Features: Jog-dial on side of unit for character entry and editing. During character input, 9 characters surrounding the selected character are displayed, easing input. During playback the track number, track time, and title are displayed simultaneously. LCD on main body is 10 x 2 characters. 20 bit ADC and DAC. 24 bit calculation ATRAC. 40 second shock memory. Digital and analog syncho recording. Manual recording level control only, level can be adjusted during recording. "Active Clear Bass" (ACB). Gumstick LiIon. Will not recharge and play simultaneously (hit STOP to start recharging). Backlit LCD equipped remote. Accessories: Car power adapter CA-R551, cassette adapter: CK-101.

PC Connecting Kit: JVC's "MD Controller Software" allows connection of the XM-R70 to JVC's MP-C101 (Windows CE machine). JVC's MP-C101 page states: 7. MD Controller: JVC XM-R70 can be connected with AC-XR1 connecting kit. Disk name and track names can be entered from the keyboard in Roman letters, kanji and kana. Track order can be changed and tracks can be deleted by pen touch while looking at the track names. MD labels can be printed (JVC video printer required). The page includes a detailed screenshot.

Links:

• JVC Japan's page for the unit.

Reviews:

• Gabriel White contributes a handsome JVC XM-R70 review.
• Charles Snider creates an exemplary JVC XM-R70 page.
• MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.

Tips: The Ambico model P-2000 camera case is the perfect size for the JVC XM-R70 recorder (even with external battery pack attached) and it has another compartment that fits about 4 MD's (in their cases) comfortably. It even comes with a detachable carrying strap. The case was $6.96 at Wal-Mart. -Brad Choi

Specs: Headphone 5mW+5mW (into 16 ohms). Input impedance: Line: 47k ohms. Minimum imput signal level: Line: 100mV, Mic 1.3mV.

User Manuals: XM-R70, XM-R70 courtesy Chris Gerrist