MSI Mega Stick 528

These days a portable digital media player needs to do more than play music and the Mega Stick certainly rises to the challenge. Along with 512Mb of internal memory (enough for about 120 tracks), the Mega Stick has a built-in FM tuner and a radio recording function. There's also a microphone, allowing the Mega Stick to be used as a dictaphone.

The Mega Stick uses USB 2 to transfer MP3 and WMA files, even those protected by digital rights management (DRM), which can be purchased from Napster and other online sources. The USB plug flips behind a flap when not in use, which is preferable to a separate cable that can easily get lost.

There's a small joystick for controlling volume and navigating through tracks and a 'hold' option to prevent accidental presses.

The headphones are incorporated into a necklace, so if you plan to keep the Mega Stick in your pocket you may want to consider using a different set of headphones.

Sound quality was good and it was easy to select songs and functions. The backlight can also change colour to suite your tastes.

Given that it is a similar size and price to the iPod Shuffle but includes a screen and an FM radio, the Mega Stick is a very attractive digital music player.

See also:

iRiver H10

iRiver's answer to the iPod Mini will also display text and images  05 May 2005

MSI Mega Player 521

A sporty little digital media player that will help you keep fit  02 Mar 2005

Creative Zen Micro

Finally, we're able to recommend a portable audio player to rival the iPod Mini  04 Feb 2005

Samsung-Napster YH-920 GS

Samsung and Napster join forces with an MP3 player that plays and records radio  28 Jan 2005

Apple iPod Mini

Is Apple doing enough to retain its MP3 crown?  10 Dec 2004

MSI Megaplayer 516

A bluetooth-enabled MP3 player  18 Nov 2004

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