Description

• Easy to use

  As you'd expect of an Olympus digital voice recorder, the WMA format ensures sound quality on the DP-20 is far superior to a typical analog device. But for people used to recording on cassettes, the exciting factor is the familiar design - they intuitively know how the DP-20 works. Instead of the five- or six-button arrangement on a standard digital recorder, the front panel on the DP-20 features the same three large buttons that make an analog recorder so easy to use.

• Easy to search

  On an old cassette-based voice recorder, when users wanted to find a specific recording, they had to read the index card and check through a window how far the tape had moved. With the DP-20, managing and searching for digital files or folders is much simpler than that. Instead of navigating endless folder levels as you do on a computer, users can store files by date and find them again in three short steps - using the unique calendar search feature.

• Easy to read

  The DP-20's 1.78-inch LCD likewise makes it easier to archive and pick out files. The LCD is much larger and clearer than usual in this price category and the full-dot display is another rare luxury. Together with the uncluttered layout, it makes for superb legibility. Digital devices often use small segment lettering, which makes it difficult to pick out vital information like the battery and capacity status. But the big DP-20 display leaves plenty of space for extra-large font size, big icons and clear status bars. So whether users are busy with children or concentrating on a class, a quick glance at the screen is all that's required.

• Easy all-round

  From recording to playback and archiving to erasing, the DP-20 is a pleasure to use. In combination with Olympus' trademark audio quality, the extra-large speaker plays back files with expansive, natural sound. The tone is consistent, no matter which playback speed you choose. When users record, they have an uncomplicated choice of settings: noise cancellation on or off, microphone sensitivity high or low, audio quality high or standard. Whichever setting they choose, the DP-20 captures crystal-clear audio, from school plays to kitchen table chat. It's an impressive showing for this great-value alternative to over-complex digital devices - and out-of-date analog voice recording.

Specifications