Thanks guys, for your continuing interest & offers of assistance.

Before I do anything else, I'll see what the IPad does here.

I found this comparison between the 2 'i' devices with the 'mic' section being near the end of the video. Comments from viewers seemed to think that the IPad mic is better, but who knows for sure?:

http://www.speakipad.com/ipad-videos/apple-ipad-2-vs-iphone-4-camera-microphone-comparison

dak - I look forward to your results.

TAM