1)  Recording Audio / Dictation: You can record and store audio (dictation) as a message or file that is saved in a folder on the recorder. Some recorders allow for hundreds of messages to be saved in up to as many as five folders.  Examples of recording features include the ability to insert into and/or overwrite a previously recorded message, divide and combine recordings, index (flag) an important part of a recording with a mark point, and enable VOR Voice Operated Recording wherein the recorder automatically starts recording when sound is detected.

2)  Playback Recorded Files: Playback allows you to listen to your messages / audio files through the built-in speaker or headphones.  Examples of play back features include the ability to adjust playback speed  by adjusting the Digital Pitch Control, easy playback fast forward and rewind, continuous playback to play back all messages continuously, and playback repeat to continuously repeat playing a message.  With some digital recorder models you can even set an alarm to playback a message at a desired time.

3) Transfer recorded messages to PC:  The recorder is connected to the pc via a docking station or USB cable which allows you to download your files to the computer. The files can be stored and edited with the editor software that is supplied with the unit.  Software program features vary, examples of features include ability to email files, audio file encryption for security purposes, and file transcribing.  Some models are integrated with Dragon NaturallySpeaking and allow you to transcribe your recorded files with a speech recognition engine.

Digital Recorders offer a wide variety of other features as well, making it easy to find the right device for your needs.