cassette players and walkman

I got this unit about 2 weeks ago and have been very pleased with it so far.
I purchased this Cassette/recorder to make some self-study drill tapes ,so I really didn't care about the built-in stereo speakers ,the FM tuner or even if it recorded in stereo or mono.
I just wanted the ability to record lectures on standard size casette tapes using an external microphone with a walk-man sized recorder. I looked at Sony's 'Pressman' line of recorders but none of them come with both an external microphone AND a set of headphones. This was the only Walkman I could find that came with a detachable microphone AND headphones.
The included stereo mic works very well for voice recordings and the included headphones sound very good for both voice AND music.
The FM stereo sound is of very good quality through both the headphones and the internal stereo speakers. the Bass boost and volume limiter are nice features that I wasn't looking for but found usefull once I tried them out.
All I needed was the ability to record lectures, since this unit provides 1/2 speed recording and playback ,to increase the amount you can fit on a single tape, I found that very handy and the recording quality of voice at half speed is excellent.

I do have a few minor complaints - The headphone jack is very touchy and causes intermittent speaker drop-outs with very little motion of the headphone plug and /or cable.. You need to secure the plug and cable to get a reliable signal on both channels if you listen while walking or jogging.
There is no included belt holder or carrying case - something that could help alleviate the touchy headphone jack ,so if you use it while walking or jogging you are left with only two options - carry it in your hand or put it in a pocket.
The headphones that are included have a cable attached to each ear-piece which are then joined together ,under your neck ,into a single cord. This configuration makes it impossible to keep from twisting up the cord in short-order,and it is nearly impossible to completely untwist once that has happened. A single cable configuration would be simpler and better.

You will probably want to get an AC/DC adapter. Try ...first - they have an appropriate 3Vdc adapter for about $...Sony wants $...for theirs.
Overall this is a good recorder and Player with all the features you need plus some nice extras. If you are considering a Sony Pressman - take at look at the WM-GX221 it might be just what you are looking for!