Slim digital audio player and recorder with cradle

A combination of a digital audio player and recorder and a cradle. The digital audio player and recorder comprises: a data storage device capable of receiving a data storage medium; a printed circuit assembly (PCA) connected to the data storage device, a housing enclosing the data storage device and the PCA, and a first connector extending through the housing and connected to the PCA for transferring data between the cradle and the data storage device. The cradle comprises a receptacle adapted to receive the player and recorder, a second connector adapted to detachably couple with the first connector, and a third connector adapted to detachably couple with an external data source.