Who can tell me more about multi-tools?

I've been discussing multi-tools with a few friends.  Some reckon they're the bee's knees for dealing with small problems.  Others - including myself - maintain that the multi-tools we've seen in use simply can't compare to a small, portable tool kit to get things done.  The former's tools seem too small to use with comfort, prone to breaking under stress, and generally not very well made (although that may be a function of the brand and/or price point - a higher-quality, more expensive multi-tool might do better).  On the other hand, while a small zip-up bag containing a selection of tools can handle most minor maintenance jobs, it's a lot bigger, heavier and bulkier than a multi-tool.

In order to ground the discussion in reality, rather than a "Mine's better than yours!" diatribe, I'm looking for more information about multi-tools:  the common models, the quality of various brands, and particularly a primer or introduction on how to use them most effectively.  I suspect they may be capable of more than I think, provided they're used intelligently rather than as a form of improvised club!

Where can one find such information online?  What are some good resources to learn about multi-tools from the ground up?  What are the best brand(s), and why?  Which are the strongest, able to take tough use without breaking?  What tools are particularly useful from an all-round perspective, and which ones are esoteric and not very practical?  Please respond in a comment to this post if you have helpful suggestions.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to learn more about them.  Thanks!

Peter