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If you grip the deck 'in a less than a certain and exact manner' with the latch open, the lid will immediately latch shut with the slightest downward pressure.  Some practice is needed to reliably open this deck for loading and unloading tape on the first attempts.

Third, the sliding lock switch that disallows an accidental button push and interruption of a recording still locks out turning the display backlight on or off.  This slide-switch is also located under an edge of the protective wallet cover and is quite difficult to operate.  While the Lock is still accessible, its position is impossible to see, requiring far too much effort sliding a finger under the cover's edge to operate this very important recording safety switch.  Without the use of the protective jacket (not advised), the mic cord cannot be easily secured and the very slippery deck is easily dropped.  Impact damage is more likely without this jacket's protective padding.

A Word of CAUTION: There has been a few reports of recorded tape damage if activating FF/FR buttons WHILE IN PLAY MODE. It may be wiser to PUSH STOP BEFORE PUSHING ANY FAST-FORWARD / FAST-REVERSE functions to avoid possible mis-handling of the tape. NO other tape handling problems have been reported with these decks in nearly 6 years.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Both TCD-D100  and PCM-M1 decks may be used with excellent results whenever portable 2-track stereo is required.  For most users, these models are interchangeable being virtually identical sans SCMS consideration. The D100/M1 transport reliability has been proven to be nearly flawless by time and experience of nearly four years in the field.

Significant analog/digital audio processing and tape transport improvements allow audible quality and reliability upgrades to the D7/8 decks.  Decreased shirt-pocket deck size with increased editing features, larger display, and better placement of larger-sized main function buttons allow easier operation with most all primary recording and playback functions. 

While internal battery powering is a bit more a consideration than before, it's easily handled with a little knowledge about NiMH battery usage (see battery tips) and the availability of substitute disposable lithium cells that allow predictably long and reliable field operation.  External powering packs are more easily connected to the new decks, allowing even better long running accessory options (see BC-1/BD-1 on DAT battery systems page) than with previous models.

The digital I/O require additional patch cord accessory purchase, but the (no longer made by Sony) RM-D100K digital interface adapter allows full Optical/Coaxial S/PDIF format operation + IR remote for working with external digital audio equipment.

If the portable deck you require or are motivated to seek is shirt-pocket size, has easy 4 hour battery powering, reliability, exceptional dual 20 bit A/D digital/analog audio processing, and ability to handle professional +4 dbu line level inputs, then you'll not find a more perfect match with using either TCD-D100 or (Pro version) PCM-M1.

Suggested Accessories
DSM-6S/ or DSM-1S/ HRTF Baffled/Headworn Stereo Microphones ($450-$650)
MOD-2 Mic Power Upgrade For Powering DSM Mics ($100)
BC-1 or BD-1 External 25+ & 55+ Hour Battery System ($80 & $90)
PA-24NJ or PA-3SX Preamplifier; DSM power + 2-3 Hi-Quality MIC preamp verses one Hi-Q MIC Gain of D100/M1
STD MIC XLR-3 to Reliable 3.5mm R/A Plug Adapters ($35-$60)

Pro Digital Patch SPDIF Coaxial digital audio input/output adapter cable (aftermarket made with robust Sony 7-pin plug)

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