Sony ICD-SX700D Digital Voice Recorder with Voice Operated Recording

I had been looking for a device like this, and based on reviews had it narrowed down to the ICD-MX20DR9 and the ICD-SX68DR9. But seeing that Dragon Naturally Speaking was already out in version 10, it seemed odd that Sony hadn't updated the recorders to operate with the new software release.

Well, Sony did one better. Not only does the ICD-SX700D feature the Dragon version 10 software (recorder edition, not the full), but the device itself overcomes many of the criticisms of earlier models. You can see all the specs for yourself and see what I mean.

Another source of my earlier hesitation to buy a Sony stemmed from criticims of the documentation accompanying this model's predecessors; users reported having virtually no information about the Dragon software, and having to spend hours on hold with tech support trying to get the device and transcription software to work properly together.

I confess that I would greatly welcome some...Read more

It works great. Very impressed with it. It was easy to set up and it did not take as long as indicated. It was up and running within an hour. I purchased it mostly for dictation. I wanted to be able to record lectures and interviews and tranbscribe them to text. Basic dictation/transcribing works wonderfully. Recorded lectures/transcribing is 50/50 based on how close your are to the speaker and the surrounding noise. Interviews/Conversation have not been successful for me when it comes to transcribing. The transcribing software cannot distinguish between the two voices and it defaults to [inaudible] to the program. Another issue I had, and this is my mistake for not double checking compatibility, I bought a new computer as well and my new computer being 64 bit, could not read the 32 bit software (this is what was explained to me). So, I have to use my older computer for transcribing. Make sure to double check system compatibility before you purcahse. Its also quite pricey but all in...Read more

After researching features of several comparable devices, the Sony ICD-SX700D was the only logical choice. The Dragon software I am already familiar with and it's still "okay" and is still learning my voice. It does take work for accuracy. The ICD-SX700 looks complicated, but Sony has a knock of creating intuitive menus that more often than not, make sense. Buttons have a decent tactile feel and the screen is easy to read- and I don't even need to use my reading glasses to operate. The main feature I was seeking was the VOR-- voice activated recording. That works very well, very natural and clean. I highly recommend buying an additional lapel clip-on mic. Skip the pricey Sony ECM's. An Olympus brand or other lapel mic designed for video camcorders will suffice. I move around a lot in my noisy kitchen and this set-up works well. I'm also the using the ICD-SX700 as an mp3 player, downloading podcasts and music to their own folder. Invest in a better set of earphones at some point,...Read more