I would also add that, if you're planning on doing any post-production work on the recording, the more accurate the initial recording, the better.

Bill,
 
They may have listed 4GB as the largest SD (HC) card, but they may support larger sizes.
 
Here's the technical details:
 
SDHC allows larger SD cards (4-32GB).  So the device controller supports larger cards.
 
The previous spec (SD) used a filesystem called FAT16, while SDHC devices should have support for FAT32.  FAT16 is mostly limited to 2GB (but can be run up to 4GB, with the potential to break compatibility, and Microsoft recommends against it), and FAT32 can support up to 127GB.
 
So, it is possible that the device would support everything up to 32GB in terms of hardware, but the software would support only 4GB.  This would be shortsighted and bad, but I've seen worse.
 
Bradley

Again, thanks for the info.  The documentation states the Zoom will take up to a 2gb SD card, and up to a 4gb SDHC card.  At 44.1khz @ 16 bit (as recommended by James, above), the unit provides almost 6 1/2 hours of recording time.  This should be more than enough for me.  
 
Bill, tgo

I just went to the Zoom website and the H2 certainly looks like a nice tool to have.

I used the Zoom (it does sound better than Edirol!) for an acoustic band rehearsal two nights ago, and for my Grateful Dead band's rehearsal last night.  In both cases I set it up in the middle as we set up in a sort of circle, all facing each other.  I used the front and back mic pairs both on, recording in stereo.  YOU'VE GOT TO GET ONE OF THESE!  It works GREAT!  The meter levels were easily set and worked (it does have Auto Gain Control, Compression, and limiting.  I didn't use these as I set the levels myself using the 3 position slide switch (hi/med/lo gain) in conjunction with the level set meters).  Works like a charm.  The Zoom couldn't be easier to use.  On the way home, I plugged it into my car stereo (the Zoom has a mini-phone headphone, etc. out) and listened to us on the drive home.  I've been through one set of batteries.  It takes two regular AA or rechargeable AA. It also plugs in (AC wall wart included).  If hooked up to a computer, it powers off the USB connection.  I LOVE this thing, exactly what I was looking for.  Joe Bob sez: two big thumbs up!
 
Bill, tgo

Bill, do you know about how much recording time you got from one set of batteries?

The documentation says 4 hours.  That seems fairly accurate, but my experience is, so far, limited.
 
Bill, tgo

Sounds awesome, especially for the price.  Congrats on a well researched and executed purchase.

Great review; thanks!!

Hey Bill,
     I am looking to replace my Sony HD. It is a great piece of equipment, but very difficult to use, and very fragile. Plus, it records only in 16mhz which I understand is not very good. Shame is I paid $560 for it two years ago. You've sold me on the Zoom H2 (but will you get your commission??). Anyhow, where does one obtain one of these? I checked Guitar Center's website and they haveth none!
 
Peace,
 
Gil

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H2/

FWIW, I tried to bring a cumbersome old VHS recorder into the rehearsal studio to capture rambling audio over 4 hours. It works. Mine has an audio stripe to the tape and is actually digital audio.  
 
Recently though I have been lazy and have taken my dictaphone. Roll your memory back to Twin Peaks' Agent Cooper. When I get home I transfer the audio to 'diane' - i.e. Protools. Sounds like a bad AM radio, but it gives a fair representation of  song endings, song structures, etc. Good enough to critque performance etc.

oops, glitch, double post......
 
(Message edited by jbybj on November 13, 2007)

I got my Zoom at a Sam Ash brick and mortar store. I actually spent an hour walking around the store, recording young Shredders and percussiods with the unit before I bought it. Good luck, JBY

One Zoom H2 Recorder coming right up!....that is to Parker, CO. Should be here tomorrow! I couldn't wait and paid like a gazillion dollars for shipping.  
 
Peace,
 
Gil