Suntower, I don't know if you're still reading this forum, but you might want to check out the reviews of portable recorders at Transom.Org here:
http://www.transom.org/tools/recording_interviewing/200703_recorder_reviews/

You might be thinking of the Sony PCM-D50 which is reviewed there.

Here's another review site, although a bit snootish, but still good information:
http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org/archive/res_audioequip.htm

I'm insterested in the Marantz PMD-661 with cleaner XLR and mics pre installed by Oade Brothers, here:
http://www.oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/PMD-661MODS.html

Hope this helps!

I use a Fostex MR8 mkII 8 as a field recorder and it produces reasonable recordings I would not go as far as FANTASTIC!!! It can be used for multitracking in a pinch at remote locations.

I have done a tremendous number of field recordings over the last thirty years, everything from nearly every band practice, jam sessions, opem mics, to all our gigs to concerts (I know I shouldn't be admitting this though I have never distributed bootleg recordings.)I have used a multitude of different devices and have found that just like studio recording the three most important criteria are placement, placement, and placement. Did I mention placement?
Even these tiny internal mics will yield good (relative) recordings if the units are well placed, the issue is it is very difficult even with 'phones to pinpoint where that is and then variables like someone sitting down nearby and having an OH MY GOD GIRLFRIEND discussion.
I noticed that they are making mics (one even made by Blue) for Ipod recording but I don't have any experience with them.
Couldn't you just ask your friend what he used?

I ended up getting the Zoom H4. LOVE it. Of course, 1 month later they came out with the -new- H4 which I would love even more because it has two features that would -really- help...
1. You can now record on both the mics -and- the line-ins at the same time (which you can't on the original.)

2. The new one time stamps each file, which the original does NOT. That's the thing that -really- is a drag.

Other than those quibbles, I LOVE this thing!

---JC

I have heard mixed reviews on this, a buddy just bought one and he had it at the studio the other day (H4) and I made a couple of quick recordings with it. Easy to use and the mic set up was interesting the recordings sounded pretty good though I did not really test it.