Puzzle

If all you need is sound, then it's quite easy, and doesn't have to cost much. What you need is a voice recorder.

Although you could get a tape recorder and then transfer that to a computer, that's not what I'm talking about. Firstly, getting things set up is doable, but you need additional equipment (hardware and / or software) and some time. You also need to have some idea of what you are doing, or get someone to help you. And, even once you have everything set up, transferring the tapes is time consuming.

Look for a voice recorder that has a connection for a PC. There are three general types of recorders.

The first, and simplest type, is a dedicated voice recorder. The cost starts as low as approximately $35, but can go quite high. They usually have the word "digital" in the description. (If it has the word "microcassette" in the name, stay away.) The biggest problem with these devices is that they often do not have any way to connect to a PC, or they use an old style serial port, with is not optimal, at best. The real advantage is that they are designed primarily for recording, and will probably give the best quality recording. Just make sure that the recorder has a USB port!

The second category to look at are MP3 / Music players. A very large number of players are also voice recorders. However, be aware the Apple's Ipod does NOT have that capacity, at least not built in. But, there are many other adequate players that also have reasonably good recorders. Some of these devices also act as thumb drives as well, which usually means that transferring the recordings should be fairly easy.

The third category are IPod add-ons. If you have an IPos, you can easily find an accessory that will allow you to record straight to the IPod. From there, transferring files is the same as moving any other sound files. If you don't have an IPod already, it is probably not your best choice. The total cost starts at $100, it requires multiple pieces of hardware, and won't necessarily get you the best recordings.

No matter which recorder you choose, the key to getting the clearest recordings is to put the recorder in a spot where all the voices can clearly and easily reach the device, preferably on the table around which your staff is meeting, and to insure that only one person speaks at a time.