There are many doomsayers who proclaim that the music CD is dead and that the age of the MP3, the iPod and all related portable music devices are the future of the industry. Whether or not that's true, there's no denying the stampede from the technical boys in the electronics world to get on board the MP3 express.

Which of course means that if you're going to grab the attention of cool youth and gadget-conscious Middle England, then you'll have to come up with something in the novelty range, now that Apple has stolen a commanding lead in the capacity department.

Aigo's answer is to devise a funky wristwatch in black and silver that both grants the wearer street-cred and includes the hidden 'wow' factor of a built-in MP3 player. Especially geared around the sports enthusiast who can play on the run or in the gym, the MP3 player is cunningly built into the strap, together with the USB cable, and both are intended to be invisible.

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Connection to the PC is simplicity itself, either directly by the short USB cable or by using the included USB extension lead. Analogue to digital conversion is automatic and files are instantly translated into MP3 format. This is also the means by which the rechargeable battery gets powered up, giving up to four hours continuous play (although an optional power adapter can be used when you're not within range of a PC).

The watch supports MP3, WMA and ADPCM formats and the quality is clear, even with lots of motion. In addition, there's a five setting equalisation mode (Rock, Jazz, Classic, Pop and Normal) with the usual random, repeat all, and repeat track settings.

The button controls are on the outside rim, in the same configuration as stopwatch and mode buttons on conventional wristwatches. While they are quick to master and operate, the start/stop button can be easily brushed if you're wearing long sleeves or a jacket and the delete button is particularly awkward to reach if the headphones are plugged in as the jack half covers it.

But true to Aigo's commitment to multifunctional devices, there's one other useful add-on built into the strap - a microphone. The theory is that this will come in useful for sports training programmes to be recorded and played back in the gym, assuming you've got the volume loud enough to be heard above the muzak and your heavy breathing!

As well as the seductive styling - the black backlit dial plate, the glowing hands, the static resistant and scratch-proof finish - the pricing is reasonable. And it even claims to be waterproof, though we were a little reticent to try that out.

If you want to impress your friends at work, college, or at the gym, this is one of those ideal gadget accessories that looks cool and features an impressive music entertainment centre.