Tech Eye: Quote us on this...

We're happier supping free drinks at a plush press conference than reporting under fire in the front line of a war. Similarly, our college shorthand classes were ducked in favor of more leisurely pursuits, such as the traditional journalistic long liquid lunch. So, despite the benefit of opposable thumbs, we have the note-taking skills of a blind cow that needs milking, and that's why this week's offering is a godsend. Olympus reckon this shiny little beast, the DS-3300 digital voice recorder, is so good that we will never be guilty of a misquote again (ha!). It can be used with PC or Mac systems (at last, someone catering for Mac with their peripherals, take note all you lousy phone companies) and you can do everything one handed, leaving you to fry eggs while writing your magnum opus. Recordings are produced in DSS file format and offer a choice of two quality modes (SP or LP). Up to 11 hours of recording are possible in LP mode using the included 32MB xD-Picture Card. An optional 512MB card is capable of storing in excess of 179 hours. File management is simplified using up to seven folders and a host of other functions such as indexing, insertion, user IDs and work-type settings, and you can even make the whole thing hands free using the customizable features, leaving you to fry eggs and butter toast while writing your magnum opus. At around zł.2,090 it ain't cheap, but just think what the WBJ could save in legal fees from our ham-fisted reportage. LM