Children Educational Toys » Electronic Educational Toys

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

ToyLover — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:12:54 +0000

Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want--if you can dream it, you can build it. MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Ages: 10 and up Pieces: 619 Requires: 6 "AA"/LR6 batteries (not included) What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Brings LEGO to life. The Challenging: Booklet only includes instructions for one basic robot. In a Nutshell: Everything you need to build and program robots -- jump starts inventive play. With MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, you can construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. View larger. Use the included software to program your robot and watch it come to life. View larger. Build, Program, Go Creating a MINDSTORMS robot is challenging -- but not too difficult -- with an illustrated step-by-step booklet and software showing the way. The booklet gives you instructions for building a basic "Quick Start" robot only, which is an easy introduction to the MINDSTORMS experience. This robot took our two adult testers about 30 minutes to build and 30 minutes to program. After that, they spent a lot of time just playing with their creation and testing its abilities. Once you master the basics of MINDSTORMS, you'll need to use the included software to get instructions for more advanced creations. You can also use the MINDSTORMS web site to find instructions for many other robots, or you can create robots on your own. No matter what you choose to create, the principles are the same: just build the robot using the LEGO elements in the kit, and program it on your computer using the software. Then watch your robot come alive. NXT Technology Brings LEGO to Life MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 features the latest in robotic technology: an advanced programmable microcontroller, Interactive Servo Motors, smart sensors, icon-based drag-and-drop programming software, interactive challenges, and wireless Blue tooth and USB connections -- all the smart technologies you need to create your custom robot. First, the brain of the MINDSTORMS robot is NXT, an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick that features a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, input and output ports, and a speaker. Second, three Interactive Servo Motors give you precise control over the robot and ensure that the robot moves with precision -- the built-in rotation sensor can measure one-degree steps. Third, there are four robotic sensors. The first is the Ultrasonic Sensor, one of two sensors that gives your robot vision. You can use it to make your robot avoid obstacles, sense and measure distance, and detect movement. And fourth of all, two Touch Sensors give your robot a sense of touch. They detect when they are being pressed or released, and you can use them to make your robot pick up things or act on command. For example, by pressing a Touch Sensor you can make your robot walk, talk, close a door, or turn off your TV. There's also a Color Sensor that functions three ways: it distinguishes colors -- black and white, as well as a range of bright and pastel colors -- it distinguishes light settings, and it can be used as a color lamp. And finally, the MINDSTORMS Software lets you program your robot. Use the software to create a program, and then download the program to the NXT by using the USB cable or the wireless Blue tooth connection. Mac- and PC-compatible drag-and-drop software gives you 16 building and programming challenges, from beginner to expert. Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Our testers enjoyed the way the set brought a new level of interaction to their LEGO experience, and appreciated how easy it was to create their first robot. They also loved the way this set encourages inventive play -- all the cool hardware that makes up the set can be used to build any robot you dream up. Finally, our testers liked how this set offers a great balance of learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computers, and engineering. Microsoft Windows Requirements Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended) Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended) CD-ROM drive Apple Macintosh Requirements Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5 PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended) DVD drive General System Requirements 512MB of RAM minimum 700MB of available hard-disk space XGA display (1024x768) 1 available USB port Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional) What's in the Box NXT programmable LEGO Brick, Ultrasonic Sensor, Color Sensor, two Touch Sensors, three Interactive Servo Motors, USB cable, 7x6-wire cables, building instructions for four robots, user guide, software, test pad, and 619 LEGO pieces.

Wild Planet Hyper Dash [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

ToyLover — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:17:11 +0000

Wild Planet and Amazon.com have teamed up to offer this item in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, a recyclable, easy-to-open alternative to traditional packaging. A Frustration-Free Package comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic clamshell casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. Itâ��s designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping.

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 2.0 – Robotics

ToyLover — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:16:49 +0000

Take your creations to the next level! Now you can build real robots that move and obey your commands. Design them, construct them, and program them quickly and easily, and put them to work for you! Special 3D building instructions included on the RIS CD-ROM lets you build three robots right away using the same pieces: a Candy Sorter, a Robotic Arm, and an Artbot that draws amazing pictures. Then start building your own creations! RIS 2.0 features a simple, easy to master interface. Six Pro Challenges and Big Blocks programming make complicated models a snap to program. Youll be amazed by what your creations can do! Using RIS 2.0 is easy and fun! Heres all you do: Start with the RCX microcomputer the brains of your robot! Bring your idea to life by attaching sensors, motors, and gears to the RCX. Use your PC and the LEGO MINDSTORMSÂ® CD-ROM to create a program that makes your robot act on its own at your command.Now your robot is ready for action. Let it loose and watch it go! 6 AA batteries required (not included). Ages 12+ 3804 Lego

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:43:50 +0000

.caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } .headline { font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } Moo! Oink! Bow-wow! Toddlers from one to five years old will love making wacky animal combinations with this LeapFrog Magnetic Animal set. This toy teaches kids all about animals, as it plays learning songs, fun facts, and sounds. Toddlers can make up to 25 combinations with this magnetic puzzle, and it can be played with on the refrigerator or floor. When two matching pieces are inserted into the farm, a cheerful electronic voice says the animal name. If the pieces mismatch, the toy creates a silly name for that animal. Matches are positively reinforced and the toy makes mismatches seem funny rather than wrong. When set to music mode, Farmer Tad plays five banjo tunes for a real barnyard hoe-down. Down on the Farm The Fridge Farm is a great set to travel with. All pieces store on the back of the barn and a carry handle allows easy transport from place to place. The toy's resilient construction withstands wear and tear and holds up nicely to rough child play. With this toy's open-ended format toddlers can create any hilarious combination they choose. It features strong magnets to keep it from falling off the fridge and a lightweight construction so the child can carry the fun from room to room. A handy volume switch keeps the music at an enjoyable level. This toy is easy for little fingers to manage and convenient for parents to store. It requires three AAA batteries (included). Fun Award-Winning Features The fridge farm encourages creativity, as your child mixes, matches, and makes zany animals. Bright colors and lively animal songs make the Fridge Farm a family favorite. Loved by parents and their children, this award-winner is both educational and fun. In 2004, it received the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Superior quality, easy-to-grasp pieces, and lively banjo tunes make it a great addition for any toddler's toy box. What's in the Box Barnyard, 5 animal pieces, and 3 AAA batteries. All pieces store on the back of the barn, and a carry handle allows easy transport. The fridge farm encourages creativity, as your child mixes, matches, and makes zany animals.

LeapFrog My Pal Violet

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:31:57 +0000

The LeapFrog My Pal Violet is an interactive companion that helps children learn with an entertaining twist. Recommended for ages six months to three years, the cuddly Pal Violet's music, lights, and singsong voice appeals to kids whether they are barely crawling or talking in complete sentences. As an added feature, you can personalize the toy to match your child's preferences through the LeapFrog Connect application simply by connecting the My Pal Violet to a computer with the USB cable (included). My Pal Violet Ages: 6 to 36 months Requires: 3 "AAA" batteries (included) What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Interactive toy can be personalized to your child's preferences. The Challenging: You'll need to use a computer to access new melodies and print activity sheets. In a Nutshell: An entertaining companion for kids from infant to toddler stage. An ideal companion for a young child, My Pal Scott sings, talks, and can even learn your child's name. View larger. Using the doll's USB port, you can personalize Scott to suit your child's preferences. View larger. Soft Material with Bright Colors and Pleasing Voice My Pal Violet, with its plush fabric and colorful puppy design, is appealing to children. The voice of Violet, a playful and upbeat young girl's, is fun and engaging for growing minds. Infants are also attracted to the name tag that lights up when Violet speaks or plays music. The name tag is made of durable plastic, and the new model features paws with embroidered symbols instead of decals so there are no removable pieces on the toy's exterior. Your child can chew on this sturdy toy's ears or toss it around. My Pal Violet is light enough for even the youngest child to hold and carry. The handy Velcro closure keeps the battery compartment, USB port, and power/volume switch securely inside the toy. The switch has three settings: normal volume, quiet volume, and master off. In the "master off" mode, Violet will not operate when the paws are pressed, so only parents will be able to turn the toy back on. My Pal Violet's speakers are also inside the toy and provide balanced sound. Advice for parents: when My Pal Violet starts to sound distorted, parents will need a screwdriver to open the battery compartment and change the 3 "AAA" batteries. Music, Words, and Lullabies Each paw on My Pal Violet is embroidered with a different symbol that, when pressed, turns on a special feature. The right arm paw with a ball symbol provides snappy sentences designed to help your child learn different emotions, colors, and words. The left arm paw features music notes; when pressed you hear a 15-second, upbeat song. The songs rotate randomly and include seven vocal songs to teach skills and three fun instrumental tunes. Younger infants will be attracted to the melodies, while older toddlers can sing along. The right foot has a stars/moon symbol for five different selections of soothing music for naps or bedtime. Press it once for two minutes of music, or press it twice for five minutes of songs. If your child wants a little extra time with My Pal Violet before falling asleep, you can press the paw three times to hear ten minutes of music. Parents can use the songs that come pre-loaded on My Pal Violet or change the songs by connecting to the LeapFrog Connect application. It's easy to turn off My Pal Violet by simply pressing the left foot's on/off switch; push any of the other paws to resume play mode. Personalize for Your Child A special feature of My Pal Violet is the ability to customize your child's experience. The instruction booklet will guide you through the easy process to connect My Pal Violet to a computer with the USB cord and download the LeapFrog Connect application. All it takes is 25 megabytes of free space on your computer and about 15 minutes to personalize the toy with your child's preferences. You'll be able to search for your child's name among a database of thousands. When selected, My Pal Violet will use your child's name in phrases such as "I love you" and incorporate his/her name into songs. The application also allows you to choose your child's favorite color, animal, and food to personalize Violet's phrases to your child's favorite things. There's a resource section for printing activity sheets that your toddler will enjoy. Also, you can switch up the songs and lullabies so they're constantly fresh and different. The database is updated regularly with new songs. The only drawback: if your child has a very uncommon name, there's a slim chance that it will not be in the LeapFrog database. However, you can choose one of many nicknames that you may call your child, such as "Munchkin" or "Peanut." What's in the Box One My Pal Violet toy, three "AAA" batteries, one USB cable, Quick Connect Guide and Parent Instructions booklet.

Ucreate Music

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:28:11 +0000

UCreate Music is an easy-to-use digital music-making system that allows kids to become a professional music producer! Kids and tweens can express themselves though creating their own songs, performances and re-mixes with the fun and innovative interface.They can record samples, mix and match loops, share creations with friends and update and explore new content on the music website at myucreate.com. Build from a collection of tracks, special effects and filters from the huge online library.Includes 4 AA batteries.For ages 8 and up.

No related posts.

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:07:39 +0000

Wild Planet Hyper Dash [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

VTech Tote and Go Laptop – Pink

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:51:55 +0000

Program your preschooler for early learning with the Tote 'N Go Laptop! It offers big style for little learners, and it's just like the computer Mom and Dad use! This unique learning product comes complete with a colorful keyboard and detachable mouse that's designed for both left-handed and right-handed users. Plus, the Tote 'N Go Laptop features 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games and music. You'll love the nifty handle for easy fold-up and go. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, not included.

The VTech Preschool Learning Tote 'n Go Laptop is the perfect early learning tool for young kids. If you find that your kid is bugging you when you are operating your computer, because s/he needs to play together with you on your laptop? Do you wish there was a better way for your child to learn the fundamentals of math and English?

So now you have an opportunity to think about obtaining her a laptop of her own- a VTech Preschool Laptop. This means, your child can learn and have fun at the same time as you. The laptop comes standard with thirty totally different activities for your kid to use. Some of these activities teach your child basic English, math, and music lessons.

I had a cousin that was really struggling with learning at her preschool. Honestly she found her teachers boring. So I took her mom with me to go shopping for just the right laptop for her birthday so it would help her along with her studies. She has had it only for a month and her grades were better than ever. She even saw learning as something fun and not a burden she wanted to avoid anymore.

The laptop uses 3AA batteries, and it has a detachable mouse so that it can be used by either right or left-handed children. The laptop comes in really bright colors and is also nice and lightweight. This will allow your kid to carry it everywhere she goes. So, if you would like to shop for your kid and get a gift that will allow her to have fun and study at the same time, then you should get her the VTech Preschool Learning Tote 'n Go Laptop.

No related posts.

LeapFrog Clickstart My First Computer

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:47:03 +0000

.caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } The LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer introduces tots to the wonders of the PC and helps them learn basic computer skills. Ideal for ages three through six, this interactive toy plugs right into the television and teaches youngsters how to use a mouse and keyboard. A Child-Friendly Design The ClickStart features a child-friendly wireless keyboard, plug and play console, and a child-sized mouse with a right- or-left-handed adjustable mouse pad. It transforms the TV into a PC, which allows kids to work on a big screen and the whole family to join in on the fun. The miniature mouse is perfectly formed for little fingers to point and click. Large, colored buttons make it easy for kids to learn basic keystrokes, and four friendly games create a safe, age-appropriate environment to navigate. ClickStart is built to withstand rough toddler handling, a plus for parents who want to spare their high-end desktops from child's play. And the wireless keyboard is light and convenient to transport from place to place, so kids can bring the fun with them wherever they go. Transform your TV into a PC for your child, complete with wireless keyboard and mouse. View larger. Your child can click any of the icons on the desktop to play a game and learn. Encourages Age-Appropriate Learning It is never too early to teach children the correct way to use a computer. The ClickStart ensures that a child's first computing experience is age appropriate and pleasant, with engaging games that not only enhance basic computer skills, but prepare children for pre-school and kindergarten. This educational tool has four games that teach phonics, letters, animal facts, and counting, while sharpening a child's screen navigation skills. Friendly puppy Scout guides kids through keyboard functions and allows them to work at their own pace. Techno tots can click on a faux in-box to receive their first e-mail; it even has sound for nonreaders. Should the youngster ever become stumped, a hint button gives them a clue. Additional ClickStart software packages, sold separately, feature well-known characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, and Nemo. What's in the Box Wireless keyboard, plug and play console, mouse and mouse pad, and 4 learning games are built into the system. (Batteries are not included)