I'm not sure if I should invest in one now or wait until Sony updates the five-year-old recorder. Is a refresh expected sometime this year?
I don't have any inside information but somehow I don't expect a "refresh" of the PCM-M10.
Sony introduced its next handheld recorder, the much pricier PCM-D100, last year. It has super high resolution and things like simultaneous recording of PCM and mp3.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1008089-REG/sony_pcm_d100_portable_stereo_field.html
Meanwhile, the PCM-M10 has proved to be a real workhorse. What are you planning to record? Or, alternately, what additional bells and whistles do you want?
Minor improvements like more uniform backlighting, metal parts and casing.
quad-track version with 6-9 volt PiP on line in.... :P
In all honesty, there's very little to improve on the M10 (save for the lock switch and/or battery door) and Sony hasn't made any mention of any refresh/update/new product so I don't see why the OP's afraid to make the jump. The M10 has held its value, anyhow, and even if Sony was to release a successor, you can expect it to run upwards of $300 at the onset.
The backlighting on my three year old unit's pretty uniform.
if it aint broke dont fix it. apart from adding digi in there is absolutely nothing i would change. for $200 its a hell of a unit
Cardioid mics would be good...
Could be in for a very long wait....