Audio Recorders other than Mac or Smart Phone

I want to learn how to make videos. I'm thinking of buying a DSLR camera that shoots video.

For audio, I want to purchase an external mic for my MacBook Pro. (Someone recommended a brand called Snowcone, Snoball, or something like that.)

However, I also want to get a more portable mic for shoots where I'm not lugging my laptop around with me. I read that you can get audio apps for smart phones from the Apple store. However, I don't have a smart phone; I can't afford the monthly bills.

Can anyone recommend some portable audio devices that are compatible with Macs? In other words, I'd record something on the audio device, then later copy the soundtrack on to my Mac.

Thanks.