I agree with Clinton, I use Alkalines exclusively on my MD recorders. It will last about 6 to 8 hours. The reason a Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh rechargeable only gets to about 95% is because that is the top end. The rechargeables will get to 1.2 or 1.25 volts. Regular Alkalines run 1.5 volts.

Michaelr, no, you won't find MD machines at discount places or Radio Shack. Good electronic gadget stores should have them.

Jimmyt, the reason for asking where you are located is whether you are North American or European. Makes a difference in where to go. As someone said, check minidisc.org for a lot of info, but they tend to get techie on people. MAny of the threads here are relatively safe.