Operation confirmed. Uses two AAA batteries. Includes two 32MB SmartMedia cards (verified for normal writing and reading), so you can use it for recording without any problems. One 32MB card allows for 5 or 11 hours of recording (depending on sound quality settings). Includes a USB cable for exporting files to a PC. However, the file format is DSS, so you'll need to use DSS to MP3 conversion software (free) on your PC. Please refer to the instruction manual for other details. The SmartMedia eject button is dirty, but otherwise, it's generally clean.