I bought the iTalk to take memos when I'm out in the field. Camera in one had, iPod in the other. I read the reviews first so knew it would be risky but it sounded ok for my uses and I got it cheap.* Files are about 1 minute per Mb, stored as wav.* Sound quality is understandable but not as good as AM radio.* For a fully charged iPod, I got about 90 mins recording before the battery showed empty.Pros* Recording works fine, and I can dictate captions for photos as I think of them on site. Typically these are 1-2 minutes at most. I have also made an hour-long recording as a test without problems. I tried recording conversation in a cafe but it picks up too much background to be understandable.* The best feature for photo memos is that files are time stamped, so I copy each memo to the same folder as my photos (which are also time stamped) making them easy to match up.* iTalk can take an external mike which cuts out background white noise.* Files are automatically sync'd to iTunes Voice Memo list and stored in the iTunes unknown artist folder. (If you have this feature set in iTunes)Cons* Software glitches randomly lock up the iPod under almost every condition except for the initial condition (more about this below).* The iTalk covers the iPod lock. This is a serious design flaw given how quickly the battery drains. It means that you can't carry the iTalk connected to the iPod and easily lock the keys.* The line that takes a mic also doubles as a line out. If headphones are connected and you try to record, the recording light shows but nothing is recorded. It creates a file but it's empty.HintsPrevent freezing: If the iTalk is in place when the iPod is turned on, it will often freeze. To prevent freezing, remove the iTalk before turning on the iPod every time. Under these conditions I've never had it freeze. If the iPod does sleep, to prevent freezing, remove the iTalk then insert it again (i'm not sure how often this is necessary, but I haven't had to reset the iPod since the first day).Reset: To reset the iPod, remove the iTalk and hold down the iPod's MENU and PLAY '>||' buttons for 10 sec. I used this 5x the first day with the iTalk but haven't needed it since.Locking: Slide a laminated card (my credit card is too thick) between the iPod and iTalk to lock, or carry the iTalk separately (annoying, but not as annoying as rebooting every time).Saving: It's not enough to pause a recording, you need to remember to stop and save it before removing the iTalk. The MENU button will also save files.Finding the files on PC: I have iTunes set to automatically sync files. To find the files in iTunes, look under the Voice Memos list. It's a trifle disconcerting when they disappear from one list and appear elsewhere unless you're prepared for it. On my PC, they can also be copied from iTunes music/unknown artist/unknown albumBattery: I tried letting the battery run out while recording. It ran for ~50 minutes while the battery was showing empty then shut down with no warning. The file appears to have been saved ok.Battery life: Check out the apple web page for battery tips (...) (I know this comment is outside the scope of iTalk, but if you use a voice recorder with the iPod, you're going to be dealing with battery issues.)SummaryDespite the glitches, I like having a handy memo system and will keep it til something better turns up. Doesn't sound like Belkin is any better in terms of software glitches or battery life, but it looks like it would be possible to lock the iPod with the Belkin in place which would be a plus. The minus is that Belkin doesn't take an external mic. Griffin Technology 4020-TALK iTalk Voice Recorder for iPod
I use a Samsung digital recording device to record oral history interviews. My interviewee has Parkinson's and slurs his speech. He also is prone to mumbling. I spend hours trying to decipher what he's said when I use my Samsung voice recorder.
Enter the Griffin iTalk. After downloading the 2.2 iPod software from Apple, it worked without a glitch. I especially like the ease with which one can start and stop a recording session without starting new files each time. It's simple and easy to use and gives the user a great deal of control. The built-in organization when it syncs with iTunes is also extremely convenient.
The playback quality right out of the iTalk itself isn't great. It's about as good as my laptop's speakers. But I always play back through small Sony speakers anyway. The quality here: perfect. It's actually quite amazing. I was stunned.
I haven't experienced any freezing of the iPod. I haven't experienced any problems at all actually.
I never write reviews on Amazon, but I was so excited by the utility of this little (yes, very attractive) device that I was compelled to come online and share my discovery.
I've had OK luck recording conversations with this, but there are better solutions available elsewhere. Here's my advice:
First, read the warnings of others here. This product, and Griffin's products in general, seem to have strong limitations, in my experience.
First off, if you plan on moving to a new iPod with video anytime soon, then you won't be able to use this. Fortunately, there is at least one MUCH better option available for new (video) iPods. It is the MicroMemo (XtremeMac). Sound quality is MUCH better because it can make 16-bit (as opposed to 8-bit) recordings. I'll bet that other alternatives will be available soon, so do a search for iPod digital voice recorders before buying.
Second, I, like many others, am not too thrilled with the sound and the reliability of this gadget (yet another sub-par product from Griffin, IMHO). Also, the extra jack for a microphone has led to mixed results. The whole gadget will sometimes pop out of the socket in the iPod, if you aren't careful (which is the only reason I know of for not tossing my old microcassette recorder).
Don't bother with Belkin's Voice Recorder--it sounds even worse, quite frankly. I haven't seen or tested the Maxell P-7 recorder, but I hear that it is comparable to Griffin's product, with a slightly better microphone. Other products that I hear are comparable/sub-par are SterlingTek's iRecorder and DLO's VoiceNote.
I think the best solution for these older iPods is to use Belkin's Universal Microphone Adapter along with any decent recording microphone. It WILL sound better, but it will still be an 8-bit recording and the sound quality won't knock your socks off. If you want to record telephone calls, use the UMA with something like Radio Shack's Wireless Phone Recording Controller. - Berad - Ipod Audio Recorder - Ipod - Voice Recorder'
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