If you want decent recordings, then get a recorder. There are compact recorders with a card slot and mic jack for under $100. These are the Sony UX512, Ax412,and PX312, as well as the Olympus ws700m and ws710m. the PX312 is under $50. The AX412 and PX312 run on two AAA batteries, the others run on just one AAA battery.
The Sandisk players are nice players, but they are horrible as recorders.
