tascam pocketstudio is a joke.
but their new 40 gig recorders with 2 band eq in all channels-399$(without efx),499$(with efx)looks like better deal.since they have USB (and 40 gig)file transfer and CD writing shouldn't be a problem.

MR8 however does not have channel EQ and you can't use 2 efx(efx are just single delay and 3 reverbs) simutanously on 2 inputs.amp simulation are weak but great for the price a year ago.
new zoom(350$) has built in drum machine,gtr,bass,vocal efx etc but 350$ is not that attractive since you can get better gear for 200$ or more.