What is it?
A digital dictation machine, to you and me.
What does it do?
Digital audio recorders have been around for a year or two, but this one adds a new dimension. It is claimed that the optional Via Voice software converts recorded notes to text automatically on your PC. Compact flash memory cards up to 8Mb allow over two hours of continuous recording, and are removable. And, of course, it has all the usual functions you would expect in a top-end dictation machine.
What's the competition?
Olympus has long been a leader in this market and it shows. Rivals from Sony and Panasonic are easier on the eye, but nothing can match the chunky D1000's voice-to-text capability.
When can I get it?
It's available now for about pounds 260 (or pounds 220 without the trick software, but what's the point of that?).
www.olympus.co.uk.
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