Covert USB Stick Voice Recorder
This is a very nicely packaged device that comes with very easy to read instructions. I was surprised to see only 1 visible modification being a very discreet slide switch located along the side of the stick. The device itself when compared to a ‘non-modified’ identical USB Stick purchased from computer stores such as PC World gives absolutely no other visible indications. For me, working in an environment of close proximity where discreet recordings is a must, the deception of a casual item is paramount. So far so good.
The Covert USB Stick Voice Recorder may be carried on a set of keys for example and activating the voice recording function via the slide switch is incredibly inconspicuous even at close quarters. Voice recordings were activated approx 3 seconds after sliding the switch forward and likewise, saved to it’s internal flash memory 3 seconds after the switch was slid back. The inconspicuous movement to start/stop recordings gave no flashing lights or emitting sounds and was both very smooth and silent and as you will read of other voice recording products on this Blog, this item in my opion is the easiest to use.
Once this device was inserted into the USB slot of my computer, it was immediately recognised (Windows XP) as a mass storage device and the options to playback the audio files were available. To back up the claim this device works on Windows Vista PC’s is also true however you do need to go to START MENU/MY COMPUTER, and then double click the REMOVEABLE MASS STORAGE DEVICE to get the same effect. Once a voice recording had been made, an automatic folder named ‘Voice’ is visible and inside this folder are your saved audio files. You can simply rename the voice recorder folder in the event you are in the presence of company so there are no visible indications that the device is anything other than a completely normal USB Storage Device.
This Covert USB Stick Voice Recorder is available in 2 versions being 1GB and 2GB, and both versions state a recording time of 8 hours before a recharge is needed although I found this to be 12 minutes short at 7hrs 48mins. This is no big deal however, I could see no other benefits of purchasing the 2GB version unless you are intending using the device as a mass storage for data as well but for an extra £20 it’s not a bad price to pay. Charging is as easy as plugging it into your computer where it automatically recharges the internal lithium battery and I could find only 1 negative point being that it is so discreet there are no visible indications of it’s battery charge status. On my evaluation I found leaving the USB Stick Voice Recorder in my PC for 2hrs suitably boosted its internal battery to 100%.
The beauty of this product is the simplicity. The mechanical operation of this device is just as described - ‘Plug and Play’ and there are no wires, software or drivers to install at all. Playing back the audio files is done directly though your computers media player such as Windows Media, RealPlayer or QuickPlayer, or whatever audio software integration you may have installed on your computer. The audio quality is nothing less than outstanding! I was more than suitably impressed by the clear audio clarity and quality of the flash chip used in this device and yes it really did pick up conversations from approx 20 feet away. When tested outside the distance was considerably reduced, however it would be fair to say indoor/outdoor noise vibrations differ.
Summary: This Covert USB Stick Voice Recorder is a truely incredible and innocent looking device that delivers awesome powerful audio performance.
Verdict: 
