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-- Total Recall - Reviews Yet? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=10847)

Any user reviews yet on the Targus Total Recall? Nothing on Amazon. Have I missed them around VisorCentral? Those of you that have purchased the unit, how's it working? Is it useful? How's it do in standalone mode (batteries) etc. 1.5 hours seems like a useful amount of recording time...although I generally don't accumulate over an hours worth of thought pocess at any given time. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Edited by RJT on 01-13-2001 at 01:45 PM]

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www.remain.calm

Tom, who reviwed the My-Vox a couple of weeks ago, is currently working on a review of the Total Recall module.

Expect it to go up late next week.

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<B>Marcus Adolfsson</B>
Editor

I'm very disappointed in the Total Recall module. I had high hopes, since a recorder seemed to be an ideal extension for the Visor.

I had envisioned being able to grab my Visor (for instance, while driving or in a dark environment) and simply push a button to begin a recording. But with the Total Recall module plugged into the Visor there is no access to the unit's buttons. You have to have the time and ability to turn on your Visor, locate the program icon, tap to open the program, then tap the onscreen command to begin a recording. It's a more useful device as a stand-alone unit since only then do you have immediate access to the record button.

Another problem (noted in another thread on this board) is that their Desktop syncing application is buggy and numerous users, including myself, are not able to make it work. I have emailed the Targus service reps and received no useful advice. I called the 800 tech support number and talked with someone who had absolutely no familarity with the product. I was promised a more thorough solution/response within 24 hours. It's been over a week and I've yet to hear back from them.

As far as simply recording with the module installed in the Visor, it's OK. Sound volume is fairly low, so you'll need a quiet environment to hear the playback, and sound quality is adequate enough for the purpose of dictation. The Visor's battery level definitely takes a dive when using the module.

All in all, a flawed but sometimes useful product from a company that doesn't seem to take customer service very seriously.

I'm not entirly happy with Total Recall myself, but I have found workarounds for two of the items you mention.

Someone else on the discussion group mentioned upgrading the Visor Desktop. I did that over the weekend and now the Total Recall desktop is working fine.

For starting the application, I re-assigned it to the Task Button. That starts up the Visor and brings up the App. screen. You still have to press "New" to start recording, but I can usually do that with my thumb nail if I must work one handed.

Thanks much for the info. I too envisioned simply picking up my Visor, pressing 'go' and start talking. The fact that you can't seems to a 'show stopper' for me. I'm putting together a major home remodel. Between the Contractor, subs, and general 'trades' people, there are sure to be a thousand small decisions that will need to be made on a daily basis. I simply want something that, as I leave a discussion with these guys, I can put down a quick thought, to-do, or reminder to be played back later. Perhaps the 'WORD ACCESS' module will have to be looked at. Global Access states sometime this quarter.

As an aside, I consider the desktop portion to be strictly a bonus. It wouldn't generally dictate whether or not the module is purchased. Thanks for the input.

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www.remain.calm

I'd just like to say that I have had no problems with the total recall software. If you want to have easy "one-touch" recording, you can use the module with its stand alone battery pack. This is really convenient, because its a good deal smaller than the visor, I bought a $2.00 zipper leather case at the grocery store to carry the module with its battery pack and only put the module in the visor when I sync. I would not take the few disatisfied comments at visorcentral to indicate that most people are unhappy with it.....

I think I'll stick with a standalone voice recorder. I really only need it to remember short items like phone numbers and todos until I get a chance to add it to my Visor.

I was hoping for a module that would have a microphone (the Visor mic is often inside the case), a speaker, record, play, and arrow buttons buttons, and an LED or two.

I don't want it to turn on the Visor or even use the Visor mic. If I wanted to "import" a recording later, that might be okay, too.

The main thing, would be instant on and not having to remove it from the case for simple record/play.

Being able to use the speaker (DTMF and louder alarms) and memory for other things would be nice, too.

Rolando,

It sounds like the Targus might satisfy the majority of your needs...the review should be up by (at the VERY latest) Saturday.

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Ever feel like the train left while you were busy reading the paper?

Stealth-Mod.

How far out of the Visor does the sboard protrude? Will it work in my Ti Slider?

it sticks out about 10mm out the top and 5mm out the back. I don't have a Ti case so I'm not sure if it will pose a problem....

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Ever feel like the train left while you were busy reading the paper?

Stealth-Mod.

That would be a no-go with the Ti slider. You might be able to squeeze in a couple of millimeters of extra length but not 10. Thanks for the measurements.