My ParenTime | Special Reviews: Children's Toy: "Barbie Fun on the Go Electronic Laptop"

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Special Toy Review

"Barbie Fun on the Go Electronic Laptop"

This toy, made by Oregon Scientific, is recommended for ages 5 years and up, but if your child hasn't begun to read yet, it might be difficult for them to find their way around the many different activities included in this "mini computer." What's good about this toy, is it's portability. Even thought the actual size is smaller than we imagined (actual size: 6.5" long x 3 3/4" wide when closed), children will like the small size. When you open the laptop, it's set up like a little computer and keyboard. The screen is small, just 3" wide x 1 1/2" high. The graphics are a bit simplistic, but most of the games do a good job of teaching something.

For example: the word game "hangman" is similar to the actual game -- one player keys in a word and the other player has to guess what it is. Maximum letters is five. Another word game has you taking a spelling quiz. Other activities include games (such as total sense), logic activities (such as concentration), tools (such as a calculator), math games, and music activities (children can make their own tunes and play them back). The typing tutor helps children learn the correct placement of their fingers on each key while typing. There's also a "hint" key and "answer" key for those who need it :).

MyParenTime.com recommends the "Barbie Fun on the Go Electronic Laptop" -- mostly for at home, in the car, or anywhere where your child doesn't have to worry about lowering the sound...because unfortunately, there is NO volume button! How they made a toy like this without a volume button is beyond me. It can get very annoying if an activity hasn't been chosen immediately. It comes with a booklet listing all the activities included (more available with extension card) - your child may feel overwhelmed at first, but once they've played with it for a while, they'll get used to finding their way around the screens. If your child gets tired of it, all they have to do is use the "off" key :).

My ParenTime October 2002

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