasing, dividing, and locking files with minimal effort courtesy of a smart menu system. Capable of recording in MP3 format with a highly sensitive s-microphone, the Sony adds 4GB of internal memory that can hold up to 159 hours of recording time while organizing files into more than 5,000 possible folders for easy navigation. Sony’s ICDUX560BLK digital voice recorder is another terrific option that offers excellent performance for lectures, meetings, and interviews.

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