Olympus VN-8600PC and ME-51S Kit: A Personal Note Taker for First Time Users

More immediate than pen and paper, Olympus has introduced the stylish VN-8600PC, an easy to use and moreover affordable voice recorder that will make an ideal gift for students and graduates and those with a fast paced lifestyle.

Featuring a large full dot display, simple recording modes, extra menu languages and up to double the memory of its predecessors, the extremely portable pocket-sized device is PC compatible, making it easy to play back everything from lectures to daily ‘to do’ lists and memos to self.

No wonder the popular VN series of voice recorders has sold over 10 million units to date.

ME-51S Stereo Microphone

This special value add kit includes the Small plug-in microphone (T-type) for making stereo recordings in WMA format in high-quality SHQ mode. The recording level indicator for the right and left channels is visible in the LCD display during recording.

With increased sensitivity and frequency response, the ME-51s ensures that recordings clearer and more crisp.

Large, clear display and easy activation

The VN-8600PC features a large 1.61-inch LCD display that offers a choice of four different font sizes for upper and lower case to highlight text. For the ultimate in convenience operation is via one large central button, with a voice activated recording option for ‘hands free’ use.

High quality recording

The VN-8600PC offers high quality WMA and MP3 format recording. Files can be easily downloaded via USB 2.0 to Mac or PC for archiving or sharing via email without additional software being required.

2GB internal memory

Up to 860 hours of recording time is offered by the VN-8600PC in LP mode thanks to its 2GB internal memory. And, by adjusting the three different quality settings (HQ, SP or LP), new users will soon get to grips with finding the perfect balance between recording time and audio quality.

Recording scenes

To guarantee the best sound quality for a given situation, users can opt for one of five Scene Select options, including ‘conference’, which will highlight the speaker’s voice whilst eliminating any distracting background noise. A ‘DNS’ setting further improves results when the recorder converts speech to text when used in conjunction with speech recognition software.

Long battery life

Additional benefits include longer battery life – up to 51 hours in LP mode using 2x alkaline AAA batteries, so this is one device that truly won’t leave you speechless. The VC-8600PC also uses 30% less energy than its VN series forebears.

Lightweight and portable

The black and white VN-8600PC measures a compact and diminutive 108x39x16.8mm without protrusions, and is a mere 66g including batteries, so neither will it weigh heavy on your pocket, purse, or for that matter wallet.

A wealth of optional extras

Extend battery performance further by investing in a set of BR-401 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and a compatible BC-400 quick charger. Additional recording aid comes courtesy of ME-10 and ME-15 Tie Clip Microphones, the ME-12 Noise Cancellation Microphone and KA-333, KP-23 and TP-7 cables and adapters.