Objects of Smaller Desires
Even the little ones need to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to tech toys. Cutting Edge has these suggestions.
Cozy Coupe Mouse
* What: It’s the Porsche of the preschool set. They know the car; they want the car. Now they can have the car--or at least a miniature version of it. Modeled after the recognizable Little Tykes Cozy Coupe, this computer mouse from KB Gear works with any PC using Windows 95 or higher. It’s just the right size for small hands (well, it is a compact car after all). The design makes the mouse easy to move, which helps the techie toddler learn the basics of drag and click.
* Price: $19.99 and includes JumpStart Preschool software
* System Requirements: PS/2 mouse port
* Availability: https://www.kbgear.com, Sam’s Club, CompUSA, Best Buy, Target Stores, Kmart, Zany Brainy, Circuit City, BuyItNow.com, EToys.
* Information: https://www.kbgear.com or call (800) 926-3066
Droid Developer Kit
* What: Always wanted a cuddly astromech droid of your own? Lego’s Droid Developer Kit provides the pieces necessary to build droids from the “Star Wars” universe, including a chirping R2-D2 and a menacing STAP Battle Droid. Similar to Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System, the Droid Developer Kit includes a computer chip that controls motors and a light sensor--making the droids able to respond to changes in light and to perform specific pre-programmed routines. R2-D2, for instance, can follow a light beam from across the room. Unlike other Mindstorms products, the Droid does not require use of a PC. The kit includes a CD-ROM with building instructions and tips. The Droid Developer Kit is simpler than the Robotics Invention System, which provides no building instructions and requires users to program their own robots. For younger children and impatient adults, that makes the Droid Developer Kit more fun faster.
* Price: $99.99
* Availability: Most stores that sell Lego toys.
* Information: https://www.lego.com
Tuff Talkin’ Goldberg and Kevin Nash
* What: Think cute little Furby. Think cute little Furby downed by a crotch chop and finished off with a knee drop. Toy Biz’s Tuff Talkin’ Goldberg and Kevin Nash of World Championship Wrestling are foot-tall action figures that--thanks to an embedded chip--talk, recognize and react to each other--including “Oofs” and “Ows” from blows and body shots. The set is rated for age 4 and up, but if you’re one of those finicky parents who don’t want their 4-year-old Talkin’ any Tuffer, it might be better for older kids. Also available in a Sting and Diamond Dallas Page set.
* Price: $39.99 for the pair. In December, these and four new wrestlers will be available in single packs for $19.99.
* Requirements: Three AA batteries each, plus the ability not to flinch at threats or the sound of pain.
* Availability: Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, EToys and other retail outlets.
QX3 Computer Video Microscope
* What: Those wondering whether bees really have knees can see for themselves with a new microscope by Mattel and Intel. The microscope, which is part of a new line of PC-centered toys being developed by the toy maker and chip giant, frees aspiring scientists from squinting into a tiny magnifying lens. Instead, budding biologists can view anything from apple skin to zooplankton on their computer screen. The microscope works by plugging it into a computer’s USB port and installing software that allows it to operate somewhat like a digital camera. It magnifies images by 10 times, 60 times and even 200 times depending on the size of the computer monitor. The body of the microscope can also be lifted off of the base and pointed at scabs, hair follicles or any object it can reach (a cord attached to the top of the unit is plugged into the computer). After an image is on the screen, it can be transferred onto cards or can be sent as part of an e-mail message. Microscope enthusiasts can also make slide shows and add sound effects.
* System requirements: Windows 98, Intel Pentium or Celeron processor 200 megahertz or faster, 32 megabytes of RAM, a quad-speed CD-ROM, an 800 by 600 16-bit color display, 16-bit Windows-compatible sound device and video and sound compatible with Direct X.
* Price: $99.95
* Information: “Test drive” the microscope at https://www.intelplay.com.
