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I'm happy to see such a thoughtful review of the MZ-M200, but it omits or obscures some very basic information. First, it's important to point out that the MZ-M200 isn't really a special version of the MZ-RH1. It is the RH1 bundled with a Sony stereo microphone. Minidisco sells the MZ-M200 for $50 more than the MZ-RH1. The microphone usually retails separately for around $60, which means that the only advantage to buying the MZ-M200 over the MZ-RH1 is if you want to save about $10 off the purchase of an ECM-DS70P mic from Sony. Second, the review states that "...the ability to use regular MD disks has returned, good news for those who have amassed an archive of standard MD recordings." This statement implies that earlier versions of Hi-MD recorders could not play your old standard MD recordings, which isn't true. Older versions of Hi-MD recorders could not only play your standard MD recordings, but they could also reformat blank standard MD discs in Hi-MD format. What the MZ-RH1 and M200 add is the ability to upload standard MD recordings with Sonic Stage. (A first!) In fact, any audio minidisc can be uploaded to your PC regardless of the recording mode or type of disc. The MZ-RH1 and MZ-M200 also allow users to record in either standard or Hi-MD modes, making it the most flexible device they've ever produced. Next, the review says: "If losing your record settings caused you grief with past MD recorders, the MZ-M200 remembers these settings for you, even for a short duration after removing the Li-ion battery." This point needs underscoring. What this specifically means is that the MZ-RH1 and MZ-M200 now (finally) default to manual recording level settings. This unit is the first Sony portable to function just like a Sharp recorder in this regard-- you can now adjust recording levels on the fly without making the extra step of switching option settings. The MZ-RH1 and MZ-M200 still allows you to switch to AGC, but the default setting is manual, and when using this default setting, it will "remember" exactly where you left it. Finally, the review mentions Mac compatability, but does not clearly state that Mac users will face specific limitations. First of all, they will not be using Sonic Stage for uploads. They'll be using the Wav Importer software. Second, they can only upload recordings made in one of the three Hi-MD modes (PCM, Hi-SP and Hi-LP.) This is still an improvement over the MZ-M10 and MZ-M100 which only gave Mac users the ability to upload PCM recordings. As for downloads, the Mac user is still limited to the old-fashioned real-time method. I'm sure that many of you are aware of these distinctions, but I thought it was a good idea to clarify them. I think we can all agree that Sony is responsible for much of the confusion about features, formats, product differences, etc.

I'm afraid that we don't do repairs. You may want to call Sony to determine if this is still under warranty. (Or the warranty company if you purchased an extension.) Unfortunately, it's an older model, so if it's not under warranty, it will probably cost more to repair it than to replace it.

Do you mean that you want to transfer audio from the Mac to the MD? Or from the MD to the Mac? In both cases, we generally recommend a USB interface like this one: http://www.minidisco.com/transit.html Please note that all transfers are done in real time. Thanks.

Our NHF800 remote does not have a backlight. Sony certainly has confused the matter by posting pictures of the unit with a backlit remote. Perhaps this is a regional difference (UK model?) In any case, if you buy the US model, do NOT expect a backlit remote. -Matt

I just tested this. You can switch to manual record levels while in pause. Once you make the switch, you can adjust on the fly while recording. It's not ideal, but it's not the step back implied by the review. -Matt