When I taped in 2003-2006, I used a laptop and then a JB3. I've since lost both of those (sold laptop, gave back JB3). So I haven't taped since then. I used giant squids and AT853's -> custom Batt Box -> JB3. I hated the JB3. Not user friendly and too big.
I'd like to find something the size of an iPod (not an iRiver) that is the new big thing, with some small mics that I can also stick on a t-bar too if I want.
So, what is there? Let's assume that money isn't really an option.
I assume you mean money is no "object"... but anyway..
The most common small recorder is the Edirol R-09HR. Generally good reliability, good internal pre, easy to use, records 24bit. Not as small as an iPod but a lot smaller than a JB3 or a DAT machine.
Mics--- if money is really not a problem. the top of the line would involve something like Schoeps Mk4 or DPA 4022 running into various power supplies -but you probably already know that.
In small to miniature mics that you could still put on a t-bar, the main models in very rough order of quality and price (quality being subjective of course), are:
Highest-end
Schoeps Mk4/DPA 4022 ($3000)
High-end miniature omnis (don't really need a t-bar or stand since you can mount to about anything)
DPA 4061 (omni, not ideal for every situation but excellent when used properly) ~$1000
High-end cardiods/hypers (in the $500-700 range) (these would be less goofy looking on a t-bar)
Audix M1290 (Chris Church can apparently do some kind of active cables for these now)
AKG ck91/ck93 actives (you'd need someone to mod them and find a power source)
...and then the category I'd call "very good to great easy to use small mics under $500" which is probably what you're really asking about
The below 4 are roughly equivalent or at least it is debatable:
MM-HLSC-1 (Sennheiser MKE 40's, I believe they really are)
SP-CMC-4 (AT U853) (you apparently owned these so you know the deal)
Church CA-14 (roughly comparable to SP-CMC-4) (there are great rig pics of these mounted to a t-bar)
SP-CMC-8 (AT 943)
Other than those, there are Church CA-11, which are not as good as the CA-14 but are loved by many and smaller than they are, and then the classic omni models from Coresound and Sonic Studios that I would guess you are already familiar with.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few models like the Giant Squids and a few others, but the above are what I find to be talked about the most on here.