GE 35365 Voice-Activated Handheld Mini Cassette Recorder

w/5 button, AVR

Microcassette recorders are so cheap and popular that it's nearly impossible to get your hands on a portable recorder that uses standard cassette tapes. A recorder has to be relatively large to use standard-sized tapes, but these tapes are cheaper, more durable, and allow for longer recording times. In this regard, GE has come to the rescue with its 3-5365 voice-activated handheld cassette recorder, which uses standard-sized cassette tapes but comes with some of the features that make microcassette recorders so attractive.

As the name implies, the device has voice-activated recording circuitry that leaves the recorder powered off until incoming noise triggers the mechanism. It records until no more audio is detected, then shuts off again to conserve battery power and recording space. There's a switch on the top that lets you control the sensitivity and another that lets you shut the voice-activation off. We normally didn't use this switch because it clipped off the first bit of audio that triggered it--a problem all voice-activated technology suffers from to some extent.

The controls are basic, but the fast-forward and rewind buttons can be pressed slightly without locking them down to allow for variable-speed cueing. We were disappointed to see there's no microphone input jack, and therefore no way to connect this unit to a telephone, but that's on par for a unit at this price. There is a headphone jack, and playback is in stereo, which is far less annoying than the left-ear mono output most microcassette recorders force on users. The 3-5365 also has a variable speed playback dial that can increase playback speed by up to 20 percent for easier transcription. It's a basic recorder, but works as advertised and is a decent deal for the money. --T. Byrl Baker Pros:

• Variable-speed playback
• Stereo output
• Uses standard cassette tapes
• Capable of extremely high volume playback

Cons:

• No microphone jack (although it does have a built-in microphone)
• Few features and the controls are poorly labeled

Get all the convenience and durability of recording with standard cassettes in a compact size with GE's 35365 mini cassette recorder. This recorder uses standard tapes, weighs only 8 ounces, and is only 4.75 inches long. This recorder features variable-speed playback, a built-in speaker and condenser microphone, and a high/low microphone sensitivity switch. It operates on two AA batteries and has a "no loss" hinged battery door.

This recorder comes with a one-year warranty from General Electric.