As Treo users, we know that Treo is a "swiss-army knife" of convergence features. PAR Pro is a sound recording application that extends that metaphor into the recording device space and adds even more functionality to our favorite smartphone.

PAR (which is short for Personal Audio Recorder) Pro is a full-featured audio recording solution for the Palm OS. You have the ability to record audio at several different quality levels, with up to 16bit, 44100 HZ Stereo sound (though these settings are not recommended for use on a Treo). And while higher quality settings naturally take up more space in memory, you also have the ability to record directly to your SD/MMC card instead of the precious RAM of your handheld. Also included is the ability to take separate files and append them in order to create a larger "master" file - a perfect ability for someone who is looking to create a podcast.

Initial Thoughts

I ran through the manual quickly and then dove into using the software, finding it to be fairly intuitive. PAR has a few "modes" of use, and upon starting the application, you are shown a listing of the files within the AUDIO folder in "Playback Mode." A row of icons spans the top of the screen allowing you a variety of options such as:

• Select whether you're working within onboard memory or the SD card


• Delete the currently selected file


• Export/Import the currently selected file from RAM to the Card (and vice-versa)


• Add a note or rename the currently selected file


• Pull up file information such as recording settings, file length, date created, etc


• Create a new folder on the card


• Move into "Append Mode"


• Move into "Recording Mode"


• Select playback through the Speakerphone, Handset, or a Headset.

Beneath the file listing is a stereotypical media playing interface, which appears to borrow heavily from Apple's Quicktime UI. Use is understandably intuitive as a result, as you can easily decipher how to change the volume, play/pause, and skip or fast-forward through the files. I received an "Error in Seek" message a few times, but overall, this functionality worked as expected, allowing me to press the seek/shuttle buttons or drag the slider on the timeline during playback to get to a specific point. You may also set a "Marker" within a file by pausing where you'd like to save and selecting "Add New Marker" from the menu. Subsequently, you can use the "Open Marker" menu option to play the file from your marked location. This allows you to set up chapters for later reference.

When you click into "Recording Mode", the top icons are reduced to 2 - where to record to and a toggle back to "Playback Mode." Where the file listing in the previous mode is displayed has now become a listing of recording settings, telling you which disk you are recording to and the space and time remaining (based on the settings below), as well as the audio settings such as Sample Rate, Mode, and Type. In the instructions, settings no higher than 16000 hz 16bit Mono are recommended for the Treo 650. 8bit sample mode is recommended for the Treo 600. Along the bottom, you have controls for the volume, start/pause recording, and stop recording - fairly straightforward and functional. Once you're done, press the toggle icon in the upper row to then switch modes so you can listen to your creation.

The last mode is "Append Mode," which isn't actually characterized as such by Toysoft, but I feel it deserves mention on its own, as it is the key to building a podcast using PAR Pro and a Treo 650. Again, a simple and intuitive interface with a listing of available files and the ability to select one or all to add to the new file below. I found it helpful to rename my files in "Playback Mode" prior to entering the Append screen so that I could identify them correctly (by default, PAR assigns an numeric filename generated from the current date & time). After the files are appended, you are returned to "Playback Mode" automatically. This functionality works as advertised, but I noticed that while appending files my recordings ended with a strange noise. When I tapped "Stop Recording," the button-press made a noise which was then captured in the recording. I solved this by muting my system sounds, but I'd love to see a preference for removing/ignoring button tap noises within PAR Pro.

Actual Usage
I used PAR Pro for several of the recommended tasks. I recorded meeting minutes when I couldn't take notes (while running the projector), I recorded a telephone conversation (Toysoft does mention the quality of this function is poor, but usable), and I played at creating a short podcast. And in all functions, PAR Pro worked as advertised - once you've learned all of the settings and controls, the application makes short work of recording and playing back sound. The application is fully 5-way navigator compatible as well, which is an additional bonus.

The audio quality is pretty decent - about what you would expect from the Treo hardware. It's by no means professional-level, and if you are working on a corporate podcast using your Treo, you're probably in over your head. But on the other hand, if you're creating a personal podcast, recording class notes, or giving dictation, the results should be more than adequate for your usage.

Conclusion
I like PAR Pro overall - the features and functionality are extensive and the quality of the resultant sound file is better than I expected. I only have a minor concern in sounds from buttons/keys being captured during recording. The cost of $24.95 is not outrageous, considering that you could easily use PAR Pro to replace your digital or tape-based recorder. You'd probably save half again what a new recorder would cost from an office-supply store. I would highly recommend PAR Pro to anyone who is looking to use their Treo as a recording device.

Related Links
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