Re: Sound recorder
I have a Zoom H2 "Handy Recorder" - It is a great little unit, although for my 'old school' brain, it's not as handy as I'd like it to be. But that's a human interface problem on my part - heh heh - A cool piece nevertheless.
It cost me about $200, but now I see that the price has dropped closer to $150.
The question of getting a recorder IMO depends a lot on your intentions with it. If you're just looking to record your practicing at home, a lot of things can work. - - If your looking for high quality for actual use in serious recordings for "release" (indie or otherwise), then, in many cases higher quality can = more $$$. However, more cash doesn't always = good results, if one doesn't know how to record something correctly. ~ Drums can be tricky, too.
Ask yourself what your present aim is & what your budget is, then go from there. I know plenty of people who go with software based recording programs and a handful of recording hardware [mics, pre-amps, computer interfaces, etc.] - but, like anything in music, there are a zilllion ways to do things, but much of it depends on your purpose/aim , your cash budget, and your commitment to educating yourself in how to use and get the most from your gear.
I have a few good friends who have shelled out thousands of dollars for great gear that just sits covered up in the basement, due to a lack of personal discipline, direction and a lack of exercising their ability to READ THE FLIPPIN' MANUAL!!!!! DOH