0ur opinion: :Upholding the Pearlcorder's reputation for a classy combination of style and recording capability, the model J500 also delivers great price-performance. Enclosed within a smart metallic champagne gold colored body, this ultra-compact, lightweight device offers intuitive handling. For additional convenience, the J500 model also features a 3-LED battery indicator to allow constant monitoring of the energy levels.
:Keeping track of memos and important recordings is easy with the 0lympus J500 Microcassette Recorder. An indexing capability and tape counter allow for easy location of recordings. The three LED battery-check system provides information on how much battery life remains. Dual tape speeds give you up to three hours of recording time on a 90-minute tape. For a private listening experience, use the external earphones jack. External jacks for a microphone and external power are also provided (AC adapter not included).
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Testimonials
Average Buyer Rating:

Buyer's feedback: 
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* To Die For... ...
Olympus makes GREAT digital cameras, but their recorders are to die for, especially when you interview someone and get back to the newsroom only to discover that while the tape was moving, the condenser mic had decided to go South on you and the only sound you hear is the motor and a weak, faraway voice. Cleaning and demagnatizing the heads didn't work for me, either, so buy a recorder with a blinking red light that indicates what you're recording is what you're getting.
For interviews, spend the extra money and get a super quality product.
Buyer's feedback: 
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Olympus Microcassette Recorder
I purchased this product and found that it was of relatively poor construction quality. After reasonable normal use the cassette door hinge broke. I elected not to send it back for repair as my need for this equipment passed, but I was surprised that such a key element of the recorder would be so fragile.
Buyer's feedback: 
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* Only Okay ...
I was given this as an unexpected & thoughtful gift, but after working with it a bit, I don't think I'd chose the Olympus again. One basic design flaw is that it doesn't stand up very well on it's think rounded base. You can balance it, but it will topple over at the slightest disturbance. I compared it with my friend's Panasonic RN505 which is substantially heavier, but has a bigger, better speaker & is more stable. When I played my tape on her machine it seemed as if the microphones on both were comparable.
Buyer's feedback: 
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Great package
I use minicassette recorders on interviews a lot, and this one is a great recorder for the price. It's small enough to fit in a shirt pocket (and nicely slim as well), and the ergonomics are good: easy to play back, fast-forward, etc. It has all the basic controls you need. I can't speak for the sound relative to others, but for voice, it's more than good enough. It picks up voices quite distinctly even in a relatively noisy environment. I also like the battery indicator, so I always know when I need to bring extra batteries, which last a pretty long time. I also can't speak for reliability, but I've had no problems in the six months I've been using it. The only caveats are that the microphone/earphone jack is smaller than ones used by other recorders, so you need an adapter or a mike/earphone with small plugs, and that it doesn't come with an AC power supply. But overall, it's great.
Buyer's feedback: 
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* Buyer Beware ...
I am not sure if it is my usage of this recorder, the tapes I put in it or the batteries. My recorder doesn't work anymore. The features on it are good, and it is certainly an attractive recorder. While it did work, I had absolutely no complaints. Unfortunately it isn't working now (and I have complaints).
If I had to purchase another mini-recorder, I would go with a bigger name brand, just to be safe. It may cost extra money (as in a few measly bucks) but it is better to pay five more than replacing a whole new recorder.
Lawyers will like the cassette recorders (and micro ones) but for the average person, I might even venture to suggest purchasing a digital recorder. Give it some thought, but whatever you do, be careful before you buy this one. I would not recommend it!