I picked up the messenger kit Sunday night (1-29-8). I got it because I've been getting messages from PGLers about some gaming, and I was too lazy to get one of the laptops and drag it into the family room, and virtual keyboard was becoming a pain. I also had $10 in BB money, so it only cost $20.
With that said above, I have to say, the chatpad has been a much better experience than I was expecting. It works very well for what it is; it should be noted I don't use QWETY keyboards and don't like texting on my cellphone. Plugged right in and worked like a charm.
It doesn't interfere with controller to play any games. It does take about 30 minutes to get use to the wieght shit on the controller. The controller's wieght of center is in the middle of the chatpad. The styling maintains the look of the 360 controller and even manages to maintain the side groove.
The different plus on the pad is cool. Supposely you can use a cellphone earpiece with a 2.5mm plug, which I have. I haven't used it yet, so I'm not sure about volume control or mutting since my earpiece doesn't have it build into the wire like the M$ headset. The only thing I don't like about headset is the plug has a 90 degree turn. Not that I think it will be an issue, I'm wary of causing a short in the cord depending on it's position; probably best to point it up. I assume M$ did the angel instead of straight because of concern creating a short.
2-1-8: addition info:
I did tried headphone/mic port with my cellphone ear piece. I was concern with no volumne control, I be blasting my ear out. Fortunately, this was not case. I worked well. Part of the night, and I suspect it more XBL than anything else, there was some echoing. Only bad thing, no mute button.
Tar Heels in '08! 
