Conversation so far:
how are the ports of msp430 identified at its cpu
what is the msp430 designed for
The MSP430 is designed for low cost and, specifically, low power consumption embedded applications.
how many msp430 generations are there
There are six general generations of MSP430 processors.
what are additional families within the msp430
Additional families within MSP430 include Fixed Function, Automotive, and Extended Temp parts

Question: are the peripherals easy to use
Self-contained rewrite: are the msp430 peripherals easy to use