Customer Reviews
Lightweight and easy to use....
The Sony ICD-SX25VTP -($199.99 at Amazon.com and as low as $165.00 with other online merchants listed through Amazon.com) is light and compact digital voice recorder. After careful research, I decided to settle on this model because it comes with the Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice-To-Print Software pre-packaged for a mere $20 more than the Sony ICD-SX25 - $149.99.The software purchased separately is priced at $169 on Amazon.com.
Otherwise the ICD-SX25VTP and ICD-SX25 are EXACTLY the same, it's just that one comes bundled with the VTP (Voice to Print) software.
In addition, there are different types of Dragon Naturally Speaking software.
They are the following:
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 Standard - $83.99 listed on Amazon.com (not compatible with the Sony ICD-SX25 Digital Voice Recorder)
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 Preferred - $169 (Compatible)
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 Professional - $679.99
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 Medical - $969.99
Therefore, it would be less expensive to purchase the SX25VTP for an additional $20 to $40 for the software, than to purchase them for the total price of $318.99 when purchased separately.
It is best to read the manual thoroughly before use. I say this because it took me at least three (3) hours to figure out how to "train" my voice for the voice recognition to enable the transcribing. The use of the transcription services can only be used in the ST setting. You must speak slowly for the software to transcribe the words accurately. If you are giving dictation, you must input certain commands to format the document, unless you don't mind doing a significant amount of editing after the document as been transcribed.
The volume playback is low, but it comes with ear phones and that has a better result. However, after reading the manual for both the recorder and the software and I've used it a couple of times, I am please with this purchase.
*Same review for the Sony ICD-SX25VTP*
ICD-SX25 Recorder
It works quite well. The one thing that needs improvement is the playback volume, which without earphones is a little weak. The device is slim, so I'm not sure if that volume increase can be done without compromising the size. I do like the feature of having three folders (A, B, and C) on the device for saving sound files (99 in each). I use one folder for MP3 music (converted to *.msv files) and the stereo sound is surprisingly good. The five way rocker switch makes navigation easy. At my work a committee is looking into purchasing voice recorders for employees who need to do in-field legal interviews; this model so far is the winner. I wonder what the discount is if you buy 100 units. :-)
Great for College Students
I purchased this item for my college bound boyfriend who is studying music. He uses it to record himself on drums, then transfers it to the computer (MP3 files for his MP3 player as well!). Discreet size make this a plus not to mention the digital aspect as well. Overall, a great buy. The price tends to fluctuate on Amazon (as do the quantities), therefore I suggest you nab it once the price is resonable.
