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Lincoln Logs or Logging On?
Do Toddlers Need High-Tech Toys? By Johnathon Allen
As the 2000 International Toy Fair closes in New York, it's clear that toy manufacturers around the world have arrived in the digital age. Since Microsoft introduced its computerized Teletubby (ActiMates) toy line at last year's fair, the market has been flooded with an astounding array of role playing CD ROM games, automated story readers, interactive dolls, virtual pets and electronically enhanced gadgets designed to make your child's playtime more educational, and entertaining.
Playmate's hit e-toy, Amazing Ally, is now more realistic and interactive than ever -- she responds to sounds detected via infrared sensor and moves her mouth when she speaks. Numerous companies, including Intel and Sony have also entered the market with robotic pets and dolls that can learn and respond to their environment.
In an effort to help parents wade through the sea of e-toy options, Consumer Reports recently studied the effectiveness of 30 electronic toys. During the test, they observed children playing with the toys and watched to see if any were difficult to use or became boring. They also interviewed the children about which ones they enjoyed most.
The big winner in the toddler age group was VTECH's Tip N' Stack Turtle ($13), an electronic version of the traditional stacking rings game we grew up with back in the 1900s. The cone is mounted on a cute little electronic turtle and, if your child stacks the colored rings correctly, it generates flashing lights and sound effects. VTECH also won kids over with the Little Smart Baby Blossom ($10 -- three months and up), which allows infants to shake a rattle, spin a ball or make lights flash by sliding a window back and forth. It also generates songs, greetings and giggles. Unfortunately, the unit has no volume control.
