November 2007
Electronic toys
Toys are listed in order of popularity with our group of 40 kids ages 6 to 12
VExplorer
by Revell, $200
What it is: A remote-controlled vehicle you build yourself using partially preassembled modules. Vehicle has a spycam that transmits an image and sound to your TV, and a claw that can grasp objects (or an unsuspecting parent’s or sibling’s leg!). Requires 1 9-volt and 10 AA batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: Kids found this high-tech toy fun because “you can spy on people and grab stuff.”
What’s not so cool: An adult engineer assembled this toy prior to the kids’ test. He thought that kids might have some difficulty assembling it, and would need a lot of patience to do it. (The manufacturer’s Web site says you can build the toy in less than an hour, but it took our engineer 1 1/2 hours.)
What the kid testers said: Kids enjoyed watching the spycam on TV, and making the “pinching” action. They found the toy hard to control at first, and thought it moved a bit slowly.
EyeClops Bionic Eye
by Jakks Pacific, $50
What it is: EyeClops is a self-proclaimed handheld “Bionic Eye” that plugs into your TV. Point the EyeClops at an object and see it magnified 200 times on your TV--basically a microscope you can use on your TV. The battery-powered device plugs directly into the A/V jacks found on any current TV model (the TV is not included!). The toy provides new perspectives on little things right on your TV's screen. Requires five AA batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: Kids enjoyed using this magnifier and seeing the results on TV.
What’s not so cool: We had no complaints from our test kids.
What the kid testers said: “Totally awesome,” and “very cool.”
Power Tour Electric Guitar
by Tiger Electronics/Hasbro, $70
What it is: A stringless electric guitar with many features that you play by brushing the “strum bar” with your fingers. It can be connected to your own personal music player (such as an MP3). Requires four AA batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: You can learn to play along with built-in songs, and add “effects” like an echo and distortion.
What’s not so cool: Too small, no chords, and no strings.
What the kid testers said: “It’s like you’re a rock star.” “I think you’d have better luck buying a PS2 and ‘Guitar Hero’ or ‘Rockband’.”
Robopanda
by WowWee, $170
What it is: Interactive robot panda that comes with its own smaller plush panda toy. Reads stories, plays games, and sings. Requires six C and four AA batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: Kids tend to like interactive toys in general.
What’s not so cool: It was expensive and didn’t hold the kids’ interest.
What the kid testers said: “I was bored.” “I didn’t like it.” “If you’re into stuff like computers or sports, it’s kind of slow.” They also said it was hard to change the volume setting, and that some sensors didn’t seem to work.
Transformers Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet
by Hasbro, $35
What it is: Voice changer that lets kids “become” the mighty leader of the Autobots and help defend planet Earth. Makes your voice sound like a robot with three different modes. Adjusts to fit different head sizes. Requires three AA batteries (included).
What’s cool about it: Kids enjoyed hearing their voices sound so different.
What’s not so cool: Replacing batteries was hard, and the diagram in the instructions was confusing. Kids tended to try this toy and lose interest within a few minutes.
What the kid testers said: “I sound like an alien, so I like it.”
FurReal Friends Squawkers McCaw
by Hasbro, $70
What it is: This "trainable" toy parrot can deliver more than 45 responses, phrases, and silly sound effects. Has touch sensors, and comes with remote control, toy cracker, perch, and instructions. Remote control allows your child to switch Squawkers to Speech, Dance or Singing modes, and he can also coo, kiss, and flutter his wings. Requires four AA batteries for doll (included) and two AAA batteries for remote (not included).
What’s cool about it: Looks lifelike.
What’s not so cool: Most kids lost interest after a few minutes. Works better in a quiet room.
What the kid testers said: “We had to read the directions to figure out how to work it.” “Had sensors and you could pet it.”
Video Journal
by Radica GirlTech, $35
What it is: An interactive journal you can create and customize. Allows you to capture pictures and videos with the digital camera to add more about your life. Also includes creative templates to express yourself through poetry and prose, calendar feature to keep organized, draw function for added creativity, and “hide” button to protect your privacy. Software, USB, camera docking station, and lanyard included. Requires one AAA battery (not included).
What’s cool about it: It’s fun to customize your own journal and add photos.
What’s not so cool: Some kids had trouble getting the camera to work.
What the kid testers said: “It’s very fun.” “I couldn’t get pictures to download.”
by Mattel, $30
For ages: 5 and up
What it is: These Barbie dolls play three songs to sing along to. You can plug an iPod or external music source into your doll and she will "sing" and bop her head along to the music. Dolls also carry a cell phone and microphone. Requires three AA batteries (not included).
What’s cool about it: Many girls like Barbies.
What’s not so cool: Our testers sometimes had trouble getting the dolls to work.
What the kid testers said: “It’s fun because it says stuff.” “It’s fun to play with Barbies when you have a lot of imagination.”
