For basic playback and recording of speech, Panasonic's RQ-2102 portable recorder fits the bill. The built-in speaker and microphone make this a one-stop solution for mono recording and playback.The RQ-2102 has a 3-inch speaker built in to its top, just above a translucent, non-iMac-inspired door for the cassette. The built-in condenser mic is suited for making simple lo-fi recordings or dictation. There are jacks to accommodate an external microphone or headphones, as well as an input for DC power.You can tote this unit by its built-in handle.-- EM