Recs.
Updated
The Zoom H1 is a compact, yet somewhat basic, recorder. The built-in microphones are configured in an X/Y pattern which is good for stereo. It's one of the lightest on the market, and has a very simple interface. Runs on a single AA battery and has a micro SD slot.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Very portable
This recorder is both very lightweight and easy to use. It's about the size of a Snickers bar, and runs on one AA battery (that will last you for 9 hours of recording). There's a single record button on the front of the recorder, making it almost impossible to press the wrong button when in a hurry.
Pro Easy to use
The layout of the buttons allows you to make adjustments quickly and easily. The most popular functions, like auto level adjust and low frequency filter, are separate buttons on the back of the recorder, so you won't need to search through the menu to quickly turn these on or off.
Cons
Con Lots of handling noise
The recorder is weakly built. The battery cover rattles for most units, and the plastic is of low quality. This is not a good option to be used as a handheld recorder because it will pick up each touch of your hand unless you purchase a stabilizer and an external microphone or use it on a tripod and avoid touching it at all during a recording.
Con Playback is very quiet
The built in speaker is very weak, and it is almost impossible to hear anything unless you hold the speaker directly to your ear, even with the volume turned up to the max. You're forced to use headphones or upload recordings to your computer to listen to the audio properly.