Mine just arrived on the brown truck. This thing is quite slick. Thicker than an iPod, but similar 2-D footprint. First impressions:
Positive:
1) Ergonomics - VERY easy to get around. Intuitive control layout and menus. Absolutely wonderful.
2) Screen - I love this black/white screen. Even works in bright sunlight if you crank it up. FAST, accurate meters. (yea!!!)
3) Size - A little thicker than I expected, but still very nice. Looks/feels about like the baby Remmington shaver.
4) Dual settings for different battery types. Nice touch.
5) Sound - Well, what can you say for $399? Substantial low-end, which I like. You can always use the rolloff if needed. Seems like a fairly low noise floor using internal mics. Not dead silent, but very usable.
Negative:
1) Battery removal door. This looks like a quick candidate for breakage. Ya gotta be careful with it.
2) No charger. Watch out if you have it hooked to USB for a long period. Could lose a file in transfer. AC adapter included, though.
3) Really needs a case. Big time. Should have been included. Looks like the screen could get scratched quite easily (in fact mine already has a blemish)
4) Police warning light for rec/pause. Somewhat...alarming. Put it this way...you'll never overwrite something by accident.
5) Sound - Well, what can you say for $399? Upper mids/highs seems a little strident/phasey to me (is phasey a word?). This is probably due to reflections from the tight surroundings. Schoeps thru a V3 it ain't. But very good in the fundamental tones.
Overall, for what it does and the price it's really gonna be hard to beat. I've done some guitar/vocal recordings with the internals (will post soon). Later I plan some recordings with a Rode NT4 direct into the mic pre, and finally a pair of Earthworks through a V2 into the line in.
Oh yeah, my final positive note. When you boot it...it says "Have Fun Recording!". This thing does have somewhat of a vibe.
Good job, Roland.