Just got the M10 and this is by far the most extensive discussion on the thing, so I have a couple of questions:
1. Why can't I browse my folders while playing back music?
Firmware limitation I suppose. Perhaps it was considered an unnecessary feature?
2. Is there any way to set the recording folder, so I can record to "2" instead of "1", for example, or is the next one only used when the first one is full with 99 tracks?
Of course you can. While the unit is stopped, hit the folder button, choose which folder you want to record into and away you go.
3. regarding cross-memory recording, is there any way to show all the files (both internal and external) while browsing?
Not really. The best overview you'll get of that nature is when it's plugged into your PC and you're browsing the volumes.
When internal memory is exceeded, what happens? Is the track split?
If you mean going from internal to external memory, of course it is. Same applies if it's vice versa.
Would you still have to change the view in the menu to see the excess files?
If you mean the view from internal to external memory (or vice versa), yes.
A couple of other things I've noticed disappoint me, coming from a MZ-R50 minidisc:
1. t-mark adds an entirely useless pseudo-marker instead of actually splitting the track. A real split requires extensive and tedious menu-digging which discourages one from using the feature altogether.
Having started with an MZ-R50 back in 1998 and moving on to an MZ-NH1 in 2004 (followed by an MZ-RH1 in 2007), I know what you mean but this is a more professional device compared to the MD units (even though they've been used by many a professional in various industries). As such, it is assumed that you will be editing the recordings using equally professional software which supports the markers and from which you can create your physical tracks if writing to CD or splitting out to separate files.
2. tracks can't be renamed on the fly.
Never really cared for it since I'm mainly stealth recording. I'm happy to rename after all is said and done with the recording.
On the other hand, the battery life is monstrous, sound quality is fantastic, huge amounts of memory and being able to plug into a computer is glorious.
Correct.
It's quite sad that sony still hasn't managed to release a player that matches their best minidiscs (because let's face it, if anyone is going to do it it's sony).
Being the proud owner of their best Minidisc units, I really don't see what it is that makes you hold them in higher regard than the PCM-M10 or even the PCM-D50 (I have both). The fact of the matter is, Minidisc is limited to recording 44.1kHz at 16 bit. As much as it had its professional applications, it was never a true professional recorder given its limited technical capability. That's not to say that Minidisc was crap. In fact, I still don't use anything other than my MDX-C8900 head unit in my car! I have produced some spectacular recordings with all my Minidisc units but the PCM-M10/D50 just takes it far beyond that and best of all, when travelling overseas, I don't have to worry about stocking up on Minidiscs, particularly with it now being a dead format. Yes, I was saddened when Sony announced they were going to kill off the format - though it would've been nice if they retained ATRAC in their car audio department as it is by far the most superior compression algorithm. That said, despite having lost the ideal replacement for cassettes and being an excellent (and more rugged) alternative to CDs, Sony did well to replace them with flash-based recorders which not only fit the bill but exceeded it with higher sampling and bit resolutions.
I'm seriously considering returning it and waiting for the next generation, especially since the firmware can't be upgraded.
Anyone want to talk me out of it?
No. Only you know what's right for you. You don't need anyone to talk you out of anything. You just need to determine if it's really going to do what you expect it to or not. If you're not getting the functionality you need from it, then it's clearly not suitable for you. There's no right or wrong to this. I just have a different view to you because it does precisely what I need it to and that makes it the perfect unit for me. That doesn't mean I know better than you or otherwise. It just means that my needs are different to yours, that's all.