I'm in need of a good quality dvr device/ app for non-shopping purposes, but since it needs to posses similar qualities to recorders one would use while shopping, I figured shoppers would give me the best reliable recommendations.
Specs needed:
1. as small/ discrete as possible
2. Able to pick up other people's voices besides mine at some distance (10-15+ft, if being shouted at... basically if I'm able to hear it with my ears, I want the recorder to be able to pick it up)
3. Record for long periods of time
4. Have very little chance of being accidentally shut off if bumped/ moved
5. Recordings easily uploaded to a Mac laptop in a format that is compatible with mac or pc, and easily able to send via email or Dropbox.
6. (Hopefully) not cost a fortune
7. Meet all previously stated specs while concealed in a jacket or jeans pocket and/or not LOOK like a recording device.
BONUS POINTS if it automatically saves data about the date/ time of the recording.
Also, if anyone knows of an app, or a way to automatically record phone calls without the other party knowing, that would be very beneficial also.
Not to air all my dirty laundry, but to aid in understanding my needs...Basically, my situation is that I'm going through an extremely messy divorce. My ex is very emotionally/ verbally abusive, and I have a protective order that he constantly violates. Despite all this, I still have to have some contact with him because we have a child together and he is still entitled to some parenting time. However, he uses those limited interactions to continue the abuse and harassment, which is hard on me but mostly on our 3 year old son. I hate that my baby has to witness such things; but I'm required to allow the minimum parenting time; and have gotten very limited help from police or the courts in actually enforcing the protective order. Every time he "gets away" with this harassment, it makes him think he can get away with more and more. At this point I need every interaction completely documented.
I do have a Sony DVR, but it's 4 1/2x 1 3/8x 5/8 inches, which obviously looks exactly like what it is, and the outline is noticeable in pants pockets IF you're looking for it (which he does know I own the device).
I tried using the voice memo app on my iPhone yesterday, but it paused sporadically throughout the recording, and did not pick up all of his yelling at me.
Any recommendations based on your actual hands on experience with recorders would be greatly appreciated.
Edited to add: yes, I am in a 1-party state so there's no issues there.