mine is the Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Recorder
1. it has the best quality audio output i have ever heard on a portable music player - easily trumps the iPod (any model)
2. it has multiple methods of input for recording (optical, line in, mic in) with variable gain and mic sensitivity selector
3. can record MDs in the new Hi-MD spec which gives better sounding ATRAC3plus compression, along with Linear PCM recording and records onto the new 1GB MDs
4. media is VERY cheap, can be found on eBay for a bargain
5. battery is user replaceable
i love my Hi-MD recorder