a decent microphone requires a pre-amp, so something that has a pre-amp onboard is essential.

There are several solutions

Laptop+usb interface+mic (this is what i used)

how about the marantz minidisc recorder? we use one at work. its expensive tho' but it is pro end stuff and gives wicked results, and has phantom power...

i guess the big quiestion is do you want to record where there is no possibility of a plug point or can you deal with that.

Broadcast quality equipment is very expensive, but the results are awesome.