Form Factor
MiniDisc form factor identifies the type of machine, such as a portable recorder, playback-only portable, home deck or combined disc component.
The category describes physical use and the product's main role. It distinguishes a self-contained portable from a system component, and a dedicated MiniDisc mechanism from a unit combining several playback formats.
Form Factor — MiniDisc
A portable recorder can make recordings, whereas a portable player is playback-only. A home deck is intended for a hi-fi system; a professional deck targets installation or production use. A combo deck includes another mechanism, such as CD, alongside its MiniDisc drive.
Compare recording support, power options, dimensions and connections rather than assuming every form offers the same functions. XLR connections alone do not settle its intended use. Multitrack machines, car units and packaged systems are different categories. USB music transfer on an audio MiniDisc recorder does not make it a computer-only data drive.