Digital Tape Recorder

A mini digital tape recorder allows individuals to record conversations discreetly and undetected. Fictitious agent Maxwell Smart would love to get his hands on one of these tiny high-tech devices, or a handy voice-activated wrist watch. For years, private investigators and law enforcement agencies have used listening or recording devices to catch criminals in sting operations or drug busts. In a court of law, a voice recording is admissible evidence and undercover agents regularly rely on high-tech devices to crack a case. But homemakers, entrepreneurs, physicians, and students can take advantage of twenty-first century micro-technology to record hours of telephone conversations, lecture notes, presentations, and patient information simply and economically. Tiny digital sound recorders are much more effective than larger cumbersome models, offering superior sound duplication in a compact package measuring just 1x4 inches for some models.

Listening devices are also available as men's and ladies digital MP3/voice recorder/player wrist watches. Perfect for the CEO on the go, these watches are power packed with a 32 MB internal memory and a 256 MB flash drive, with the capacity to tape up to 9 hours of meeting notes, business conferences, or personal memos. After a busy day at the office, executives can relax to the sound of thousands of music selections via a built-in MP3 player. Secretaries and administrative personnel can use a digital tape recorder to take dictation and transcribe notes later with efficiency and ease. High school and college students can easily tape lectures without missing important references or assignments. Simply download data using a USB interface, compatible with most home or office PCs and operating systems.

The beauty of using digital sound recorders versus old fashioned magnetic tapes with cumbersome power cords is the ease of use. Once the recorder is set for "voice activated," it will automatically record conversations or lectures until the voice stops. Taping continues when the voice resumes speaking; it's that simple! To gather evidence of telephone harassment, proof of workplace violations, or to battle legal disputes, digital recorders can be plugged into any phone jack to hear and tape conversations. Once the recorder is plugged into a phone jack, voices are automatically recorded the moment a telephone conversation begins, and ends the moment the conversation stops. An extremely sensitive, built-in microphone switches on and off, recording only when there is sound. Pauses and interruptions in the conversation are automatically eliminated. Users simply unplug the device and upload recordings to a home or office PC. A playback option allows immediate listening, or users can re-record conversations to another medium for a more permanent record, using available software.

A word of caution: While some individuals may want to use a digital tape recorder to eavesdrop on conversations or for the purposes of criminal entrapment, it is best to consult an attorney before using listening devices that might infringe on the privacy of others and potentially cause criminal damage to someone's character. In the case of workplace violations, legal disputes, or marital problems, individuals must be led by their conscience and wise counsel before proceeding with what could possibly be deemed as illegal taping. "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22). "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:20-21).

There are a myriad of legitimate usages for high-tech listening devices without breaking the law or tampering with justice. The ease and convenience of taping patient care notes has been a motivating factor for doctors and healthcare professionals to use digital sound recorders. A busy dental or family practice requires going from room to room visiting patients with diverse illnesses and conditions. Doctors and dentists can simply speak into a voice-activated device, date stamp patient notations, and download data on the office PC for transcription, or to prescribe treatment or medications. Instead of taking copious notes and running the risk of eliminating crucial details, news reporters, editors, and columnists can conduct more relaxed interviews, tape informative conversations, and download notes to a PC with minimal editing. When inspiration hits, authors can easily record story ideas, plots and themes on the go before a special moment of brilliance is extinguished.

A mini digital tape recorder is affordably priced, starting at under $200 up to nearly $400 at most retail electronics stores. Voice-activated wrist watches are slightly higher, starting at nearly $300 for most men's and ladies' models. Fully functional watches are slightly larger than most standard non-recording models; but the benefits outweigh the sporty, yet heavier look. The benefit of wearing a watch recorder is the completely hands-free operation, especially for busy executives and travelers. Hands-free devices can come in handy for joggers or hikers who may want to tape directions through mountainous terrain or to camp sites. While these devices are a bit pricey for children and youth, shoppers can browse online suppliers for models with fewer bells and whistles. Discount shopping sites may offer used units at bargain basement prices.

Shoppers can browse online electronics supplier websites for great deals and seasonal specials. A word to the wise: Buy the best brand for the dollar. Shoppers should check the specs on good quality digital sound recorders to make sure that the flash memory and hard drive are compatible with home or office PCs and operating systems. Devices should come with telephone recording adaptors, earphones, upload cables and software, clips or carrying straps, an instruction booklet, and optional warranty. In a courtroom, a clinic, or a classroom having a high-tech digital tape recorder handy can mean the difference between winning a case, prescribing the right prescription, or acing a final exam.

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