sudden

If you are only gonna use it as a walkman listning to music I would go for MZ-N710 model. Primary cos it cost about 40% less. If you are into stelth bootleg recording maybe N1 have an edge of being a little smaller. I have the MZ-N707 witch is the modell befor MZ-N710 and I'm happy with it as a walkman (for bootleg recording I'm not).

Recording a rock concert with a normal mic LP2 are the best, you don't need to change disk in the middle (and the darn thing have to finalize the TOC before disc are ejected, takes forever). Battery time last longer. If you can make a deal with the mix guy and plug a cord to the mix deck I would set it to SP, also use the battery eliminator if possible.

If you are recording a live event best place to stand is right infront of the mix deck, there you have the best stereo and sound level (cos there's were the mix guy are). Make sure that you hide your mic in case he spots you. Acoustic are best in the center, 2nd or 3d row I think. To record club/rave music any place were you can get good sound, not to close to the speakers. One golden rule is to not walk around cos if you turn or walk the sound will be unbalanced. Best is if you can ask the mix man or dj of course and plug it in to the mix deck. Then you get a soundboard recording witch we all love. At a smaller club or rave party I don't think they will mind, at a larger arena it's a nother matter.