Thanks a lot for all this info, people. (I would have commented earlier, but I've been having some problems getting in to the 'cat.) I used a Marantz (the old reel-to-reel portables) years ago - it was standard BBC kit for 'street' interviewing. Didn't occur to me that they might be doing a minidisc, but anything above the 200 UK pound mark is a bit beyond my budget anyway.

Good idea about the tripod.

siân