I've used this several times for recording focus groups, and I have to say it's not fantastic.

I would say it only has a decent range of around 10-15m. If people speak quietly, it doesn't pick them up very well. If more than one person speaks at once - it's basically inaudible. I think if you were in a quiet lecture it would be fine, but if there is any laughter, there's major distortion on the recording. Also background noise has a terrible effect!

It would be great in a one to one setting or for recording your own dictation for yourself or for someone else to type a letter etc. But for the purpose i have used it, for focus groups - it's really not been great.

Main negative points - doesn't pick up long distance very well. Doesn't pick up people speaking quietly very well. Loud noises and background noise distorts.

From my experience the Philips Pocket Memo 9360 Handheld Digital Transcriber / Recorder has everything a user needs is there for a Digital Pocket Memo. It is easy to use and has a good number of useful functions. It has a durable structure and is easy to handle