Ultimately the convergence of products creates hybrid items that we instinctively expect to perform marginally. While the MSI MegaStick1 is indeed capable in each facet; MP3 playback, USB storage device, digital voice recording, and digital FM radio tuner - it doesn't hold true to those diminished expectations.

In otherwords, while I have some issues with the intuitiveness of the menu system and design of the controls, these stem from poor instructions for the most part, and so once you become familiar with how to use the MegaStick1 it is actually a pretty cool little device.

Obviously, the individual features for items like radio, voice recording and MP3 playback are not as complete as would be on dedicated devices (for example no indexing of voice records, or play list functions for MP3s), but overall the unit handles each function in its most basic form quite well.

The ability to adjust digital voice recording quality is not something we expected, and were quite pleased with the results. Being able to maintain a list of 10 preset radio stations is also a nice feature. As it stands, powering up the Megastick1 brings you to the last-listened to radio station, and from there you can scan though the pre-sets quickly once you figure out the correct key (play/pause) to press.

For people who tend to do a lot of traveling, a device such as the MegaStick1 offers a lot of functionality in a little package. You can bring along all the entertainment you need, and still have room left over to transfer files from computer-to-computer through the USB drive function. Though, I'd probably stick on a better pair of headphones if I was going out into the world with this little guy, others will no doubt appreciate the lanyard.

Bottom line, while the pearlescent white casing definitely stands out, I think MSI have pulled off a pretty good little product with the MSI MegaStick1. The core functionality is basic, but it is by no means limiting, and compared to the USB drives of old, offers a heck of a lot more in the same package!