Hi Brian, Thank you for your query. Just because you are “old school” doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the fantastic advances in digital technology which have swept us into the 21st century.

There are a few dictaphones I would recommend to those who may not wish to embrace voice recognition software as their principal method of dictating.

Philips make a great digital dictaphone called the DPM8000 Digital Pocket Memo, which also has a quirky feature for those dictators who recall with fond recollection the days of analog tapes – the large front screen can be set to look like an analog tape. It’s the quirky, cute and actually functional “Classic” Mode!

The DPM8000 can record in .dss, .ds2 and even .mp3. For more information about the DPM8000 read my blog article which was published when the device was first released.

Other dictaphones which appeal to users who want the functionality of a dictaphone (insert, overwrite, etc.) but without all the “bells and whistles”, are the Olympus DS2500 digital dictaphone and the Philips DPM6000 digital pocket memo.

Both are entry level dictaphones, and are quite popular with some of our less tech-savvy clients. All devices mentioned come with dictation software, which is used to configure the device, and can be set up to transmit your dictations via email, FTP, or simply to your computer.

Again, all dictaphones can be paired with transcription software, a transcription foot pedal and headset, to complete the dictation to transcription process.

Check out our online shop for more information on dictation and transcription equipment, or contact our Products Team if you have any further queries – they’ll be more than happy to assist!

Downsizing has resulted in “Steno” work being offsite.

Do you have a suggestion for (1) small hand held “dicta phone”
(2) file type to save and transmitt

Thanks