Reviews for Electronics
Bedtime behavior is so touch-and-go during baby’s first and second year — and sometimes comforting “aids” can really help everyone get some much needed sleep. We received an earlier version of this Ocean Wonders Aquarium by Fisher-Price when our son was 6 months old and he (as well as his baby sister) ADORED it! We always knew when our kids were awake, from that, oh-so-familiar, yet not so annoying music. We’ve heard many similar reviews from other parents, so this Fisher Price aquarium HAD to make the Gift Guide. It attaches to the crib, and parents, or baby, or toddler can choose whatever setting is preferred or necessary — including different varieties of soothing lullaby music, bubble sounds, soft-glowing lights, or moving fish. There is a volume button (thank goodness), and three settings, depending on what kind of stimulation is needed: music only; music plus soft glowing lights; and music plus lights, bubbles, and moving fish. Little explorers’ hands can also press or turn to make some of the marine friends open, spin, etc.
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If your older grandchild has been asking for this hot new Nintendo DS Lite portable game system model, you should know there are, indeed, improvements from the original Nintendo DS hand-held model. First, it’s lighter and more compact. It’s also more interactive — in one game called Nintendogs, kids can say commands to their virtual puppies, and in another, they blow into the unit to create onscreen bubbles! Like the DS, the DS Lite features dual screens, wireless features, a touch screen, stylus, and microphone. And you’ll breathe a hugh sigh of relief over the fact that your grandchild will be able to use the old Nintendo DS model’s game cartridges on this newer model. The Nintendo DS Lite comes in Coral Pink, Polar White, and Onyx Black (shown here). Simply click on our “Click Here” link to find just the right color for your gamer. We also recommend the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP — a great value for kids still new to gaming, and the Leapfrog Leapster L-Max for little kids (ages 4-7). Use the search box to find our reviews.
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Remote Control Moon in My Room$29.95 at Amazon.com |
Whenever we drive at night, our kids will always try to spot the moon. With this authentic, remote control Moon in My Room bedtime moonscape, your grandchildren (ages 5 or 6 and older), can now study the moon up-close and personal! It features a built-in sensor that illuminates an astoundingly true-to-life moon when it gets dark. The moon rotates through 12 lunar phases, and turns itself off when the sun comes up. The kit includes detailed instructions, a moon phase chart calendar, and a guided “moon and beyond” tour CD that is well paced and kid-friendly.
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The Game Boy by Nintendo has always been a great little electronic game system for kids. This latest version, the Advance SP, is an improvement over the older SP Game Boy model, mostly because its screen is much brighter now — clearly visible in just about any condition except direct sunlight. And like the earlier SP version, it’s still widely considered to be the pinnacle of Game Boy design — easy to pocket and transport while keeping the screen scratch-free. Simple cross-shape directional pad controls, 2 shoulder buttons, 2 face buttons, and a start and select key are easy to use. This is a great system for kids new to the gaming world, and you can find lots of games that appeal to both boys and girls. And for little kids (ages 4-7), we recommend the Leapfrog Leapster L-Max (see our review).
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Fly Pentop Computer, Charger & Supplies$79.99 at Amazon.com |
It may take you a while to understand exactly what this gift does — it did for us. But once we got a “grasp” on it, we realized this pen does wonders! Brought to you by LeapFrog, the company that makes LeapPads and Leapsters for younger children, the Fly Fusion Pentop Computer is an electronic pen with a brain (built-in computer) that’s targeted to kids ages 8-12. The Fly is a fat pen with a tiny optical scanner near the point. As you draw words, numbers, or pictures, the pen responds. For example, you can draw a calculator and tap the numbers to help figure out math homework. You can also play games, learn geography, translate words from another language, and make music (by drawing keyboards or drums). It’s just like a computer, but the mechanisms are a pen and paper, instead of a keyboard and screen. To hear a menu of options, kids draw an “M” with a circle around it on the special dot-matrix FLYpaper. They then tap their drawing with the Fly Pen, and wait for the voice to recite menu options, including scheduler, calculator, time, notepad, settings, and games. To select an option, they print a check mark to the right of the “M,” and the computer announces their selection and options. Wow! You can also purchase the Fly Through Math (multiplication and division for grades 4-6), Spelling and Algebra software cartridges separately — programs that literally coach kids through homework. And you can also purchase really fun games, like Totally Stumped, a trivia game that won the 2006 Parents’ Choice Gold Award. This introductory kit comes with the FLY Pentop Computer, earbuds (tiny headset), carrying case, FLY Launch Pad Guide, charging dock, rechargeable battery, AC adapter, 17 games, 35 FLYpaper pages, 3 interactive FLY-FX cards, interactive map, 1 silver face plate, and 1 AAA battery. Additional paper, accessories, and interactive learning and game cartridges (already mentioned) are sold separately. Winner of many awards from both toy and technology experts. This pen is sure to impress kids and adults alike!
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If you’re looking for a hot new electronic gift for older kids — this Flip Video Camcorder is it! Its most appealing feature is probably its size, easily fitting into your grandchild’s jacket pocket or purse. It’s also simple to use, with one-touch recording and digital zoom. This model holds 60 minutes of TV quality video on 1 GB of built-in memory — meaning tapes and memory cards are not required. Your grandchildren can watch their videos instantly on TV (connection cable is included), or email and share them online (similar to the way one would share digital photos on Snapfish or Kodak Gallery). The Flip does have a USB that plugs directly into a computer, but the configuration may not work with every computer setup. So you can also puchase a USB extension cable for less than $10, and ensure that when they receive this gift, they will be ready to open, aim and shout, “action!”
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We know lots of kids who want to learn to play guitar, but until now, have not had access to an age-appropiate instrument. The “I Can Play Guitar” is a wonderful new product that’s Read more ª
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We’ve observed this teaching toy cash register (by Learning Resources) in many playrooms. It seems to be a staple for both imaginary play, and learning basic math and currency. Boys and girls of various ages can play “store” together, and pay for items using life-size pretend cash. The register has a coin reader that identifies both real and plastic coins. Numbers are large and easy to read, and kids can play various levels of learning games, depending on age and skill level. Also included are a scanner for pretend coupons and credit cards, and a working scale. Winner of numerous awards, including an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Ring this one up!
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Leapfrog Leapster L-Max Learning System-Pink$79.99 at Amazon.com |
Leapfrog makes plenty of great products, but this one has a special place in our hearts. The Leapfrog Leapster L-Max Learning Game System is a portable educational video game system made for boys and girls ages 4-10. During one long drive to visit his grandparents, our 4 year-old son actually learned all of the sounds that the letters make. Leapster provided him with another way to learn the information and it made all the difference in the world. Other game cartridges teach other skills, and more are being made available all the time. This particular system has a nice size for small hands, and is available in either blue or pink. It runs on 2 AA batteries, although you can buy a recharging system that parents will appreciate (sold separately). This gift is a sure winner for children that are starting to learn independently, and it will grow with them for several years. And check out Leapster’s many educational game cartridges while you’re at it. We highly recommend “Letters on the Loose” and “Get Puzzled,” but check the recommended age range noted on each game cartridge to make sure that it’s appropriate for your grandchild (but of course yours is a genius)!
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The Leapfrog Leapster is a fantastic portable electronic learning system for kids. Our 5 year-old absolutely loves his. We love it, especially on the long car rides. Get Puzzled is a new game cartridge that’s full of, well, puzzles. It’s a great way to learn logic, pattern recognition, and lots more! There are plenty of other game cartridges for the Leapster. Just search on Amazon.com for Leapster Games.
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