1) According to the article on minidisc.org about the new format, one needs to have Windows (for SONY). Is it the same for the other companies (JVC, Sharp?) I saw a note here that one can use Virtal PC with the SONY.
Any further caveats, clarifications, etc. re any and all brands?
2) The article I read here mentioned one needs SONY's proporietary software to transfer music to and from the computer. Yet, it also said the
machine can function as a USB drive with no drivers.
Ok, I am dense. If one can tranfer a file to and from the machine like with any other USB disk drive, why would one need to woory about this proporietay software for music files. Can they not be transferred the same way?
(3) Miscellaneous.
A guy in the shop (here in Tokyo) implied that SONY's machine can go both ways, but Sharp's can only go one way (I forget if it was computer to MD or MD to computer).] Any comparisons of theese and other brands in terms of functionality, reliability, etc?
I want to buy something that still allows me to use an English manual...is this a problem? I note that tehere are some manuals being listed here. Anyone know of machines with functions not covered in manuals issued in English?
Primary use: Recording of interviews and live acoustic music, for uploading to the Internet (streaming mps) on sites such as Indy-media, etc. I have a Mac OS 10 portable (latest model). I plan to use Garageband or other similar audio recording software to mix tracks---IE, voice on tracks one and two, music on tracks 3 and four.
Any advice anyone has is welcome.
Thanks
