I would like to buy some digital mp3 format recording equipment - where should I start? I don't have a huge budget, so please keep costs reasonable. I do some accompanying, and some of my singers would like to be able to practice to recordings inbetween rehearsals. (It also would be handy to send recordings home with my students sometimes.)

Thanks!

Look at the Edirol R-09. A handful of people here use it. I don't know if it would be the ideal recorder from what you have described; but it is certainly within a reasonable price.

It is an ideal recording device. The Edirol R-09 costs around $400, though - not sure if that's above what you are hoping to pay. I use it and have no problems except for the cord going out and I had to get a new one. But the other day I dropped it on my hard-wood floors and the whole face plate popped off, along with a couple little buttons. I thought for sure it was a goner, but I put everything back in place and it still works! So it's a tough little machine too.

Thanks, I'll check it out - that's about the top end of what I wanted to spend, not unreasonable! Nice to hear it will last!

I dropped my Edirol R-1 (the precursor of the R-9) too, and it would not budge. Good quality stuff.
The Zoom Handy is a good and more affordable alernative, I think. Some people here use that, and the sound quality seems just as good.

That does look more affordable - Now I'll have to look closely at the specs! Thanks!