IF you want any sort of quality, the builtin microphones of a boombox type is NOT very good for the most part. They tend to pick up the motor noises of the machine itself if they have any sensitivity.

Best to get one that does well, and that you can plug in a microphone to it.

PErsonally, I'd recommend a two machine proposition, a CD player, which can be purchased for an inexpensive price (Wal-Mart Canada is selling one for $39.00 Cdn). And a medium to good quality cassette player where you can plug in a better microphone. If you want any quality from a built-in microphone you'll be disappointed. They're good enough for dictation, but that's all.

If you had the money, I'd recommend a MD instead of the cassette recorder. They'd be more in the $300US with a half-decent microphone extra.