mp3 Recorder Recommendations?

[dualstow]

(1) I'm basically looking for something with a microphone that will record birdsong and my wife's antics to mp3.
I'm currently testing a Tascam iM2, which is mic that plugs into an iPhone and uses the same company's app to control it.
Have tried other products and sent them back.
This one seems to have some software glitch since the most recent iOS update, but for $29, I'll hold on.

(2) In the future, I'd like to buy:
(2a) a digital recorder that accepts line in, so I can record from vinyl and cassette and MiniDisc and/or
(2b) something between my Mac mini and my turntable that will make everything a bit better, be it an amplifier, mixer or whatever.

Any suggestions? Thanks!