I used a Zoom H4 for quick n dirty back-up recording. It was stolen on a job. I thought the sound was very good, for the price, but I have not purchased a new back-up recording device yet. I never really loved the Zoom H4's menu or ergonomics. But I just found this in today's B&H newsletter:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542064-REG/Alesis_MULTIPORT_MULTI_PORT_RECORD_f_IPOD_COMPUTER.html

http://www.alesis.com/content1463

Can any of you audio experts think of any reason why I should not replace my Zoom H4 with one of these? It's $100 cheaper and can deliver substantially longer record times, it seems. What would the downsides be? Thanks.

Looks like it's not battery powered. If you're going for fieldwork, you're better of with a more portable solution.

i was thinking more in terms of comparing audio quality of recording to an ipod versus to an SD card on the zoom device, but you raise a very good point and one i had overlooked.

so strike one...what else?

$100 cheaper and can deliver substantially longer record times, it seems. What would the downsides be?

Interesting thingy... I believe it needs to be powered through AC or USB, so it isn't as versatile as the H4 and it only has 2 channel recording to the iPod. Also the iPod costis a bit more than SD memory cards...

Don't know what the recording codec/quality would be and if it can be changed.

Also you can get the H4's for around the same price if you look for it.

George/

P.S. Sorry for taking so long typing, that others beat me to it...