Anahata, the MDS-501 isn't really a portable, it's a deck, mains electrical. It has I/O both line and optical. My portable is an Aiwa, which only has a line-out/earphone jackpoint. I wanted to just swap MDs to input into the computer, but the thing is getting silly since I discovered that I also now need a pre-amp for the tapedeck. Never get two items past the Chancellor of the (family) Exchequer.
Pity, there's a USB gadget that takes optical input, quite cheap, locally.

Have to say, though, the big Sony is a joy to record with, simple as a tape-recorder, which the controls resemble, and the readout is LEDs, vertical and visible even in sunlight. Need a torch at night though. It's black.
I can't even see my cellphone in sunlight. LCD.


Edirol or Zoom one day.