Looks like the Edirol R-09 is available now, and its spec looks just like what I want:

- built in mic (or external, line powered electret)
- choice of WAV or MP3 recording at many bit rates
- USB mass storage device (no DRM rubbish, just copy the files)
- normal replaceable AA batteries or AC supply
- uses standard SD cards - choose your capacity, replace cards if you need more
- nice and small

No full 48V phantom power, but I can live without that for the purpose.

... and I've got some birthday money to spend. Yippeee!

The trusty old Sony MZR-30 minidisc recorder will be very much a spare/backup device now.

Anahata