5. A method for verifying the integrity of memory on a removable flash memory recording medium chip for use within a hand held recording device, such that the flash memory is suitable for recording voice messages, said method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a removable flash memory recording chip and a hand held recording device with a plug assembly for electrically coupling the flash memory and the recording device; andb) activating a memory integrity test by manually inserting the flash memory chip into the plug assembly of said recording device to electrically couple the flash memory to the recording device.

6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein the memory integrity test of step b) further comprises the steps of:

a) testing memory segments of the flash memory to determine whether said segments can record and play a voice message, or are defective; andb) marking defective memory segments so that the recording device will not record to said segments.