Mac user considering MZ-M10 or MZ-M100 for interviews

[lapislazuli]

Hi, everyone! I'm researching my family history and am very interested in recording the oral history, too (through live interviews and ambient recording at family gatherings). From what I can tell, it seems that Hi-MD is the way to go. I just found out that my great uncle's coming for a visit next weekend, so now I've got to make some speedy decisions, and I hope you can help me. Here are my 3 main questions:

1) Although I occasionally have access to a PC, my own computer is a Mac -- and it is my understanding that this means I'll have to go with either the Sony MZ-M10 or the Sony MZ-M100. Are these two models in fact, my only options, or am I missing something?

2) Both the MZ-M10 and MZ-M100 look like they'd suit my needs fine -- however, I'm having a hard time finding many people talking about the MZ-M10 (maybe I'm just not using the right search parameters?). Is it an unpopular model? It's slightly more appealing to me because of its lower price tag, but the lack of conversation about it gives me pause. The remote might be nice to have on the MZ-M100 model, but I don't know that I'd want to pay an extra $100 for it.

3) On some web sites, I've noticed they mention that the Sony ECM-DS70P mic ships WITH both the MZ-M10 and the MZ-M100. Other sites make no mention of this. Does anyone know for sure whether one or both of these models, by default, ships with a mic? This could also be a factor in my decision.

Thanks a bunch!

Paige B.

Edited March 1, 2006 by lapislazuli

[atrain]

1/ yes the only option for mac & only to transfer audio recorded in pcm mode to the mac.

2/ they are firmware enhanced rh910 & rh10 models with the same screen diffs. take a search for those two.

3/ yes they both ship with the mic as standard