You might want to look at the Olympus DM-10 ($159) or DM-20 ($199) digital voice recorders. Basically it is the same recorder -- the DM-20 just offers more built-in memory. (128MB) The DM-20 will allow for about 8 hours of high fidelity recording (HQ Mode) The microphone element is great and the metal case makes it more durable than some of the other recorders released in this category.
These units are considered lecturer or conference recorders -- which means they are designed to capture audio in various environments. The DM-20 comes with standard features like the USB docking station for file transfer to either PC or Mac. Plus it has a remote control microphone in the package.
The downside to the DM-20 is the storage capacity is fixed at 128MB and the docking station does not function as a power recharge station. Otherwise it is an excellent choice and has performed well in our reviews.
A few links
Olympus DM-20
Olympus DM-10
hope this info helps,
Eva
Recorders.com