Feature:
The display on this unit is superb! Easy to read, backlit design, adjustable contrast. It just looks super when it lights up. Why the other manufacturers don't use a similar display is beyond me. Yamaha's displays pale by comparison. Even on their expensive models. All the buttons, switches, knobs, sliders, jog wheel, etc. feel sturdy and well made. The unit itself is very hefty when you lift it out of the box. It has a solid 3/8ths of inch heavy metal bottom. It's obvious ZOOM wanted to anchor all the electronics to something other than cheap plastic. Everything on this unit has a purpose and is well laid out. Although I did study the manual, I am certain I could have started using it almost immediately because of its logical layout. As a matter of fact that's what first interested me in the MRS802. The layout and design are much easier to understand than comparable units. Things I wish it had? An USB connection in addition to the CD recorder would be nice. A slightly larger display. A digital interface so I can transfer or receive files from other recorders. Including Alesis (ADAT), Tascam and Yamaha. (ADAT light pipe, USB and SPDIF).

Quality:
This product is well made. The finish, the fit, everything just tells you that a lot of thought and consideration went into producing the MRS802. The finish is perfect. I'm also not at all worried that it's going to break or develop problems. Barring an accident, it should last for a very long time. If I was going to take it out on the road. I would get a flight case. But it's portability is such that I feel I could carry it around without worrying about damaging it. That being said, I'm reasonably careful with my stuff. If you are too. I don't see any reason you couldn't haul it to a friend's house to do some recording.

Value:
In my humble opinion, the MRS802 just kills everything in it's price range (well under $1,000.00). Everything from the features, the construction, the ease of use, the portability, the easy to read manual and the display just speaks loads about ZOOM's commitment to producing high quality products. Watch out Yamaha, Alesis and Tascam, if these guys get any better you're in trouble. Simply an outstanding value!

Desirability:
The color, layout and design just shout PROFESSIONAL! The overall impression (sex appeal) of this product is superb. From the time you take it out of the box you're gonna feel like, "Hey, this thing doesn't feel like a toy?" And you're going to be right. The smooth finish, great display and quality is just so evident that you'll be wondering how the hell can they sell something like this for that price? 10 years ago this would have cost 7 to 10 thousand dollars. Now it's well under $1,000.00. Incredible.

Sound:
The sound is pretty damn impressive! Is it the best I've heard? No, but then it doesn't cost $2,000.00. Sure there are better sounding units on the market. Yamaha AW4416, Tascam 2488, ADAT HD24, etc. But they a lot more money than the MRS802.

Support:
Haven't had a chance to deal with the company. This thing is so well made I doubt that I'll have too. I've thought about contacting them on how to go about changing the hard drive to something larger. Say a 80 gigabyte drive. (Talk about HUGE!) But I actually think I could do it without even talking to them. The manual is fairly clear and concise on how to reformat the drive and reinstall the software. Since the hard drive is basically just an R&R operation. I'm certain I could pull it off without a hitch as long as there isn't some restriction in the software that wouldn't allow me to do it. The manual doesn't mention anything about replacing and/or upgrading the drive. But there's no reasonable reason to think that it couldn't be done. I'll get back to you on that in a few months.

Overall:
I expect to have this for a very long time. Even when I eventually go to something "better." I will probably still keep this around for recording those late night sessions I have with friends or for use as a scratch pad for my song writing. One day, ZOOM or someone else will come out with a 24 track, 96 bit, machine for under $1,000.00. When that day arrives I will more than likely upgrade. (Don't laugh, we are already knocking on that door.) Before buying the ZOOM MRS802 I considered the following recorders: Fostex MR8 (Cost of compact flash cards too much $$, poor quality on board effects) Fostex VF08 (Not a true 8 track machine) Fostex VF160 (Somewhat steep learning curve, not as easy to use as the MRS802.) Yamaha AW4416 (More than twice the price, great quality though.) Tascam 2488 (Again more than twice the price but again a steep learning curve.) Alesis ADAT HD24 (Super sound, just required too much additional equipment to get me where I wanted to go. Plus portability was an important issue to me.) I had it within my budget to purchase everything listed above but the ADAT HD24. I finally decided on the MRS802 because of its ease of use, quality, portability, design, good sound and bargain price. It simply met all of my goals in one unit. If it got lost or stolen I would replace it immediately with the same or similar ZOOM unit. Before buying, it's important to remember that this unit only has two inputs and a high impedance input which is shared with input 1. What do I like the least about it? I wish it had 16 tracks. I also wish it had four inputs not two, an ADAT light pipe, a USB connection and SPDIF (Sony Phillips Digital Interface. Put all that in the next unit and I'll immediately upgrade to the 16 track version. But considering the price these are all very minor complaints.

Feature:
I honestly can't think of a feature missing from this unit that is stifling my creativity at all. I record: by myself; one track at a time; and have several projects going on at the same time. This item seems to be especially catered to my brand of music production.

Quality:
Top Quality!

Value:
20 years ago, you would have had to spend $8,000.00 plus to get a set-up that STILL didn't produce something this clean.

Desirability:
Attractive, user-friendly, the Heart & Brains (& Soul) of my recording studio.

Sound:
I don't understand the "tech-geek" reviewers that don't like the sound. It is phenomenal!! I have yet to find an effect I don't like. At times you have to adjust the input/record levels when switching effects, but so what?! This recorder sounds superb! I guess some folks don't like the 802's sounds because it mimicks their "talent" too accurately!

Support:
I haven't dealt with the Zoom folks at all, yet - haven't needed to. zZounds have been great to do business with, though.

Overall:
There's no doubt I would replace it if something happened to it. I am VERY impressed with the Zoom MRS802CD, even after owning it for several months. Usually, I'm quickly discovering all the "limi- tations" in a recording product, but not with this unit. I'm also impressed with zZounds service, and am looking forward to dealing with them in the future.