Question: There are so many reviews spread around the web about the Zoom H4N, some of them praise this recorder, other say some things about bad preamps, hissy mics etc...

Who has had experiences with this device? Would you recommend it? How are the internal mics? I am thinking about going out into the woods to record ambient sounds. 
I also like the multi-track feature and would like to use external mics, too.

Answer: 
If you are looking at doing nature recording, I urge you to check out the nature recordists group on Yahoo groups. You will find a lot of hardcore expert advice there, especially on their FAQ.
I have an H4n and like it a lot. Very versatile. 

The one disappointment is (as has already been mentioned) how the different modes have different record formats. 

I'm hoping that Zoom's successor to the H4n will address this, and wondering when that might happen. The H2n looks nice, and is new, so maybe a new 4-channel will soon come out. Anyone have any ideas? (It was that exact question that somehow led me this forum, btw.) 

I'm a studio-only songwriter/producer (which I've always thought of as sound design), and bought it just to have a good quality recorder for ideas, etc. But the 4CH and MTR modes intrigued me and have turned out to be surprisingly useful... if only it weren't for the format limitations. 

It's a sturdy device, and the software is well designed, easy to get around, and work within each of the modes. Even MTR mode, which could easily have been a nightmare, is straightforward to operate. Very useful as a portable recorder & mini studio. 

Finally, FYI, if you're thinking of getting one: In the US, Amazon sells an H4n package for a bit over $300 USD that includes the remote (whihc is VERY useful). I was able to get zZounds music store to beat the Amazon price on *their* Zoom bundle, which normally sells for over $350 dollars and includes a remote AND a decent pair of headphones, a small gig bag, an extra SSD card, and a few other useful accessories. Very happy w purchase.