Your IPOD Video as a Digital Recorder - A Genealogy Gem

I was listening to Lisa's Genealogy Gems Podcast (Episode 22) the other day and learned about one of the coolest little gadgets I've seen in a while - an attachment that turns your IPOD video into a digital recorder.  I'm somewhat of a technology nut.  Whenever some new geeky thing comes out, I have a tendency to buy it.  I bought a Toyota Highlander Hybrid when they first came out a couple of years ago because the technology was so cool.  My computers have all of the latest bells and whistles attached to them.  I just can't help myself sometimes...and I also have an IPOD video (got it when they first came out too).  I paused when I looked at the link to this gadget on Lisa's site.  I knew if I clicked it, I would buy it - and probably something else too.  Amazon always tempts me by saying "people who bought this, also bought this," and I usually end up buying it.  So I took a deep breath and clicked.

As predicted, shortly after I clicked on the link for this device (called a MicroMemo High-Fidelity Digital Audio Recorder), I soon found myself clicking on the "add to shopping cart button."  Of course, Amazon suggested that I buy a MemoMic Professional Lapel Microphone so I ended up adding that to my order.  About $78 and two days later I had my new little toys.  Let me tell you, just playing around with this thing shows me how valuable it would be conducting interviews of family members.  I interviewed my 10 year old daughter on how her day went, and the audio was crystal clear even though I completely lost control of the interview.  As usual with Apple products, the device is easy to use.  I just plugged it in and started recording - didn't even have to read the directions.  My only complaint is the little speaker on the device doesn't work that well - in fact I couldn't hear anything.  You have to use headphones or transfer the audio file from the IPOD to your computer, so other than that, this thing works great.

Since my family lives in Colorado, I haven't had a chance to use it for any interviews (other than my daughter), but I have used it in my car.  When I drive to work I always have these brilliant ideas on articles for the blog, but by the time I get home those ideas have long since left me.  Now when I drive to work I have my IPOD Video Digital Recorder with lapel microphone all attached and ready - I haven't had anymore brilliant ideas lately, but when I do I'm prepared.    

Comments

[Tim Agazio]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your visit and comment.

Tim

[gogogo27]

Nice article.