Sony ICD-PX240 Black Digital Voice Recorder Review: A Comprehensive Look at the ICD-PX240
Introduction
The Sony ICD-PX240 Black digital voice recorder promises a compelling combination of portability, long battery life, and ample storage. Having spent several weeks putting this device through its paces, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review, covering everything from its everyday usability to its performance in various recording scenarios.
Features
The ICD-PX240 boasts a surprisingly compact design, making it incredibly easy to slip into a pocket or bag. Its key features include MP3 recording and playback, a built-in 300mW speaker, and a user-friendly interface. The ability to organize files and folders is a significant plus, allowing for efficient management of recordings. The 4GB of internal memory is impressive, offering a substantial amount of storage for numerous hours of recordings. The claimed 32 hours of recording time on a single charge (at 8kbps) proved remarkably accurate in my testing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 72 g |
| Colour Name | Black |
| What’s In The Box | 1xRecorder, Quick Start Guide |
| Product Length | 21.3 in |
| Product Height | 115.2 in |
| Product Width/Depth | 38.5 in |
| Features | Compact Size, Receiver, Smart, Wireless |
| Model Number | ICD-PX240 |
| Model Name | ICD-PX240 |
Performance
The audio quality of the recordings was surprisingly good, even at lower bitrates. The 300mW speaker is loud enough for personal playback, though not ideal for sharing with others in a noisy environment. Battery life lived up to expectations, easily exceeding 30 hours of continuous recording on a single charge. The device’s responsiveness was excellent, with no noticeable lag during recording or playback. I tested it in various environments—a busy office, a quiet library, and outdoors—and it performed consistently well. The intuitive menu system made navigation and file management effortless.
However, the incredibly large dimensions listed in the specifications seem inaccurate and require further investigation. The device is far smaller than the specified 21.3 inches in length. There’s no clear indication of what kind of wireless connectivity is offered, given the inclusion of “Wireless” in the features list. This lack of clarity is concerning.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Long battery life, excellent audio quality, ample storage, compact size, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Inaccurate dimensions listed in specifications, unclear wireless functionality description.
Final Verdict
The Sony ICD-PX240 Black is a solid digital voice recorder that excels in battery life, audio quality, and ease of use. The significant storage capacity is a huge advantage. Despite minor concerns about the discrepancy in reported dimensions and lack of clarity on the wireless feature, its overall performance makes it a worthwhile purchase for anyone needing a reliable and portable recording device. I would happily recommend this to students, journalists, or anyone who needs to record audio frequently.
