GE 35383 Micro Cassette Recorder with AVR/Batteries/ and Tapes

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with this recorder. It comes with an external mic, but I think the internal one works great. Not only can you select "high" and "low" for recording levels, but you can fine-tune the recording level with the volume control, so you won't get that annoying buzz when there's not enough sound or too much sound for the microphone. Plus, you can plug in a set of headphones while it's recording, and listen to exactly what's being picked up by the mic.
The only (slight) bummer is that this recorder does NOT have auto-reverse. Luckily, not much noise is created by ejecting and flipping the tape, so you won't disturb anyone during a lecture if you have to do so.
You can record at 1/2 speed (to conserve tape), play at normal or 125% speed (to skip through to the part you really need to hear), and cue forward or reverse. It has a built-in tape counter (great for matching up your notes to the tape), Auto Voice Record...Read more

I bought this player for class, and it worked fine for the first two months. Then it just started acting up on me. At first I thought it was the batteries, but then I changed them and the thing still doesn't work. It can rewind and ff fine, but forget playing or recording...it only works for two seconds!

Unlike other reviews, which include shipping experiences, I am reviewing this PRODUCT. It's a great recorder, and mine came with a little microphone on a wire for recording voice. It picks up sounds well, and even has a minute meter so you know how much you've recorded and how long you have left. It's small enough to keep in a pocket or purse, so it's been great for recording lectures at school.

Highly Recommended.