Not looking for alternatives to a digital voice recorder, op questions still apply.
...
Yes. People forget to address the original question.
I use a sony icd-px312 daily, as a critical part of my job. It runs for about 2-4 weeks on a set of alkaline aaa. I would NOT use rechargeables. The alkalines at least give a little warning they are dying.
It has a usb port to extract the recordings. They are mp3 format. There is a slot for a micro-sd, but I've never had to use it. The included capacity is fine for hours and hours. Basically, it's the cheapest one that allows extracting via usb.
Voice quality is very good. It picks up faint sounds as well as talking directly into it. Background noise is not bad. I use it 99% while driving and have no problems with road noise.
There are some more features like folders and the ability to record 'markers' during a session, but I don't use any of that.
The record button is recessed. And it's difficult to delete recordings accidentally; have never lost one yet.
Time and date seem unaffected by battery changes.
You can continue to record with the 'low battery' notification on, but cannot delete recordings during this time. Weird.
I think you can 'split' a recording directly from the device itself, but am not 100% sure.
If you actually power the unit down the batteries will last a lot longer. I just leave the unit on all the time. If powered off/on, it takes a few seconds to boot up. I don't have that much time to waste... need it ready to go. To be clear, I leave it ON, but NOT recording.
Edit:
Apparently that unit is no longer available. Been replaced by newer one. Specs look the same.
ICD PX333
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOXNSRY/?tag=cpf0b6-20