There are lots of interesting, affordable recorders on the market.
Put one of these on your Holiday wish list!
Zoom H2 $200
M-Audio Microtrack II, $300 (any day now...)
Edirol R-09, $340 on eBay and BPM Music
Sony MZ-M200 Hi-MD, $400
Marantz PMD620, $400
Fostex FR-2LE, $475 on eBay
Sony PCM-D50, $500
And to all, a Good Night!
Flintstone