XtremeMac MicroMemo for iPod review (black)

In our tests, we found the recording quality to be OK, but not quite as good as the Griffin iTalkPro. One reason for the difference in quality could be that the microphone included with the MicroMemo allows for recording only in mono, while the iTalkPro grabs sound in stereo. The MicroMemo can record in stereo if the user unplugs the included mic and inserts a stereo mic into the 3.5mm minijack. If you want to record from a stereo or other music souce, a switch on the side of the unit allows you to toggle between mic and line-in recording.

The MicroMemo, like the iTalkPro, draws off the iPod's battery, and the player cannot be charged while recording because the MicroMemo monopolizes the dock connector and does not have a pass-through. This could be an issue for long recording sessions or when your iPod is not fully charged--especially since our cursory tests seemed to show a noticeable drain on battery while recording.

So, it really comes down to whether you value the slightly better recording of the iTalkPro and its more sleek design or the external speaker and mono-recording ability of the Micro Memo. If forced to choose, we'd go with the iTalkPro for the sleeker, more compact design.