My husband bought me this vibrator in the late 90s, and insisted that I try it. I did, and I found that it was way too strong at the time. So, we used it to ease muscle spasms and other aches. Fast forward to 2012 -- I have since learned how to pleasure myself, and I use this on a regular basis with fantastic results.

The bulk of the Hitachi Magic Wand is made out of hard plastic. The tip has a bumpy texture that didn't feel good when I put it on my clitoris. Others might enjoy the bumps; however, I prefer smooth textures. That is why I use an attachment -- then it feels great!

I don't remember any smell when I opened the box for the first time.

This is the one thing I don't like about the Hitachi, as of this date. It is easily a foot long, and it's heavy, which makes it a bit unwieldy. I tried using it during sex with my husband, and it didn't work because I couldn't get the angle right on my clit. With solo play, I've learned how to position my legs so that my arm doesn't ache. If Hitachi ever makes an upgraded version, I would like to see a more compact, lightweight design.

The cord makes it inconvenient to use anywhere except on the bed. If Hitachi can make a rechargeable vibe with the same power, that would be awesome.

Beginners can use the wand if they are not too sensitive to the vibrations. When starting out, it might be good to work from the outside in, until you are fully aroused. Then, your clit may welcome the strong vibrations. You can also buy an assortment of attachments, ranging from smooth to textured. Some of these attachments have a wand that you can insert into your vagina or anus.

The Hitachi has two settings: high, and Holy God Almighty! The high setting is sufficient for me to get off, and I can do that within moments of placing the wand onto my clitoris. This is something that I have yet to be able to do with the other vibes that I own. All you have to do is press the switch from one side to the other.

I don't like the noise it makes, but I have learned to tune it out because I can anticipate the end result. Because of this, I would never use it when my family is in the house. Its noise level, and my noise level, will make it very obvious about what I'm doing.

I've yet to find a battery-operated or rechargeable vibe that can produce the same amount of power that this thing does. Because it has an electrical cord, it is definitely not waterproof.

I use it with the attachment and my Uma, which I insert into my vagina when I'm ready. This has produced a double vibrating action, which I have come to enjoy.

It is easy to slip the attachment on, but I have to work a bit to pull it off. It's a very snug fit.

As a massager, it works great to relax sore or strained muscles. It will heat up after prolonged use. As a precaution, we turn it off to let it cool, so that it won't overheat.

My husband used warm water and plenty of soap to clean off the head when we first started using it. You can also use sex toy cleaners to do the job. Afterwards, I store it in my nightstand for safekeeping. I've never had a problem using Astroglide with it.

Since my husband bought this so long ago, I don't remember the packaging, except that it wasn't hard to remove the wand from it.

I have been able to have multiple, powerful orgasms within minutes while using the Hitachi. I've enjoyed this vibrator/massager so much that I'm tempted to buy a backup, just in case the old one breaks.