Olympus WS-853 Digital Voice Recorder

I have been using the Olympus WS-500M and WS-510M for years, and really liked them. However, I thought it would be time to upgrade to something more state-of-the-art. The WS-853 does have these advantages: • Records and plays in stereo • Records as .MP3 rather than .WMA, which is more versatile • Able to use rechargeable batteries However, I feel like the WS-853 is a step backward for one important way that I use my digital voice recorders, and that is in the organization of files. Unlike the Olympus WS-500M and WS-510M, the WS-853: • Does not have a separate "Music" or other folder for sound files (including MP3s) distinct from the A through E folders used for voice recordings (saved as WMAs) • For that reason, there's not a separate "Music/Voice" playback setting or switch • Within the A through E folders, the system does not recognize subfolders! Subfolders can be copied into the WS-853 when it's attached via USB, but the device won't even show the subfolder, much less allow access to its contents. I expected the "Folder/Index" button to be able to help with that, but the button's functions are limited to selecting among the A through E folders; it does not help for locating, identifying, or accessing a subfolder. I used subfolders extensively to organize my MP3s on my WS-500M and WS-510M. Now I have to choose between having a massive number of unorganized MP3s in one of my A through E folders, or having my files organized in folders but not being able to access them except when the device is attached via USB. So, if you're considering replacing your WS-5xx with the WS-853, be sure that you're willing to give up the functionality of being able to use subfolders.