I love free apps. They give you the opportunity to try out an application without any risk. I mean, the only thing you lose is a little bit of time, but that’s not even much to complain about when you get right down to it. So when I downloaded Jott, I was excited. Here’s a way to take verbal notes and keep track of memos without a millions post-its. And believe me, anything to cut down my postage usage would be a godsend.

That’s why it pains me to say I’m disappointed with this freebie app. To begin though, it does do a few things well. For instance, after setting up your account—which is as simple as text messaging a verification number—you can start recording memos. It offers a neat reel-to-reel graphic while you record, as well. Once you’re done recording, the audio processes and is sent to the Jott service. You will hear the “mail sent” sound.

Now, you can go into your “Notes” section right away and listen to the memo you just record. All you have to do is select the memo from the list and press the play button in the right hand corner. We’re good up until this point.

But the next part—the part that’s supposed to set Jott apart from the competition–fails miserably. Granted, in my first memo I said stuff like “Cup, plastic, paper, drink, soda, hello,” basically a string of simple words. After all, I figured this app would be used for grocery lists and the like, anyway. So after a few minutes, your recorded message should show up transcribed in the Notes section. But mine looked even more random and nonsensical than my actual message! It read: “I don’t know how where you know some uh plates cups match page. Right.” Do I need to tell you that this was nowhere near correct? I think the only word it got right was “cups.”

My second try was much better, however. I said, “This is a test memo for Jott” and that’s exactly what was transcribed. Perhaps random words confuse it? I don’t know. But what I do know is that if you want to record anything longer than 15 seconds, well, you can’t. This is for quick bursts, only.

All in all, I’m disappointed, but hey, it’s free! And it’s a good alternative to the Recorder, if you don’t feel like shelling out a buck.