Update: In theless than twoyears followingthis review,TASCAM hasfilled out their lineof hand helddigital recorders,some downscalefrom the DR-1,some upscale,with manyfeatures and look-and-feel incommon. Check‘em all out.An accessory kitincluding a snap-oncradle with a tripodsocket, a desktop tripodwith a swivel joint, and awindscreen is availableas an option. See thephoto.TASCAM DR-1 Portable Digital RecorderMike RiversThe DR-1 is TASCAM’sentry into the burgeoningfield of handheld 44.1/48kHz (dare I say “standardspeed”?) digital recorders. Itoffers all the commonfeatures you’d expect: built-in stereo microphones,external mic and line inputs,headphone/line outputs, 16-and 24-bit PCM and MP3formats from 32 to 320 kbps,and records to SD flashmemory. A 1 GB SD card issupplied with the unit,though it will accommodate SDHC cards as largeas 32 GB when they become available, a nice bitof future-resistance (nothing is really “future-proof”). The DR-1 is more than a typical field recorder, however. Drawing on 20+years experience with Portastudios and Trainers, TASCAM has loaded the DR- 1with features particularly useful to the recording musician..FeaturesPower is from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack or optional AC adapter.The battery pack is removable and spares are available for purchase. Chargingis via either the USB port or AC adapter, though at least at this time no chargingstation or adapter for the battery pack is available. If you’re packing along sparebattery packs, you’ll need to charge them in the recorder. Battery life is estimatedat 7 hours when recording in the MP3 mode with the built-in mics. I got a bit morethan 3 hours out of a charge recording 16-bit 44.1 kHz, which is a good match forthe capacity of a 2 GB memory card.The DR-1 feels comfortable in the hand, with allnecessary controls within easy reach. A trapdoor on theside covers the 4-pin USB port and memory card slot.While it latches solidly, it feels flimsy when opened, andI can see this it breaking off (which won’t incapacitatethe recorder) fairly early if not handled gently. The built-in mics can be rotated through 90 degrees to aim themeither toward a user facing the recorder or outward