I have been using my iPod for more than a year now. Being a thrifty person that I am, I always look for things that can make the most out the devices that I already have, and I always look for more affordable alternatives. Glad I have found a good alternative for a recorder – the Ozaki on-the-go mic.

The Ozaki iPill is an inexpensive solution for sound recording on the iPod. It is a compact microphone specially designed for iPod nano 4 and iPod Touch 2.

The microphone’s unique design is an eye catcher. It looks like an enlarged capsule that would instantly make one wonder what it’s for. It comes in two versions: black with a yellow cap, and white with a red cap. It’s 3.5cm long, making it not too small nor too big for my 4th generation iPod nano.

The device consists of two parts. Half of the device is the 3.5mm connector while the other half is its protective cap. The protective cap has a tiny eyelet where you can attach a key ring, a string or a thin strap so you won’t lose it while using your microphone.

I tested the device in multiple ways, and I’m happy it gave me pleasing results.

Though I’ve been informed beforehand that it’s only good for one-on-one interviews, I tested its capabilities by using it in lectures. Ofcourse, the sound quality decreased as I moved farther away from the speaker, but I’m pleased that voice sounds can still be recorded clearly up to five feet. That is, when the speaker is using a microphone.

So then I tested the device in natural conversations. Conversations in a coffee shop were astonishingly recorded as understandably as conversations held in fast food restaurants. The only difference is, ofcourse, the presence of a background noise in fastfood restaurants.

Next thing I did was record sounds right from radio, TV and PC speakers. It was impressive that, no matter how close the device was to the speakers, it did not interfere with the sounds of the speakers nor with the quality of the recording. Nonetheless, it cannot completely eliminate random noise produced while texting and making calls.

You don’t need a software to install into your iPod. Simply attach the device, and your iPod will readily recognize it. Plus, you can do everything on the spot with this device.

After saving the file, you can immediately categorize it as a lecture, meeting, memo or an interview. If you’re not satisfied with the recording, you can also delete the file without having to connect your iPod to a computer.

Though the package only says that iPill is for iPod nano 4 and iPod Touch 2, I tried to attach it to gadgets that have recording properties (e.g. cellphones and recorders) and 3.5mm headphone jacks. Surprisingly, it was compatible and enhanced all of the devices’ recording abilities.

Overall, I’d say that the Ozaki iPill is a perfect gadget for my iPod. It looks simple, yet I find it very useful. It is practical and affordable. Its capabilities are not limited to one-on-one interviews, but it can also be used in lectures and even in music rehearsals.

It went beyond my expectations as it enhanced the capabilities of my iPod. So, I call it a “wonder drug” for my iPod.