Nicole - there are a number of considerations as to why they don't offer it - most notably the copyright issues. They are trying to avoid the ability to create clones from a digital source.

The MiniDisc recorders are marketed as a replacement, or competitor, for MP3 players and walkmans.   Most consumers will only be using these devices for personal music and the manufacturers have not spent their design time on digital output when 90% of users won't touch it. The additional cost would not make the unit that attractive to the market they are aiming for.

There are more expensive portable units available - mainly geared towards media and reporters - that do indeed have digital output.

Good luck!

Ron`