Almost there, for Carl and Joe...

Damn!

It is so close, but you can't adjust recording levels. However, since the firmware is upgradeable, it might be a feature to come? I don't know, but if companies are putting things like this out right now, the sub-$500 digital recorder for Joe must be right around the corner (above-$500 ones already exist...):

http://tinyurl.com/o3jl

BTW, Carl, you ought to check out OutwardSound - if they have a walk-in policy (i.e. if they aren't just a web business) they're on Alcatraz in Berkeley.

Cheers,
Jon