• Portable design, built-in carrying handle

• 3-inch dynamic speaker for monophonic sound

• 1-touch recording

• Built-in high-sensitivity condenser microphone

• Operates on 4 C batteries (not included) or AC power adapter (included)

Recorded features cue and review controls, full auto stop, pause control and built-in microphone.

Before buying the Panasonic shoebox recorder, I compared it to the GE 3-5027. I chose the Panasonic because the Panasonic comes with a removable power cord that plugs directly into the wall and the recorder. The GE recorder uses an AC adapter with a transformer that plugs into the wall and has a thin wire that plugs into the recorder. I always use AC, not batteries (because as batteries weaken, the music changes pitch), and I've had bad luck with adapters where the wire goes bad or the little connector that plugs into the recorder doesn't fit snugly causing intermittent power losses. I prefer a connection that's more substantial and durable.

The GE recorder is also 3 inches shorter (7.38") than the standard shoebox recorder (which is approx. 10.38") and appears to have smaller buttons. Since I have large hands, I prefer the full sized buttons of the Panasonic. (I didn't actually measure the buttons or compare the two recorders side-by-side, so this may be just my perception.)

If you plan to primarily use batteries, have limited space, and want a shoebox style recorder, the GE 35027 may be right for you.

The Panasonic is approximately 10.25 inches long and comes with an AC power cord, tape counter, mic jack, and 8 ohm monitor jack. I primarily use the built-in condenser microphone for recording. The recording sound quality is incredibly accurate. My only negative comment is that, at least with my recorder, the biasing is high, meaning that the pronunciation of an 's', as in "eyes", occasionally hisses or splats.

I also looked into buying one of the PoGo! RipFlash MP3/WMA hand-held recorders instead, but decided that the cost difference wasn't worth it since I can already convert my cassette recordings to audio CDs for a more permanent backup by connecting a cable from the monitor jack of the recorder to the input jack of my computer's sound card.

117 of 121 found the following review helpful:


Thank goodness this exists!  Jul 10, 2001 By Thomas A. Brazelton
I would give this product a 5 simply for existing! I had a hard time finding a similar product in stores. When I would stumble onto one, the price was often ... more than what I could get it for here. I don't know if this review praises ... or the product more. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with it. Sure, it's a bit antiquated in this era of digital gimmickry. But for what I need it for, it works great. Easy to use controls, big speaker for playback and it doesn't eat tapes! What more do you want?

56 of 57 found the following review helpful:


Great little Recorder  Feb 16, 2002
Great little recording tool, almost perfect sound recording for
the price definitively the best all-around simple tape recorder,
much better than Radio Shack's $49 and even higher priced. The
standard recorder. Great for seminars, school, I use it for
phone recording and song composition. I have a recording studio
and this is a very valuable piece vs. the costly equipment.

95 of 103 found the following review helpful:


sometimes size counts  Jun 15, 2000
The only inconvenience with this product is size but the purpose for which it was given to me did not require miniature size, as a matter of fact, for an older user, the controls are quite "user friendly" I recommend the product for stationary use.

31 of 32 found the following review helpful:


works great  Apr 14, 2005 By dontbossme
i bought this to read my little girls bedtime stories aloud and record them for when we aren't home. we've also had their grandparents from out of town read their favorite books onto tape. it works GREAT for this purpose...and the kids love playing with it too, in between. very sturdy.

See all 112 customer reviews on Amazon.com