I am looking for a field recorder that I can also use as a sketchpad for new material. I am familiar with the Sony Minidisk, the Edirol, & M-Audio. Both Boss units look great on paper. Does anyone have hands on experience and can compare to the other recorders. Suggestions, please.

I am considering getting a Micro BR as a sketchpad practice tool too. There is a good discussion on the Steel Guitar Forum by some users.
Jamie

I own Micro BR. Never used any other recorders, though. In comparison to other portable recorders, Micro BR is more multitrack and less field recorder. Aimed to the Guitarist above all. For field recording the Zoom H4 is probably a better choice, though its multitrack features are very poor. Overall, I would say Micro BR is more versatile then the other portable recorders and is the best value for the money. Br-600 is great altough not so portable.

I bought the Micro BR 6 months ago after a couple of years with a Korg 1200.
I am very pleased and have not been back to the 1200 because of the BR's simplicity.
This means you can get the ideas down quickly on the road or in the bedroom but can also develop a decent demo with practice.
You have to get good at bouncing with only 4 trax (+8 virtual trax ea.)but it's good practice and a good sound with lots of FX and preset mastering algos.
Good bang for the few bucks.