This might be the wrong forum. If so, I apologize.

What I am seeking is a multi-purpose voice recorder with the capabilities of adding a lav mic. I know the iRiviers support the lavs, but do any models record voice without an externnal mic.

Here is the deal. Besides filming, I am also a writer. Ideas are always popping into my head, and I founf the best way to get them down is to record them, then transcribe later. I also use a voice recorder to pace out dialogue in my writings.

I'd like to kill 2 birds with one stone by having the device also be decent with a lav mic for recording interviews and possibly some ambient sound for my productions.

I searched the forums, but could not find a model with the specs I am looking for.

Budget is hopefully less than $200.

Any suggestions?

A good friend of mine bought an Olympus recorder that sounds like what you're asking for... and I think it was a lot less then even $100... but the sound quality wasn't so hot even though the intelligibility was fine. (I could easily understand everybody, they just didn't sound very "real".)

You're at a weird price point at $200... that's a chunk more then anything normally deemed "affordable" and a couple hundred light for anything with an emphasis on sound quality.

I think your best bet would be to try and find a Creative Juke Box 20 GB recorder off ebay. (JB3 or similar).

That would get you a 16/48 recording that's worthy of any video you could ever shoot... and vocals will be great... and that MIGHT match your budget if you find the right deal and accessories.

The iRivers have a built in mic for doing what you say.The sound quality would be fine for note taking etc but is very poor for actual aquisition for video work, with the built in mic.The audio quality with a good external mic is excellent.

Don't overlook the fact that many cell phones have a voice memo function which could serve you in this capacity. Yours may have it since my last two phones have both had this capability. I use it for recording shopping lists, part numbers, etc. Works great!

=gb=