Customer Reviews:
 Just too underpowered January 9, 2007
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
Inadequate memory, no usb connector, a low sampling rate to make up for the low memory, poor microphone pickup from any distance other than right on top of it even with the "conference" mode. I can't say for certain whether it was the microphone or the sampling rate or I just had a lemon, but I would have to say pass on it because you can get so much more in other models for just a few dollars more.
Also, the speaker faces the back of thing, and weak, like most. This means that you have to turn it over when you want to listen, and can't see the display at the same time. I found this pretty annoying, maybe you would not.
If you want to stick with RCA, look at the model 5030, you will be much happier. 5030 comes with a usb connector to save to your computer and load files, saves automatically in mp3 format, plays mp3 files, has a higher quality sampling rate option which cuts your recording time to 4 1/2 hours, but that is more than enough time for me. Much better recordings with that setting. This setting is higher than the HQ setting of the 5020. You can also turn the 5030 clock display completely off, saving batteries greatly. You can even copy your previous recordings to your computer with dead batteries, since the usb draws power from the computer.
On the plus side 5020 does have a larger display than the 5030, is a little shorter than other models, and feels a little bit more rugged. I also liked having the record, stop, and play buttons on the side like a traditional microcassete unit. But this model was simply too underpowered for me. If you literally only want to dictate messages to yourself, and not record speakers in meetings, this does do that just fine. But I think you will find the other limitations quickly frustrating.
I feel the RCA 5030, and other's in it's class, is the bare minimum to be a useful entry level DVR. You may want more, but you will be greatly disapointed with anything less, such as this 5020 and other's of it's class.
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