Coolest toys of 2007 - every mom and dad must have christmas gifts

Each Pleo begins life as a newly hatched baby Camarasaurus, but that is where predictability ends and individuality begins. He develops his own personality, moods and habits, all shaped by the time he spends with you.The Pleo dinosaur has three stages of development: hatchling, infant and juvenile.Pleo dinosaur has different emotions: happy, curious, playful, lively, scared, surprised; even sad and vexed. Pleo dinosaur has different drives: senses, drives and communication.On www.pleoworld.com owners can connect, find training tips and download new enhancements to Pleo dinosaur. Pleo dinosaur's sophisticated sensory system has devices that enable him to see, to sense touch and to detect objects: a color camera, sound sensors, two infrared sensors, 14 motors, over 100 gears, 8 touch sensors and an orientation sensor. Comes with Companion's Guide, Training Leaf and Pleo Identity Card. Measures 7.5" x 6" x 20.7"; weighs 3.5 lbs. Runs on built in rechargeable NiMH battery; 7.2V battery pack and a 2-pin AC adapter included. A full four hour charge will yield approximately one hour of operation. For ages 8 and older. Manufacturer 90 day warranty.

FlyTech Dragonfly is the world's first radio-controlled flying insect. With its' ultra-light, dual-wing design and high-flex, crash-resistant structure, the dragonfly is an easy-to-fly aeronautical marvel. Use the dragonfly indoors or outdoors, controlling its speed, direction and height with the 2 channel digital proportional remote. 2 channel digital proportional remote - Control wing speed and tail rotor speed; remote is also the charging base Two skill levels - Beginner and advanced. Includes a tail stabilizer for additional control Available in 2 frequencies Wingspan - 16 inches (~40 cm) Power - Rechargeable lithium polymer battery Flight time - Up to 10 minutes on a single charge 6 x AA batteries (not included)



The world's first radio-controlled flying insect, the WowWee Dragonfly will provide hours of entertainment while enthralling the budding entomologist in your family. The Dragonfly is equipped with an ultra-light, dual-wing design and a highly flexible, crash-resistant structure, helping the insect stand up to bumps against the wall or hard landings on the ground. More significantly, the unit's unique ornithopter design flaps its wings just like a real insect, with accompanying rustling noises as it flies past. Make it fly out the window and into the open air, buzz up to a tall tree branch, and then gently come down and rest on a picnic table or lawn. The Dragonfly is a breeze to control, with a two-channel digital remote for manipulating the speed, direction, and height of the aeronautical marvel. You can even maneuver the Dragonfly into tight spaces or dive-bomb a neighbor--whatever your imagination suggests.



The Dragonfly is built using a durable carbon-fiber frame, with an impact-absorbing flexible body and 16-inch wings that take a ton of punishment. At the same time, the structure's lightweight housing protects your home interiors should you accidentally fly into a wall or two. Completing the insect-orific design is a pair of light-up LED eyes, which alerts you of the Dragonfly's status by blinking, pulsing, or shining clear and bright. It may look slightly lifeless and demonic, but the Dragonfly is none of the above. It's sociable, fun, and creative.



The remote doubles as a charging base for the lithium-polymer battery.
The Dragonfly is so inventive that it's already taken home a ton of honors, including a four-star rating from PC Magazine, an editor's choice award from Popular Mechanics for products displayed at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Association (CES) trade show, and the National Parenting Center's seal of approval. The Dragonfly, which includes a single rechargeable lithium polymer battery with a flight time of up to 10 minutes per charge, offers beginning and advanced skill levels and comes with a tail stabilizer for additional control. The remote control, meanwhile, requires six AA batteries (not included). All items are backed by a 30-day warranty.

Ordinary to Extraordinary
Much more fun than a microscope, the EyeClops transforms any television into an interactive TV toy. With the EyeClops, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Magnified to 200 times the normal size and viewed on any TV screen, minuscule salt crystals morph into blocks of ice; hair and carpet turn into giant noodles; and small insects become fearsome creatures. The Bionic Eye has three built-in LED lights so kids can illuminate any object, including their own skin.



Interactive and Easy to Use
Kids love using the TV along with this educational device to share a new activity with their friends. Parents too can join in the fun and will love how their children learn and play. So you don't have to touch everything you look at, the toy comes with an observation dish and tube, perfect for viewing liquids, salt, and bugs. The battery-powered device is simple to use, plugging directly into the A/V jacks found on any current TV model. The brightly colored, hard plastic device is child-safe and stands up to hours of scientific exploration. The EyeClops requires five AA batteries.

The EyeClops Bionic Eye lets you view everyday objects at 200 times their regular size. View larger.



Magnify even living objects, such as your pet, and view all of it on any TV screen. View larger.

Product Description
It's like a microscope you can use on your TV or a very unique, interactive TV toy. The EyeClops bionic eye is a simple-to-use handheld device that allows kids and adults to view ordinary items up to 200 times their regular size. Best of all, the battery-powered device plugs directly into the A/V jacks found on any current TV model (TV is not included). It's educational and fun, providing new perspectives of little things right on your TV's screen.


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Measuring a mere six inches long and weighing only a half pound, these small but mighty choppers are made for indoor dueling -- so you don't have to quit flying just because of bad weather or a dark sky. A crash-resistant foam fuselage means you can perfect your piloting skills using the dual-toggle, single-throttle wireless controller. The twin drive props in back and dual rotors on top provide exceptional stability and precise six-way directional control -- up, down, left, right, forward, and back. Sled-style landing gear means set-downs should be gentle, too.



Single Copter
The tiny flier fits easily in the palm of your hand.
Not just for meant flying solo, the Havoc copters are designed for fun with others. In what is almost like a live video game, each helicopter uses its infrared beam weapons to engage in a mid-air battle against the other. The first pilot to hit his opponent three times with the beam (complete with battle sounds) will be victorious as the enemy heads into a wild tailspin. Six AA batteries are required, but not included, for the remote controls. The helicopters are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries, and the charger comes with the set.

Product Description
Havoc Heli is the world's smallest, most advanced radio-controlled helicopter %uFFFD capable of incredible maneuverability. Laser Battle Helis are armed with infrared beam weapons, so you can duel in a kind of exciting real-world 3D "video game" %uFFFD complete with authentic battle sounds and action! Laser Battle comes complete with two Havoc Helis (each with distinctive markings) and two wireless controllers/chargers (with radio channel selector). You have two-toggle, four-way directional control of dual-rotary blades and a tail rotor %uFFFD fly up, down, left, right, forward, back or hover with amazing precision. You'll need it to survive! Havoc Helis are rated "Easy To Fly," which means with a little practice, anyone can pilot these like a pro.

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Spinmaster Air Hogs Helicopter

You will channel your inner guitar god as you thrash your way through all sorts of venues. In addition to standard Guitar Hero features you know and adore, this game has all kinds of killer new options such as the new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content, and authentic rock venues. The expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. Best of all, check out the new songs! Players can now shred to a set list from many of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Featured hits include:

• Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
  
• School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
  
• Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
  
• Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
  

This game comes bundled with the all-new wireless Gibson Les Paul guitar controller. The exclusive Gibson guitars include innovative features such as removable faceplates allowing fans to personalize their guitars making them their own, and a new button color design that will be integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience.




Features

• More than 70 of the most legendary rock anthems of all-time
  
• Added multiplayer modes: arcade inspired Guitar Battle and the dual shredding co-op career
  
• Challenge the legends of rock and roll in boss battles
  
• Take those axe shredding skills online and rock around the world
  
• All-new tricked out venues taking you to hell and back
  

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Featuring a high-performance, chain-driven electric motor and a vintage-inspired body, the Pocket Mod can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour--plenty fast enough for a quick trip to the corner store or a fun ride in the country. The scooter also teams a pair of 12-inch pneumatic tires with a rear suspension system to ensure a comfortable ride. Other features include a retractable kickstand, variable-speed acceleration, a padded seat, and a built-in battery that travels for up to 10 miles on a single charge.




Perfectly sized for young riders.
The buyer and rider of the Pocket Mod are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of this scooter. The Pocket Mod, which is designed for ages 12 and up and offers a weight maximum of 150 pounds, is also backed by a 90-day warranty.

Key Features:

• High performance electric motor
  
• Can travel up to 10 miles on a single charge
  
• Can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour
  
• Scaled-down classic scooter design
  
• Single speed, chain-driven motor for maximum power transfer
  
• Pneumatic tires for a smooth ride
  
• Retractable center-mount kickstand
  
• Storage compartment under seat
  
• For ages 12+
  
• 150-pound weight limit
  

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The Magnetix iCoaster takes construction toys to the next level. Using the immense power of magnetism, it allows kids to construct the very first magnetic roller coaster, complete with drops, jumps, and loops. Recommended for ages six and up, the iCoaster is a state-of-the-art multi-sensory experience that will completely enthrall kids and adults alike.

Multiple loop-de-loops, trampolines, and magnetic track sections show the power of magnetistm.
An Exhilarating Ride
The iCoaster combines speed, high-tech design, and magnetism into one package. As with all Magnetix toys, the basis of the iCoaster is magnetic power. The coaster's "car" is a 15-millimeter metal ball -- or "rider ball" -- which is propelled along the track through magnetism. Kids will be amazed as the rider ball seemingly levitates on the track of the coaster at high speeds, and they can construct the iCoaster in up to 10 different ways. Because it uses magnetism, the iCoaster is also capable of some jaw-dropping stunts. The ball will go through loop-de-loops, trampolines, sheer drops, and corkscrews. It will even "float" across broken areas in the track. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the "magnetic elevator," which carries the ball up a shaft through magnetic power alone. If kids could board and ride this coaster, it would easily be the most thrilling ride ever made!

Your Own Soundtrack
The iCoaster also comes with a Sound FX and Music Studio, which kids can use to put a soundtrack to their coaster. It features 4,000-plus distinct musical combinations, adding to the excitement with sound effects. The possibilities don't stop there: Kids can also plug an MP3 player into the music studio and choose the perfect song for the coaster. With this feature, kids can play everything from "Flight of the Valkyries" to the latest Billboard Top 40 hits. Crank up the volume for maximum excitement and adrenaline.

Great Educational Benefit
Whether they are building a vehicle or a skyscraper, kids will be totally captivated by Magnetix, as they explore the power of magnetism and learn how it works. In addition to teaching them the basics of magnetism, Magnetix can also teach them other valuable things. It will go a long way in developing their creativity, by encouraging them to use their imagination to concoct new designs and structures. It will also refine their fine motor skills and hone their ability to focus and be attentive. In addition, Magnetix can boost their reasoning skills, as it requires them to follow directions and find unique ways to solve problems.

About Magnetix
Magnetix is one of the most popular construction toys in the world. By harnessing the power of magnetism, Magnetix allows kids to construct creative, gravity-defying structures. Magnetix toys were released by Rose Art Industries in September 2003, and have since branched out into several different toys, such as the successful "Magna-Man" line.

What's in the Box
17 Magnetix iCoaster tracks, 2 light-up sensors, 6 stunt pieces, 10 adjustable towers, 10 15-millimeter magnetic metallic rider balls, magnetic elevator, and Sound FX Music Studio.

Since our future is surely to be shared with robots--it's already started happening, just look at Roomba--those robots will need, at least initially, humans to program and maintain them. Those people, years from now, will likely remember their experiences with Lego Mindstorms.

Out of the Box
The main part of the kit is the NXT itself. It's about the size of an iPod (though a bit thicker) with a a loudspeaker, a monochrome LCD, and navigation keys on the front. This is the controller for the robot--it's brain, if you will. It has three ports on top for connecting to the servo motors and four ports on the bottom for connecting to four different sensors: Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic (see detail below).

1. The NXT: the computer-controlled brain of the Mindstorms robot
   
2. Touch Sensor: enables the robot to feel and react to its environment
   
3. Sound Sensor: enables the robot to react to sound
   
4. Light Sensor: can detect light and color
   
5. Ultrasonic Sensor: allows the robot to measure distance and react to movement
   
6. Servo Motors: ensures the robot moves with precision
   

The set includes Ethernet-like wires for connecting all of these to the NXT, as well as software and a basic USB cable for downloading programs from your computer. Then there are all the Lego parts, hundreds of them, and most are very small. It would be a good idea to get a plastic organizer for the different parts--it would not only make construction and storage easier but also part loss less likely.

Hitting the Bricks
The instructions for MNXT are simple, illustrated, and they gently take the new user on an introductory path through the system. The quick start guide promises a 30-minute robot building and programing intro, though for me it was closer to 50 (I'm a little old and slow). It starts with a simple diagnostic routine which shows you how to test the function of all sensors, then proceeds to step-by-step picture instructions for building a basic first robot. It's about as complex as building a piece of Ikea furniture.
Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects.

Next, I installed the software. Be sure to check the system requirements (below). The software is well-designed and very intuitive. It comes with built-in video instructions on how to create your first simple program and download it to your NXT.



Bringing It To Life
Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects. Each object is configurable. For example, the Sound object brings up a sub-window that allows you to choose between a tone and a list of sound files, set the volume, set duration, and so on. Little Lego bricks between the objects reinforce the idea that building a NXT program is like building a Lego model. Programming this way is much easier than, say, creating a web page from scratch. Lego even offers a software development kit for getting deeper into the programming.
Lego Mindstorms NXT in different combinations



There comes a genuine thrill from seeing something you've created--even something simple and silly as my first program--come to life in a robot. It's akin to seeing yourself on TV for the first time. I played that program a dozen times.

The software contains "challenges," which are similar step-by-step instructions for creating and programming more complex models, such as a robotic arm that can "perform simple tasks and react to different colors." Each challenge is divided into smaller tasks with step-by-step building, programming, and testing guides for each task.

Accessing your latest program once it's downloaded to the NXT is pretty easy. Lego has set it up so that you can execute it by pressing the big orange center button four times in a row after start-up. I was surprised to find out that you don't need a computer to program the NXT. You can program directly into the NXT Program submenu.

Bluetooth Ready
The NXT also has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. If your computer has Bluetooth, you can test and download programs to the NXT without connecting the USB cable--a really handy feature if you're programming a complicated dance routine and you don't want your robot getting tripped up in cables. If your phone or PDA has Bluetooth, you might be able to use your device to control the robot. Best of all, Bluetooth allows you to create a network of up to three NXT devices. Think of the possibilities: three NXTs plus three sets of blocks and sensors equals bigger, more complex robots.



Features:

• LEGO's newest robot-building kit, with greatly improved functionality
  
• 32-bit command center with large LCD, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth interfaces that allow robots to walk, talk and interact with their environment
  
• Technic blocks ("studless legos") create a more human, less boxy look
  
• Intuitive GUI and drag-and-drop icons are PC- and Mac-friendly
  
• Redesigned touch and light sensors, new sound sensor and ultrasonic sensor
  
• Now with three motors  redesigned for smoother, more reliable operation
  
• 6-wire digital cables for more precise connections
  
• 5 main themes (8 different models)  Vehicle: Roverbot, Animal, Scorpio; Machine: Robotic Arm; Human: Humanoid; Gadgets: Clock, Music, Game and Movers
  
• Models are all built within the LEGO Technic System
  

Includes:

• 577 pieces
  
• Quickstart Guide helps you build a robot ready for action within 30 minutes
  
• Model-specific building instructions, tips and tricks, testing methods and programming options
  
• Easy-to-use software
  
• Test panel
  

The power of the LEGO building system, an intelligent command center and easy-to-use, drag and drop programming software unleash the power of your robot-building imagination.

Safety warning: This product contains small parts that may present a choking hazard for young children.

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The board offers such features as spiked traction pads, a kick tail and nose, and a concave deck design, which combine to improve your foot control--a must for tricks. And thanks to the 76mm polyurethane wheels and precision ABEC-5 bearing casters, skaters will enjoy a smooth ride on almost any type of pavement. Designed for children 8 years and up, the Ripstik's plastic end platforms and metal torsion beam support up to 220 pounds.

Key Features:

• Inclined caster trucks
  
• Concave deck platforms
  
• Traction plates
  
• Kick nose
  
• Kick tail
  
• Rubber-padded handle
  
• Torsion bar
  
• 76-millimeter polyurethane wheels
  
• High-performance ABEC-5 bearings
  
• For ages 8 years and older
  
• 220-pound rider weight capacity
  

Product Description
The new Ripstick combines all the fun and excitement of surfing and snowboarding and puts it on wheels. Inspired by the classic shape and design of a skateboard, the Ripstick looks like something out of the future. Instead of the traditional four-wheel skateboard, this amazing board can make smooth, quick 360-degree turns on just two wheels. Just stand on the sturdy traction plates and subtle movements propel the Ripstick even up a hill! The front and rear flexible panels are controlled by a spring-oriented bar located on the top of the wheels. The rugged polyurethane wheels are 77mm/85A with ABEC-5 bearings. Separating the two traction plates is a padded rubber carrying handle. Measures 33.5" long x 10" wide. Weighs 8 lbs. Wear helmet and pads for safety. 90-day warranty.




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