i was wondering if anyone here could help me out with this indecision... my main problem is that my priority would be for a small, discreet recorder which would not be obtrusive or attract attention in public places
...the only recorder out of the three with a windshield
slightly worried that the zoom is rather flimsy a thing for me...
the only edirol r09s which seem to be available for purchase seem only to be available in red, which isn't very stealth-friendly
i think a key criteria which would sway me is the robustness of the machine
OK, let's see:
1. You want something with decent built-in mics
2. You want something robust
3. Your main usage is ambient sounds outdoors (windshield!), and the occasional pub band, which do
not require super-stealth. Handling high SPL is not crucial.
4. You want something that won't be spotted in broad daylight, but avoiding pat-downs is not crucial?
5. Your budget is $300-something.
I wouldn't be too worried about getting a windshield, there are plenty of after-market solutions, and folks here offering custom windshields at the YS.
Going by Flintstone's list, here's my verdict:
Tascam DR-1 - sturdy, good choice
Marantz PMD620 - sturdy, good choice. Above your budget?
Zoom H4 - plasticky, but still better build than H2
Olympus LS-10 - possible, but above your budget
Yamaha Pocketrak 2G aka Xacti ICR-PS285RM - possible, but above your budget
Zoom H2 - OUT, too flimsy
Edirol R-09 - OUT, too flimsy
Edirol R-09 HR - OUT, too flimsy
M-Audio Microtrack 2 - OUT, no built-in mics
Sony MZ-M200 (HiMD) - OUT, no built-in mics