I'll give another vote for the Zoom H2. I still have a Sony MD but the Zoom's built in mics make it the winner, even before considering other factors such as the MD's rapidly dating technology and its fragility.

The Zoom fires up quickly and is easy to use. Last weekend I used it at a conference to record a series of short interviews and promo spots 'on the run'. Out of the pocket, turn it on, check the levels and go! Simple. For the money, it's just great. Here in Australia the price has dropped significantly over the past year or so. I guess that's the same in most places.

Bruce