Sadly, it looks as though Sony has finally given up on the MiniDisc format. Having already stopped making the portable player/recorders MD Walkman’s in 2011, they are now getting ready to ship their last MiniDisc stereo system in March, according to this article on the BBC News website.

Sony to make last MiniDisc stereo system in March

For me, it’s kinda of sad. The MiniDisc format was and is superior to the CDR experience, for a removable media solution. Obviously, some of the solid state alternatives are much more flexible and hold a lot of audio before needing to be offloaded or in the case of the MD, a new disk.

For alternatives to MD, here are some alternative technologies that might interest you. If you are interested in recording AM or FM radio programs automatically, without having to leave your computer on all day and night long, you might want to check out this item from the C.Crane company:

CC Witness Plus

Sony themselves also makes a nice recorder/playback device (sans AM/FM radio), which you can checkout here:

Digital Voice Recorder ICD-TX50

Sony also makes other field recorders of varying features and price. You can check out the full collection here:

Sony Voice Recorders

According to the article, Onkyo will still be making MiniDisc equipment for the die hard fans of the format and Sony will continue to make the blank discs.