Newbie Needing Help

[INTI]

Hi.

A friend gave me what looks to be a brand new Sony MZ-E810SP player. From what I can tell this unit does not record, only plays.

Therefore, is it possible to purchase a MD recorder for my desktop computer and install in the desktop tower much like you would with a CD drive or floppy drive?

That way I could record directly on to a MD off my computer and then use the E810SP to play it.

In advance, thank you for your advice.

INTI

[KJ_Palmer]

You can't buy an MD-recorder that will integrate with your PC, like a floppy or CD-drive.

There are of course plenty of Net-MD (or Hi-MD) recorders that will connect via your USB port to copy CDs or download music from your PC or the internet to MD, and play those MD's on your E810.

Which recorder you go for will of course depend on your budget and requirements. If you mention those here there will doubtless be a flood of suggestions...

[aeriyn]

Since you've already got a portable unit, I would suggest looking into an MD deck. They can be had off of eBay for very little money.

Make sure you get the newest version of ATRAC available to you; use the equipment browser on the MDCP to find out which deck is right for you. Anything with ATRAC 4.5 or ATRAC Type-R or newer should do you. Now, MDLP capable decks will cost more and may be hard to find.

But picking up a used MDS-PC1 or MDS-JE630 shouldn't be hard for under $180 US. If you're not going to go the Hi-MD route, I definitely suggest using a deck. I had the JE630 myself and it was a very nice and featured deck with loads of editing capabilities. This does mean you will be constrained to real-time recording, but this is an older technology. If you do not want to wait so long for your albums to go to your player, I would suggest selling the Sony MDP and getting either a Hi-MD unit (MZ-NH900, etc) or a harddisk based DAP, such as an iPod/Mini, Rio Karma/Carbon or one of the Creative offerings.

[yamagatacamille]

you could look into the entry-level netMD units; since you're only looking for a unit that would stay at a desktop, netMD-only recorders such as the aiwa AM-NX9, sony MZ-N420D, MZ-NF520 work fine for your situation. they're just around $100-$120USD now i believe. fairly cheap in price but quite useful since you already have a player.

[aeriyn]

you could look into the entry-level netMD units; since you're only looking for a unit that would stay at a desktop, netMD-only recorders such as the aiwa AM-NX9, sony MZ-N420D, MZ-NF520 work fine for your situation. they're just around $100-$120USD now i believe. fairly cheap in price but quite useful since you already have a player.

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Why spend money on another, less-featured portable recorder when for a little more he can get a very nice deck with full editing functions, keyboard titling, PC Link and integrates with his home audio system (if he has one)?

Alternatively, you could sell the player and take what money you have plus the proceeds from the sale and put them toward a Hi-MD recorder, which may actually be a better idea.

*dons flame suit* You could always just buy an iPod Mini...

[dex Otaku]

I'm with aeriyn..

If what you want is a portable audio player, then IMO HiMD and MD have no real advantages over a good hard disc player.

No one I know who uses a portable would put up with the transfer times that HiMD and netMD offer. With an iPod or iRiver, you could easily put your whole library [10+GB] on the unit in a couple of minutes. With a HiMD, it takes 10-12 mins. to fill an MD80 with HiSP tracks, and around 30 mins. to fill a 1GB disc.

If what you want is a portable -recorder-, then MD and HiMD are practical and perform well.

[Christopher]

Welcome to the forums, INTI..

He/she/it already has the E810 though, so why not MD? I say go for a deck as well, but more importantly, what is the maximum budget?

[dex Otaku]

If the unit doesn't record, they will have to purchase a new recorder to make discs anyway.

If their primary purpose for it is as a player, well. You know my opinion on that.