The attraction of this unit is the all in one design with hopefully decent mics feeding a hopefully decent pre feeding a hopefully 4 gb card. I personally want it and only it in my pocket. If not, then the flash memory alone is not enough convenience or reason to replace my PCM-M1. As it stands, the R-09 is the only thing of it's type available. (I know I am stating the obvious here.)
Yes, I would like to know a list of all the things out there that are better than it, but more importantly, a list of all the things worse. Sure another pre and another mic and nother doohicky will be nice and sound better, but what about the R-09 solo standalone?
Ultimately - is it worth it (to all of those out there that actually have had theirs ship) in its pure all-in-one-box self?