2. MSI Mega Player 521

The MSI Mega Player 521 is an MP3 player with an integrated FM radio tuner and voice recorder. The device is small, super-lightweight (2 ounces, or 60 g) and partially rubberized, making it attractive for sport uses. It features 256 MB of internal memory. One drawback, however, is that the memory cannot be replaced or expanded.

The Mega Player 521 can be connected to a PC via the USB 2.0 interface. Once you plug in the data cable, the drive can be used as a shared storage medium and integrated into your workstation just like a USB memory stick.

As long as the player is connected via USB, it draws its power from this interface, too, and the battery recharges automatically. The Mega Player 521 can't do double duty as a player when the USB link is active, however. You can also use the included power supply, which is suitable for use in most places (100-240 V and 50-60 Hz) and enables simultaneous battery charging and music playback. Thus, there's nothing to stop you from taking the device with you as you trot the globe, especially since the plug can be exchanged directly: no adapter required. Unfortunately, though, it only comes with one plug.

One concern we have is that the cover of the USB connector seems to be rather flimsy; we would not expect it to last in the long run, because the plastic cap is attached with just a thin connector.