I need help finding the smallest portable audio recorder.

[steve]

I don't think that you'll get away with one of those thumb drive things - I doubt that the sound quality will be good enough.
The Yamaha device is Yamaha's version of the Zoom H1. Other manufacturers do their own versions. They are all about the same size and generally follow the same basic design as the Zoom. Zoom are pioneers in this field, then other manufacturers bring out their own versions, which may be better or worse, but probably more expensive unless you get a good deal.

I have a Zoom H2. The sound quality is very good. It's bigger than you want - it takes 4 AA batteries. It's considerably lighter than the batteries.

[rishio]

What about those smaller digital recorders with mic inputs. Is there a reason they of lesser quality through the mic-in ports? Take the Sony ICD-SX1000 for example:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9 ... voice.html

Why would that be any worse quality than the PCM-M10?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Nt ... av-Search=

I don't think that you'll get away with one of those thumb drive things - I doubt that the sound quality will be good enough.
The Yamaha device is Yamaha's version of the Zoom H1. Other manufacturers do their own versions. They are all about the same size and generally follow the same basic design as the Zoom. Zoom are pioneers in this field, then other manufacturers bring out their own versions, which may be better or worse, but probably more expensive unless you get a good deal.

I have a Zoom H2. The sound quality is very good. It's bigger than you want - it takes 4 AA batteries. It's considerably lighter than the batteries.

[rishio]

Just to close this discussion, I did end up gambling on the Sony ICD-SX1000. It's 1/3 the weight and size of the pcm-m10 and so far I'm getting as good recordings if not better than the PCM-M10. Think I found what I'm looking for!