all for your responses. I'm caught without the cash for the HHB MDP-500 Portadisc Portable MD Field Recorder (looks great especially due to low expense of media) or the PMD 670 plus cost of flash, etc. (interesting web article being developed). And still concerned that I would regret the real time input requirements and difficulty of record level of the MDR. I'm checking with my friend about battery replacement on the iRiver. I've thought of looking at Sharp MDR again (easier on the fly control) but they are made in Japan (warranty problems) and not made as well as they were. welcome further information. lily