Fast start up, efficient controls, easy to use while on the go or at home. Comparable to some other recorders I've used in the past, but the built in USB terminal makes it easier to transfer files to my computer for conversion to text.

I need a backlight and was under the impression the WS-853 had one. I love my VS-7200 so much that I wanted to stick with Olympus so I bought this one. I was EXTREMELY disappointed when I found there was no backlight, as this is the ONLY reason I'm trying to find a replacement! On top of that, timestamps aren't displayed continuously while playing a file and there isn't even an option to change it to do so, as there is in the VS-7200. I record security log entries, at night, so a backlight is VERY helpful and displaying the timestamp's much more convenient to transcribe to my log; I have to press 5 buttons, digging through menus, for EACH file to get timestamps, my VS-7200 displays it without need to press any! Backlights should be standard, preferably that can be customized for duration and disabled to preserve battery, and at least an option to change what's displayed while playing, i.e. progress bar or timestamp.

Small, compact, easy to use. Perfect for meetings and note taking.

Wish it had a back light, Other than that I like it fine.

I've had 3 WS 822 and 823. I lost two and misplaced the other one. So while I'm waiting to find th 822 I bought a WS-853 It never occurred to me that Olympus would make a recorder without a backlight!!! And the 823 even had an FM radio which was so useful And, it ran on one AAA battery. I would never had bought this 853, even though it is less expensive. Bring back the 823 !!!

I bought this to replace my worn out WS-822 which worked really well. It is dissappointing to see that Olympus no longer makes a compact single AAA battery recorder at the $120 price point of the WS-822 with the same features. This unit is bigger (too big for my application) and has no display backlight. To get anything comparable to the WS-822 you have to spend at least $199 now. I spoke with customer service to confirm prior to posting this. Pros: Good sound quality Good battery life Good build quality Cons: Too big No display backlight No date & time file numbering system

i like it