Hello Vicky. The PTR1 is a recorder, which uses CD's and Flash cards. The PTN1 is simply a CD player. The PTX1 is similar to the PTR1, but with a slightly different control layout, and in addition to playing CD's it will play memory sticks, S D cards, and also has internal memory. Although you cannot record on it from external sources, or a microphone, it will let you move from one format to another for copying. You cannot copy on to a CD, but you can copy a CD on to a stick or a card, or into the internal memory, and you can copy from any of the formats on to another format. Hope this helps. Peter