Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"
This is just spin control. Sony is getting eaten alive by bad press, deservedly so. His response just furthers the impression of arrogance and disrespect of your customers. "It's a recorder". Give me a break. This isn't the late 80's. A drive is a drive, whether it burns or not, it should be capable of playing back the content you just burned in it.
But hey, customers should feel honored that Sony affords you the right to buy a burner to burn their format and also buy a seperate player to play back your newly burned discs.